Working during any time between 1940 and the late 1970s in Minnesota or beyond posed potentially serious health hazards to many people. Those who were working during the baby boomer era may now be have ill-health if they suffered asbestos exposure on the job. The U.S. government did not always regulate the use of asbestos as stringently as it does now.
Those who worked in shipyards, on U.S. military bases, in the automotive industry or as electricians were especially vulnerable for asbestos-related injuries. Sadly, there are many cases on record where employers were aware of asbestos dangers in the workplace but failed to inform or properly train and provide safety equipment to employees. In most cases, it was not until years later that workers were diagnosed with mesothelioma, asbestosis or other diseases.
Some people have a mistaken belief that asbestos is no longer used in U.S. industrial projects. Use of asbestos is not prohibited although laws and regulations governing its use or its removal from a property are in place. For instance, if asbestos is discovered on a construction site, in a school or in someone’s home, only a certified abatement expert is authorized to touch or remove the objects containing asbestos.
Minnesota residents should know that there is no safe amount of asbestos exposure. Undisturbed asbestos is less likely to cause health problems than items containing asbestos that are wet or crumbly, or that have been scraped, pounded or otherwise manipulated. If someone believes he or she has grounds for filing a personal injury claim regarding an asbestos-related incident, an attorney who has experience in this area of the law can help.
