Hawaii
Asbestos related injuries and deaths are not unheard of in Hawaii, even though they have no naturally occurring asbestos deposits, being formed of volcanic islands rather than a formation forced up by tectonic plates. Even though there is no natural asbestos, there are plenty of industries that have employed the use of asbestos. Honolulu County has the largest number of asbestos deaths in all of Hawaii due to the very dense population of the area. Though asbestos was originally applied to protect use as an inexpensive insulator of both heat and electricity, as well as a retardant of fire, as it aged and the asbestos insulators began to crumble and tear, workers were exposed to this dangerous fiber.
Military Bases
Military bases are located in Hawaii, which are some of the major offenders in the world of asbestos exposure. It has been long believed that those employed in marine related positions were at elevated risk of exposure to asbestos, and in Hawaii, that can be seen in the persons that have lived, worked, and been stationed there. On military bases you could find the use of asbestos in insulation, fireproofing, as well as protective gear for those stationed as workers therein. Those that worked in the close confines below deck were at particular risk as they spent time in small spaces with asbestos that was exposed as the insulation began to show wear. If you have worked on one of the military bases in Hawaii, you may want to notify your health care professional of the potential risk of asbestos exposure so that they may check for signs of lung deterioration.
Oil Refineries
Hawaii houses two oil refineries. Refineries are known locations for broad asbestos use. There were pipe insulations and fire proofing, but there were workers in oil refineries that wore entire asbestos suits. The asbestos would be in the clothing that they were wearing to keep them protected from any threat of fire. We have more advanced fire suits today, but the persons who wore the older suits constructed of asbestos could have never guessed that as their suits and gloves became worn or developed tears that they were wearing a deadly cloud of carcinogenic fibers.
Persons that have been exposed to asbestos can fall prey to ailments known to be asbestos-specific injuries. One such injury is mesothelioma, which is a cancer caused by asbestos, a carcinogenic substance. Mesothelioma is malignant, which means that it grows and travels, and it is nearly impossible to stop once its spread once it has taken hold. Another disease is asbestosis. Asbestosis is a reduction in lung capacity but can be treated with some success. However, victims are still likely to be at risk of mesothelioma.
Anyone that has been exposed to a site that carries a high risk of exposure should be seen as soon as they can, and make the doctor aware of their exposure so that they can help you be aware of the specific symptoms that you need to be mindful of. These illnesses can take decades to develop, so there is no reason to let your guard down. There is legal help available for those that have been exposed to help get the support that they need while in treatment, and to assist with the medical bills that arise from these problems.
Last modified: December 28, 2010.
