Congress Declared First Week of April Asbestos Awareness Week

The U.S. Senate has designated the first week of April to be National Asbestos Awareness Week. Workers around the country are exposed to asbestos every year, a common insulating material that can lead to asbestosis and mesothelioma. Mesothelioma is an aggressive form of lung cancer, and asbestosis is a lung disease.

National Asbestos Awareness Week was created to inform people about the risks associated with asbestos exposure and solutions for preventing it. Organizations and experts on asbestos exposure took part in educating the public on solutions for reducing the number of deaths attributed to the dangerous substance.

Who is at Risk for Asbestos Exposure?

Workers from jobs such as plumbing, construction, pipefitting, welding and shipbuilding are frequently exposed to asbestos. According to the U.S. National Cancer Institute, family members of workers exposed to asbestos can also face exposure. Asbestos fibers can stick to clothing and skin long after an employee leaves work.

Fortunately, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has safety regulations that attempt to limit exposure. For example, OSHA requires employers to limit airborne exposure to asbestos, in some cases requiring protective equipment. According to OSHA, there is no “safe” level of asbestos exposure.

Workers who have developed asbestosis or mesothelioma might be able to receive workers’ compensation in addition to other benefits. Contacting an attorney can help workers find the right option for compensation.

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Larrimer & Larrimer, LLC – Columbus Workers’ Comp Attorney

Did You Know?: According to the U.S. Office of Compliance, 30 million pounds of asbestos are used every year in the United States.