Washington, DC: Reports of defective respirators found to have design defects that result in the wearer developing irreversible, chronic illnesses such as asbestos mesothelioma and asbestosis continue.
Respirators protect the user by removing contaminants from the air such as asbestos fibers. However, design defects persist, depsite industry regulations developed and implemented by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) and Centers for Disease Control.
Faulty (e.g., leaks because it doesn’t fit the user’s face properly) asbestos respirators are worse than not having one at all because workers falsely believe they are safe from asbestos exposure and can thereby further put themselves in harm’s way.
This is not an insignificant problem. Some estimates suggesting that more than 84,000 lawsuits have been filed against respirator manufacturer 3M due to defective respirators failing to filter out toxins and asbestos particles. American Optical has been named in more than140,000 lawsuits claiming their defective asbestos respirators contributed to, or were responsible for, asbestos-related diseases in workers who were unaware that they wore faulty protective masks.
Asbestos, a known carcinogen, is used as a fire retardant in insulation for boilers, pipes, and fire doors. Asbestos is also used in roofing and many construction materials, and in electrical fittings. The types of work environments where one is most likely to encounter asbestos include mines, shipyards, railroads, power plants, and construction sites.
Workers who may be at risk for asbestos exposure include, but are not limited to:
Boiler and furnace technicians
Car mechanics (brake shoes)
Construction workers
Navy shipyard workers
Pipe fitters
Miners
Railway workers
Legal Help
If you or a loved one has suffered illness or adverse health resulting from a defective respirator, please click the link below and your complaint will be sent to a lawyer who may evaluate your claim at no cost or obligation.
Last updated on Nov-4-11 |
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