Machine operators face a significant risk of asbestos exposure due to the prevalence of asbestos-containing materials in the machinery and equipment they operate. As a result, many machine operators are diagnosed with asbestos-related illnesses from past exposure to this hazard.
If that sounds like you, reach out to Bailey & Glasser, LLP today. Our team of skilled attorneys has a wealth of experience in asbestos-related cases. We’ve successfully represented individuals like you who have suffered due to asbestos exposure.
How are Machine Operators at Risk?
Machine operators can be at risk of asbestos exposure in several ways, primarily in industrial settings where asbestos-containing materials may be present. Asbestos exposure is hazardous because inhaling or ingesting asbestos fibers can lead to serious health issues, including lung cancer, asbestosis, and mesothelioma. Here are some ways in which machine operators might be exposed to asbestos:
- Older machinery and equipment: Many older machines and industrial equipment were constructed with asbestos-containing materials, such as gaskets, seals, and brake linings. Over time, these materials can deteriorate, releasing asbestos fibers into the air.
- Maintenance and repair work: Machine operators often perform routine maintenance and repair tasks on the equipment they use. When they worked on machines that contain asbestos components, they might disturb the asbestos, causing the release of fibers. This is especially true when cutting, grinding, or sanding asbestos-containing materials.
Asbestos Sources
Some ways that machine operators may be exposed to asbestos during their working life include if they worked with:
- Injection molding machines: In industries like plastics and manufacturing, machine operators work with injection molding machines to produce plastic parts, containers, and products.
- Metalworking machines: This includes machines like drill presses, metal lathes, metal cutting saws, and grinders used in metal fabrication and machining processes.
- Presses: Machine operators can operate various presses, including hydraulic presses, mechanical presses, and stamping presses, used in metal forming, forging, and stamping operations.
- Extrusion machines: These machines produce continuous lengths of products with a cross-sectional shape, such as plastic pipes, profiles, and metal bars.
- Woodworking machines: In woodworking industries, machine operators use equipment like table saws, planers, routers, and wood lathes to shape and cut wood for various applications.
- Packaging machines: In manufacturing and packaging facilities, operators work with machines like filling machines, sealing machines, labeling machines, and packaging lines to package products efficiently.
- Printing presses: In the printing and publishing industry, machine operators operate printing presses such as offset printers, flexographic printers, and digital printers to produce newspapers, labels, packaging, and more.
- Textile machines: In textile manufacturing, machine operators may oversee weaving looms, knitting machines, and dyeing machines to produce fabrics and textiles.
- Assembly line equipment: Machine operators can work on assembly lines, operating specialized equipment and machines to assemble and test products, such as automotive components or electronic devices.
- Construction equipment: In construction and heavy machinery industries, operators work with bulldozers, excavators, loaders, and cranes to perform various construction and earthmoving tasks.
- Printing and bindery machines: In the printing and publishing industry, machine operators may work with equipment like bookbinding machines, paper cutters, and folding machines
While not all of these machines definitely contained asbestos, many industries used asbestos in a variety of equipment before the health risks were well known.
Asbestos Health Risks
Asbestos, a mineral once popular in construction and various products due to its heat resistance and insulating properties, has been linked to severe health issues. When its tiny fibers become airborne and are subsequently inhaled, they can lead to the following health concerns:
- Asbestosis: A long-term lung condition where inhaled asbestos fibers cause lung tissues to scar. This results in breathing difficulties, a persistent cough, and chest discomfort. Over time, the lung’s efficiency in oxygen exchange can significantly decrease.
- Mesothelioma: A rare cancer, predominantly affecting the lung’s lining, but can also appear in the linings of the abdomen or heart. Its onset can be many years after the initial asbestos exposure.
- Lung cancer: Those exposed to asbestos have an elevated risk of developing this type of cancer, and the risk further amplifies for smokers. Symptoms might include persistent coughing, breathing challenges, chest discomfort, and unexplained weight loss.
- Pleural issues: Asbestos exposure can cause abnormalities in the pleura, which includes areas of thickening, fluid accumulation, or extensive thickening, which can impede regular lung functions.
- Other associated cancers: Asbestos exposure, though less frequently, has also been tied to larynx (voice box) and ovarian cancers.
Factors that can heighten the health risks include the length and intensity of asbestos exposure, concurrent smoking habits, age at the time of exposure, and the specific asbestos type and fiber dimensions involved. Given these health concerns, many countries have either restricted or completely banned the use of asbestos. It’s crucial to be cautious with older materials and structures that might still contain asbestos, and if there’s any suspicion of exposure, seeking immediate medical guidance is recommended.
Manufacturers of Asbestos-Containing Machine Parts
Many different manufacturers included asbestos in the products they produced. If you worked with machines containing parts from the following companies, they may have contained asbestos.
- B.F. Goodrich: B.F. Goodrich produced transportation belts, belt drives, and conveying systems used in factories, as well as tires and other rubber products.
- Combustion Engineering: Combustion Engineering produced boilers, insulation, and cement that were used across different industries, including factories, shipyards and the U.S. Navy.
- Flexitallic Gasket Company: Provided factories with spiral-wound gaskets for the machinery.
- Gold Bond: Known for creating a large range of construction products, including cement, adhesives, plaster, joint compounds, and texture spray.
- Goodyear: Produced various products, including floor tiles, engine mounts, brake linings, and adhesives.
- Honeywell: Created brake pads and linings for factory and industrial settings.
- Johns Manville: John Manville construction materials, such as asbestos cement, were used to build factories.
- Pneumo Abex: Produced hydraulic systems, brakes, and fluid power parts for the factory machinery.
- Raybestos: This company supplied clutches, valves, and brakes to factories.
- Turner & Newall: Starting as a cotton-manufacturing company, they were able to weave asbestos fibers into cloth. They also produced a range of construction materials containing asbestos.
- W.R. Grace: Known for creating products that provide durability, insulation, and fire protection, such as dry plaster, spray-on compound, insulation, and spray-on insulation.
Final Thoughts
We understand the physical, emotional, and financial toll that asbestos-related health issues can take on you and your loved ones. Our compassionate approach ensures that you receive the support and representation you deserve.
If you’ve worked as a machine operator and have developed health issues due to asbestos exposure, you don’t have to face this battle alone. Bailey & Glasser, LLP is here to offer you support, guidance, and a free consultation to help you understand your legal rights and options.
