{"id":13971,"date":"2023-07-11T18:11:04","date_gmt":"2023-07-12T00:11:04","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.asbestosclaims.law\/?post_type=blog&p=13971"},"modified":"2023-07-25T12:08:07","modified_gmt":"2023-07-25T18:08:07","slug":"asbestos-exposures-and-carpenters-risks-and-prevention","status":"publish","type":"blog","link":"https:\/\/www.asbestosclaims.law\/es\/asbestos-blog\/exposicion-al-asbesto-y-carpinteros-riesgos-y-prevencion\/","title":{"rendered":"Asbestos Exposures and Carpenters: Risks and Prevention"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

When you think about people who might have been exposed to asbestos in a significant way during their careers, carpenters<\/a> might not be all that high on the list. It\u2019s usually those in big industrial settings<\/a> that we imagine first, along with anyone who was directly involved in the mining of these fibers. Unfortunately, the reach of asbestos goes far beyond mines and plants, and it even extends to people working<\/a> in the carpentry field<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

This page will take a closer look at why carpentry<\/a> was able to expose so many people<\/a> to asbestos, and what damage could have done to those individuals. If you or a loved one is in this position, it\u2019s good to know what you might be facing and what legal options may be available to you moving forward.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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If you believe that you were exposed to asbestos, even as a child, speak to a healthcare provider about tests and screening to help diagnose lung-scarring and screen for <\/strong>asbestos-related diseases<\/strong><\/a>.<\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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A Quick Primer on Asbestos<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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Asbestos<\/a> is a naturally occurring mineral. The tiny fibers that make up this mineral have many properties that make it appealing for a variety of applications, including some related to carpentry. Perhaps most notably, asbestos fibers are incredibly durable, so products<\/a> manufactured with asbestos tended to last a very long time. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
The use of asbestos exploded in popularity once it was discovered just how useful it could be. Businesses loved not only the performance that it offered, but also the relatively affordable nature of the material compared to other options. It seemed as though industrial companies<\/a> had come across a dream scenario of a material that could be used effectively in just about everything without demanding a massive investment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
However, asbestos<\/a> is now widely recognized as a significant health hazard. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Asbestos can cause many serious health problems, including cancer.<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
When asbestos-containing materials<\/a> are damaged or disturbed, tiny fibers are released into the air. These fibers can be inhaled or ingested, leading to potential health problems in humans. Sadly, many of those health problems are extremely serious, chronic and life-threatening.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Due to the known health risks, the use of asbestos has been heavily regulated or banned in many countries. Efforts are focused on asbestos removal, proper handling, and creating safer alternatives<\/a> to protect individuals from the harmful effects of this mineral.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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“The overall evidence suggests there is no safe level<\/span> of asbestos exposure<\/span>.\u201d<\/h3>\n                            
Source: National Cancer Institute\n<\/a> (NIH)1<\/sup><\/p>\n                        <\/td>\n                    <\/tr>\n                <\/tbody>\n            <\/table>\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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Carpenters Were Commonly Exposed<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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As mentioned in the introduction, it was sadly common for carpenters who worked in this field prior to the 1980s to be exposed to asbestos<\/a> on a regular basis. At the time, nothing much thought of this exposure, even if corporations did have information that working with and around asbestos<\/a> was a major threat to human health<\/a>. In time, it became clear that people working in carpentry (and many other fields) were starting to experience health complications that had a major impact on their quality of life \u2013 and even threatened their lives, in many cases.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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The Value of Asbestos in Carpentry<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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As we mentioned above, asbestos<\/a> is extremely useful, and it has been valued in the carpentry industry<\/a> for its desirable properties. In the past, asbestos was incorporated into certain carpentry<\/a> materials because of its fire-resistant nature and durability. It was commonly used in insulation<\/a>, roofing materials, and cement-based products, including siding and shingles. It was also used in glues and resins. Asbestos<\/a> provided excellent thermal insulation, making it attractive for carpentry applications<\/a>, particularly in structures where fire safety was a concern.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Despite its advantages to carpenters, inhaling or ingesting asbestos can lead to significant health problems.<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
The health risks of asbestos exposure can include:<\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Mesothelioma: <\/strong>cancer of the mesothelium, the thin layer of tissue surrounding the body\u2019s organs. This cancer is only known to be caused by asbestos exposure.<\/td>Lung cancer<\/strong><\/td><\/tr>
Laryngeal cancer:<\/strong> cancer of the larynx (section of the throat called the voicebox)<\/td>Ovarian cancer<\/strong><\/td><\/tr>
Stomach cancer<\/strong><\/strong><\/td>Colon cancer<\/strong><\/td><\/tr>
Pharyngeal cancer<\/strong><\/strong><\/td>Asbestosis<\/strong><\/a>:<\/strong> a chronic lung disease associated with asbestos exposure<\/td><\/tr>
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)<\/strong><\/strong><\/td>Atelectasis<\/strong> (collapsed lung)<\/td><\/tr>
Pleural effusion<\/strong> (collection of fluid around the lungs)<\/td>Pericardial effusion<\/strong> (collection of fluid around the heart)<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
Ultimately, asbestos<\/a> was used for far too long given what became known about the health risks that it poses to humans. Asbestos is only now used in a very small number of applications<\/a> in the United States, and it is under strict regulation. It can still be found in many places, however, as the products that it was used to create decades ago are still out there in the world. People working in carpentry need to be careful of exposure to these products and handle them appropriately when they are found. Spray on asbestos products \u2013 drilling, sanding, working on or around it \u2014 all could lead to exposure<\/a> and asbestos-related diseases.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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\u201cSome asbestos fibers may bypass\u2026your body\u2019s natural defenses\u2026and lodge deep within your lungs. Those fibers can remain in place for a very long time and may never be removed.\u201d<\/h3>\n                            
Source: American Lung Association\n<\/a><\/p>\n                        <\/td>\n                    <\/tr>\n                <\/tbody>\n            <\/table>\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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How Asbestos Exposure Harms Humans<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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It\u2019s no secret that asbestos is harmful to humans, but many people don\u2019t know exactly what the threats are and why asbestos exposure is so dangerous<\/a>. There are a number of potential health consequences to be aware of, including some that are life-threatening. Many health impacts<\/a> related to asbestos<\/a> only come on much later in life, so it can be difficult to connect the illness one is experiencing with the root cause from years ago. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
The most serious issue related to asbestos exposure<\/a> is mesothelioma. This is a cancer that is almost exclusively related to asbestos, and it is both extremely aggressive and hard to diagnose until the later stages. A diagnosis of mesothelioma is a situation that may come along with a short life expectancy. <\/p>\n\n\n\n