Electrician Asbestos Exposure

Electricians are at high risk of occupational asbestos exposure. Their work often puts them in contact with electrical products and building materials that contain it. Asbestos was once widely used in these products because it’s resistant to heat and fire and does not conduct electricity.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) banned most new uses of asbestos in 1989. However, electricians may still be at risk when remodeling, repairing or demolishing older buildings.

When asbestos materials are disturbed, they release asbestos fibers into the air. Research shows that inhaling these fibers increases the chances of developing severe asbestos-related illnesses, including asbestosis, mesothelioma and lung cancer.

Products that may expose electricians to asbestos

Electricians are at risk of exposure to asbestos in electrical wiring and other materials. These include appliances, circuit boards and motor controllers. Electricians must also access electrical wires within walls, floors and ceilings. This puts them in contact with other asbestos products used in construction, including:

• Asbestos insulation in boilers and furnaces
• Asbestos insulation in walls, attics and ducts
• Asphalt floor tiles
• Ceiling panels, tiles, adhesives and textures
• Dishwashers
• Exterior siding
• Flooring adhesives
• Ovens and stoves
• Pipe wraps, coverings and insulation
• Plaster
• Roofing shingles
• Toasters
• Vinyl flooring and tiles

Mesothelioma is sometimes called malignant mesothelioma. It is a type of cancer that forms in the thin layer of tissue surrounding many internal organs. Mesothelioma most commonly occurs in the lungs (pleural mesothelioma) or abdomen (peritoneal mesothelioma). It can also occur in the heart (pericardial mesothelioma) and testicles (mesothelioma of tunica vaginalis).

Being around asbestos is the biggest risk factor for developing mesothelioma. Mesothelioma is more common among electricians compared to the general population. Increased incidences are due to a higher rate of asbestos exposure through job sites that contain asbestos products.

Mesothelioma has a long latency period and can take up to 15 to 40 years to develop after exposure. Mesothelioma often grows quickly and is aggressive. There are treatments, but for many people, it’s incurable and fatal.

Symptoms of pleural mesothelioma include chest pain, persistent coughing, shortness of breath and lumps under the skin on the chest. Symptoms of peritoneal mesothelioma include belly pain and swelling, nausea and unexplained weight loss. If you experience any of these, see your doctor immediately, especially if you have a history of contact with asbestos.

Electrician death rate

Studies show that the electrician death rate from asbestos-related diseases is higher than in the average population.

Research published in the International Journal of Epidemiology found that electricians have a higher concentration of asbestos fibers in their lungs, compared to other types of construction workers and people who don’t work in the trades. Mesothelioma death rates are proportional to this concentration. More asbestos in the lungs leads to a greater risk of death from the disease.

An analysis from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention looked at data from 23 states from 1999, 2003, 2004 and 2007, regarding mesothelioma deaths in people over age 25. It found that 53 electricians died from the condition. This death rate is higher than that of many other workers who are also at risk for asbestos exposure, such as shipyard workers, steelworkers and insulation workers.

If you or someone you love was diagnosed with mesothelioma, you may be eligible for an asbestos lawsuit or an asbestos bankruptcy trust fund claim. You could recover compensation for your pain and suffering, medical bills and other damages.

In general, there are three ways you can take legal action:

• Asbestos trust fund claim: Over 60 now-bankrupt asbestos companies have established trust funds to pay asbestos litigation claims. These funds hold over $30 billion. You may be able to seek a settlement through one of these funds if you can prove that one of these companies is responsible for exposing you.
• Personal injury lawsuit: If you’re an electrician harmed by asbestos, you may be able to file an individual personal injury lawsuit. Your case could be against an asbestos manufacturer, an asbestos product supplier, an employer or another liable party.
• Wrongful death lawsuit: If your loved one died from asbestos electrician exposure, surviving family members may be able to seek justice with a wrongful death case.

Before filing an asbestos claim, you should consult with a lawyer who has experience handling mesothelioma cases. These cases can be highly complex and fact-specific. Having guidance from an attorney familiar with these matters can be critical. You should also gather any evidence, such as proof of an asbestos-related diagnosis. You’ll also need work history showing when, where and how you were exposed.

There is a statute of limitations for filing suit. Depending on the laws in your state, this could be anywhere from two to six years. Your window to act usually begins at the time of your diagnosis, not your last asbestos exposure.

A Motley Rice attorney could discuss your legal options. We can explain important timelines and help you build your claim.

Motley Rice has decades of experience fighting for individuals and families harmed by asbestos exposure. Our law firm is a pioneer in asbestos litigation. We have held numerous companies accountable for concealing the dangers of asbestos and putting workers at risk.

We continue to litigate asbestos cases nationwide, often taking them to trial. We know the toll an asbestos-related disease can take on your life, and we have deep knowledge and understanding of how to pursue these types of lawsuits.

Read more on our asbestos exposure litigation experience.