Mesothelioma and building maintenance workers

Building maintenance workers are at risk of developing mesothelioma because they can become exposed to asbestos. Although asbestos is a hazardous material it can only pose a risk to health if the asbestos fibres become airborne and are then inhaled. Therefore, most asbestos materials pose little risk unless they are disturbed in some way that allows the fibres to be released into the atmosphere.

Inhalation of asbestos fibres can lead to serious diseases such as lung cancer, mesothelioma (a cancer of the linings of the lungs – the pleura or lower digestive tract – the peritoneum), and asbestosis (a chronic fibrosis of the lungs).

Many cases of these diseases occurring now are a result of exposure in industries that used asbestos extensively in the past. However, the fact that asbestos was also installed in many buildings means that a wider range of people still have the potential to be exposed – particularly building and maintenance workers.

For this reason the latest revision of the Control of Asbestos at Work Regulations introduced (from May 2004) a new duty on those responsible for non-domestic premises to manage the asbestos contained in them.

If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with an asbestos illness like mesothelioma, lung cancer or asbestosis, complete the form on this page to get a FREE and prompt review of your case by a leading asbestos attorney. Weitz & Luxenberg is a leading mesothelioma law firm with a substantial history of success in asbestos exposure cases.