Rope
Thousands of products manufactured during the twentieth century contained asbestos. Most people would be hard pressed to name just a few unless, of course, they worked in either the shipbuilding or construction industries. In those fields, as well as several others, asbestos use was widespread. Long before the dangers of the mineral were known, it was used daily because of its unique properties, including its durability, strength, and ability to resist fire and heat.
One of the products that employed the use of the durable material was known as asbestos rope. This kind of rope, along with similarly-constructed asbestos yarn, was used as insulation for decades. It’s most common uses were as lagging on pipes or joints, as insulation for electrical equipment, as heat-resistant sealers for items such as ovens, boilers, and generators, and as a packing material around windows. The rope contained different levels of asbestos according to the use for which it was intended.
Just like other asbestos-containing products used by construction workers, electricians, pipefitters, steamfitters, plumbers, and others, the rope was dangerous when damaged, especially if it contained a large quantity of asbestos. Any time the rope was cut to fit a specific application – which was often - fibers may have been released into the air and inhaled by workers or others in the vicinity.
Inhalation could have been prevented had asbestos manufacturers and company executives been truthful about the dangers of the toxic mineral. Research shows that even centuries ago, experts recognized that asbestos was hazardous. Slaves working in asbestos mines of old were known to have serious respiratory problems and often died at a very young ago from pulmonary ailments, probably akin to what we now identify as asbestosis or mesothelioma.
Had workers of the twentieth century known that inhaling asbestos was dangerous, they could have taken the proper precautions so as not to breathe in the sharp fibers. Face masks or respirators would have gone a long way in protecting workers from the hazards of asbestos and may have significantly reduced the number of diagnosed cases of asbestosis and mesothelioma – both diseases for which diagnoses have increased greatly in the last 20 years.
The asbestos cover-up was a crime. It destroyed the health, livelihood, and families or thousands of individuals. Those who instigated the cover-up are finally being held responsible for their inexcusable actions and many individuals who have developed asbestos-related diseases are now being compensated for their losses.
Do you or a loved one have mesothelioma due to exposure to asbestos rope or a similar product? If so, you should learn more about your legal right to compensation for your injuries, loss of income, and medical expenses. Take a moment to order our free mesothelioma resource kit for more information.
