Paper mill workers experience health problems as a result of occupational asbestos exposure

Historically, paper products were made out of various materials, including asbestos. For several decades, the paper mill industry had utilized asbestos massively and the workers came in direct contact with this dangerous material every day. The paper mills used raw asbestos as a major ingredient in their products. During the 1970s, paper products had 30-90% asbestos. As a result of prolonged occupational exposure to asbestos, paper mill workers are at a high risk of developing asbestos-related diseases.

The jobs that exposed paper mill workers to asbestos

Paper mill workers operate machinery that converts wood chips and plant fibers into various paper products. Paper mill workers have been exposed to asbestos in various ways including paper mill equipment, insulation used in building components, and materials used during the production of paper.

One of the important steps in the production of paper includes the drying of the pulp. The workers often placed the pulp on drying machines, and this activity would spread excess asbestos-containing material.

Typically, paper mills were dusty and the work environment was worse because of the airborne asbestos dust that was present. As a result, paper mill workers often inhaled asbestos dust that got embedded in their lungs leading to gradual scarring and damage to the tissues.

Paper mill workers may develop asbestos-related diseases

A study conducted in the year 2002 by the International Agency for Research on Cancer that included 63,000 paper mill workers showed that as much as 36% of them were exposed to asbestos on the job.

This study also suggested that paper mill workers are at an increased occupational risk of developing asbestos-related cancers.

Because of the long latency period involved with asbestos-related diseases, paper mill workers who worked during the period between the years, 1960 and 1980 may currently receive a diagnosis of serious diseases such as lung cancer or mesothelioma.

Former paper mill workers who have been diagnosed with the following cancers linked to their workplace asbestos exposure have immediate eligibility to file a claim:

• Lung cancer
• Throat cancer
• Esophageal cancer
• Bronchial cancer
• Gastrointestinal cancer
• Colorectal cancer
• Mesothelioma

Paper mill workers diagnosed with asbestos-related cancer are eligible to file a claim

If you were a paper mill worker, you are currently at a higher risk of developing cancer.

If you are suffering from an asbestos-related disease, you need to consult an experienced attorney as early as possible as you are entitled to receive compensation from the asbestos trust funds. Filing a claim would help you receive the compensation that helps you bear the mounting treatment expenses.

Our team of highly experienced attorneys will guide you through the process of filing a claim and help you receive the maximum amount of compensation.