ASBESTOS MINERS

Asbestos is no longer mined in the United States, but it is still imported and used in consumer products

August 11, 2010 – Mining is an occupation that carries many life-threatening risks for miners, not the least of which is asbestos exposure.

Mining asbestos was once a profitable business, especially around the time of the Industrial Revolution, when certain heavy machinery required a substance that could hold its own against heat, fire and corrosion. Mining asbestos, however, has always carried an enormous amount of danger.

The ancient Romans were the first to record respiratory ailments among their asbestos miners. For hundreds of years, no one cared to warn miners about the toxicity of the mineral, though the high mortality rate was evident.

The serious health problems associated with asbestos finally clicked in the public consciousness by the late 20th century, when authorities first enacted work-site safety laws regulating the use of asbestos products.

The first U.S. asbestos miners

Commercial asbestos mines first opened in North America in 1879 in Quebec. Asbestos mining started in the United States by the early years of the 20th century, when some 60 asbestos mines were in operation.

Asbestos is no longer mined in the United States, but it is still imported and used in construction and automobile products.

The mining of asbestos itself was especially dangerous, but even miners in other types of mines were at risk because of the widespread use of asbestos in heavy-duty mining machinery.

Weitz & Luxenberg for compensation

Every mesothelioma cancer lawyer at Weitz & Luxenberg understands the emotional and financial complexities of asbestos disease in the family – and exactly what is required to secure maximum compensation for the injured worker’s loved ones.

If you or a family member worked as a miner at one time in your life and have been diagnosed with mesothelioma or asbestosis, you may be eligible for financial compensation.

Protect your family’s future financial well-being by contacting us today for a free case review.