Illinois
Illinois ranked seventh in the United States for asbestosis and mesothelioma cancer deaths. There is only one way that you can contract either illness, and that is through exposure to asbestos. Asbestos has had an extensive history of industrial and residential use. The toll that asbestos has taken on the people of Illinois can not be truly estimated for nearly another decade as the illnesses that result from the exposure can take several years to actually appear.
Vermiculite
Vermiculite processing, such as exfoliation or "popping,” can be closely associated with asbestos exposure. The workers that processed this vermiculite had been, until 1993, partially supplied from the mines in Libby, MO. The mines in Libby had been found to be highly contaminated with asbestos, and the vermiculite that was being mined and shipped out had a high asbestos content. When the level of contamination became apparent, the mine was shut down; however it was one of the highest producing mines in the world of vermiculite. The workers in vermiculite processing plants should have their health examined and keep a watchful eye for any asbestos related illnesses with help from a qualified physician.
Power Generation Plants
In a power generation plant you will find lots of uses for asbestos, such as pipe insulation, fire proofing, and electrical insulation. Safety installations were there for the safety of both the building and the persons that worked therein. These plants were constructed in a time when asbestos was a miracle product that was keeping the lives, homes and businesses of the American public safe in an economic way. The problem that was to come of being exposed to these asbestos products was not apparent at the time, but we now know that these products were time bombs laying in wait for wear and tear to expose the dangerous fibers.
Oil Refineries
Illinois is the home to many giants in the oil refining field. The oil refining field employed asbestos products heavily. Persons would wear entire fire suits made of asbestos fabric. The pipes were insulated and the buildings fireproofed by asbestos, the best and most economic option of the time. Persons that wore fire suits that had any degree of wear were constantly being exposed to asbestos fibers. All employees in this industry have a great possibility of exposure. Anyone that worked at an oil refinery should keep their health in close check and be wary of the symptoms that may develop.
Mesothelioma is a cancer that is attributed directly to asbestos exposure, it is malignant and travels to other organs in the body left unchecked. Another disease that is frequently developed is asbestosis, where lung function is reduced. Some that are exposed to asbestos never develop any symptoms or related health problems, though others will. It cannot be detected until they are actually ill. Asbestos related illnesses can have an extensive latency period that may span decades.
If you or someone that you know has been exposed to asbestos, or has worked in one of the above industries, they should seek legal assistance so that they may get compensated for some of the damages that they have endured, including medical bills. There are experts that can help you find relief.
Last modified: December 28, 2010.
