Paper mill workers can potentially be at risk of asbestos exposure, although the risk level can vary depending on factors such as the age of the paper mill facility, the presence of asbestos-containing materials, and the safety measures in place.
Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that was commonly used in various industries due to its heat resistance and strength. However, it was later discovered that asbestos fibers, when inhaled, can cause serious health issues, including lung diseases such as asbestosis, lung cancer, and mesothelioma.
If you or someone you know has a history of asbestos exposure, especially in a paper mill or other industrial setting, it’s crucial to seek medical attention and regular check-ups. Early detection and intervention can significantly improve the prognosis for asbestos-related diseases. Additionally, legal and compensation options may be available to those who have been harmed due to asbestos exposure in the workplace. Book your free consultation with Bailey & Glasser, LLP, today to get started.
How are Paper Mill Workers at Risk?
In paper mills, asbestos was used in certain equipment and construction materials due to its heat-resistant properties. For example, older paper mill facilities might have contained asbestos in insulation around pipes, boilers, and other high-temperature equipment. Workers who were involved in maintenance, repair, or demolition activities in these facilities could have been exposed to asbestos fibers if proper precautions were not taken.
Asbestos Sources
Here are some potential scenarios where paper mill workers might have been at risk:
- Maintenance and repair work: Workers involved in repairing or maintaining equipment and infrastructure in older paper mills might have come into contact with asbestos-containing materials. Disturbing these materials during maintenance could release asbestos fibers into the air.
- Demolition and renovation: During the demolition or renovation of older paper mill buildings, asbestos-containing materials might be disturbed, leading to the release of asbestos fibers. Without proper safety measures, workers could inhale these fibers.
- Insulation and gaskets: Asbestos was commonly used in insulation and gaskets due to its heat-resistant properties. Workers who handled or worked around these materials without proper protective gear might have been exposed to asbestos.
- Airborne exposure: Even routine operations in the paper mill that involve vibrations, cutting, or moving materials could potentially release asbestos fibers that were present in the facility.
The presence of asbestos in paper mills can vary depending on the age of the paper mill and its maintenance history. Over time, many industries, including paper mills, have taken steps to remove or encapsulate asbestos-containing materials to minimize the risk of exposure. However, in older facilities, asbestos might still be present.
Asbestos Health Risks
Paper mill workers who have been exposed to asbestos may be at risk of developing various asbestos-related health conditions. These conditions often result from the inhalation of asbestos fibers, which can become trapped in the lungs and cause damage over time. Some of the primary asbestos-related health conditions that paper mill workers exposed to asbestos may develop include:
- Asbestosis: This is a chronic lung disease caused by the scarring of lung tissue due to asbestos fiber inhalation. Symptoms include shortness of breath, persistent cough, and chest pain. Severe cases of asbestosis can lead to respiratory failure.
- Lung cancer: Exposure to asbestos significantly increases the risk of developing lung cancer. Symptoms include persistent cough, chest pain, difficulty breathing, and coughing up blood. Smoking combined with asbestos exposure greatly elevates the risk of lung cancer.
- Mesothelioma: This is a rare but aggressive cancer that primarily affects the lining of the lungs (pleural mesothelioma), although it can also impact the lining of the abdomen (peritoneal mesothelioma) or heart (pericardial mesothelioma). Mesothelioma is strongly associated with asbestos exposure and typically has a poor prognosis.
- Pleural plaques: These are non-cancerous, fibrous thickening of the lining of the lungs (pleura) and are often an early sign of asbestos exposure. They can cause chest pain and breathing difficulties.
- Pleural effusion: Asbestos exposure can lead to an accumulation of fluid between the layers of the pleura, resulting in pleural effusion. This can cause chest pain and difficulty breathing.
- Other cancers: Aside from lung cancer, asbestos exposure has also been linked to cancers of the larynx, esophagus, stomach, colon, and rectum.
Manufacturers of Asbestos-Containing Paper Mill Parts and Products
Asbestos-containing paper mill parts and products were common in older paper mills due to the heat-resistant properties of asbestos. Many manufacturers produced these materials. While the use of asbestos in such products has significantly declined over the years, some historical manufacturers known to have produced asbestos-containing paper mill parts and products include:
- AstenJohnson Inc.: This company produced dryer felts used in paper mills across the U.S.
- Johns Manville: JM produced building materials, including asbestos cement used to construct paper mills and other factories.
- Kaiser Aluminum: Kaiser made building materials used to construct paper mills and insulate the boilers that powered them.
- Kimberly-Clark Corp.: Supplied sandpaper backing that was used as part of the paper-making process.
- Owens Corning: Known for creating ducts, cement, insulation for pipes, cold storage systems, and ceiling tiles.
- Rust International Inc.: Rust International was active across various industries, including construction, pulp and paper, and boiler making.
- Scapa Dryer Fabrics Inc.: Scapa manufactured dryer felts that were used in paper mills.
Paper Mills
Some specific paper mills that have been involved in asbestos-related litigation include:
- International Paper Company: A paper mill founded in 1898 in Tennessee.
- James River Corporation: One of the largest paper manufacturers in the world. Founded in 1969 in Richmond.
It’s important to note that many of these companies faced legal action and asbestos-related lawsuits due to the health hazards associated with asbestos exposure. As a result, some of them filed for bankruptcy and established asbestos trust funds to compensate asbestos-related disease victims.
Final Thoughts
Are you or a loved one suffering from an asbestos-related health condition? Your health is precious, and you have the right to seek justice and compensation for the harm caused by asbestos exposure.
Our legal team specializes in asbestos-related cases. We understand the complexities of asbestos litigation, ensuring you receive the most effective representation.
Bailey & Glasser, LLP is here to stand by your side, fight for your rights, and pursue the justice you deserve. With our experience and commitment, we’ve helped people like you obtain compensation for their asbestos-related illnesses.
