Mesothelioma Information Washington DC Blog | Parker, Dumler and Kiely LLP

Bethlehem Steel owned the Bethlehem Sparrows Point Shipyard at Sparrows Point, Maryland from 1916 to 1997 where it built and repaired ships during WWI and WWII. The company’s 180,000 shipyard workers were exposed to asbestos used in the construction of over 1,000 ships. Bethlehem Steel was sued successfully by workers who developed mesothelioma and other asbestos-related diseases.

Baltimore Marine acquired the Bethlehem Sparrows Point Shipyard in 1997 and was awarded the contract to dismantle old ships and find ways to dispose of their hazardous wastes safely. Asbestos was one of these wastes. The company also repaired Navy and U.S. Maritime ships employing 700 workers, many claiming that the asbestos safety regulations were not really enforced, and workers were dangerously exposed to a great deal of hazardous waste.

Asbestos was used in so many parts of ships that there was no escaping exposure. Sailors, workers, and longshoremen alike were exposed. Poorly ventilated areas accumulated asbestos fibers that escaped from the insulation around pipes and fittings concentrating them in the air breathed by anyone who entered those areas.

Dismantling these ships and salvaging the metal further exposed people to the uncontained fibers and this was worsened by not making every effort to contain fibers and protect the workers from asbestos exposure by means that were readily available.

If you or a loved one suffers from an asbestos related disease please contact Parker, Dumler & Kiely, LLP, the experienced asbestos lawyers serving Baltimore, Maryland and Washington, D.C. to learn more about compensation for employer negligence.

Baltimore has a higher death rate from asbestos exposure than anywhere in the rest of Maryland due to Baltimore's many asbestos exposure sites. Power plants and shipyards are numerous in the Baltimore area, and both are known for their extensive use of asbestos for insulation and other purposes. Power plants depend upon asbestos because it is non-conductive and fire resistant. Shipbuilding used uses asbestos for insulation in walls and to wrap pipes and wires.

Construction is a major industry in Baltimore, and restoration and demolition of older buildings is a common construction project here. Buildings that are deteriorating may be releasing asbestos into the air, and buildings under renovation may be releasing fibers at a much more dangerous rate. Asbestos was also used in floor and ceiling tiles, counter tops, the adhesive for counters, floors and carpets, wallboard, heater and air duct insulation, concrete sewer pipes, and so much more.

Sites where asbestos was used in significant quantities may still be contaminated. They include shipyards, chemical plants, sugar plants, steel mills, processing plants and many others manufacturing plants. People who worked in or lived near these buildings have been exposed and should be aware of the risks and any health changes that might indicate the presence of asbestos disease.

If you were exposed to asbestos and have been diagnosed with an asbestos disease, please contact Parker, Dumler & Kiely, LLP, attorneys experienced in getting asbestos settlements in Baltimore, Maryland and Washington, D.C.

Shipyard workers between WWII and the Korean war were probably exposed to asbestos routinely. Ideal as insulation, asbestos was used for boilers, ship walls incinerators, water pipes and steam pipes. Asbestos fibers built up around these areas exposing many people to contamination. Exposure to asbestos affected shipbuilders, sailors and longshoremen, primarily.

Baltimore Marine Industries began dismantling old ships in 1997 at the Bethlehem Sparrows Point Shipyard. Prior to 1997 the shipyard was used for building and repairing ships since 1916, work that involved the extensive use of asbestos. Baltimore Marine also repaired ships and built several more while dismantling the older ones.

Although one of the goals of the Baltimore Marine Industries contract was to develop safer ways to dismantle ships and dispose of hazardous wastes, over 700 employees were exposed to asbestos from 1996 to 2003 in addition to those who worked for the previous owner, Bethlehem Steel.

Former workers report that asbestos safety requirements were often overlooked as employees were urged to work fast to salvage all usable metal. Not only were the ships contaminated with asbestos, oil and other hazardous waste, but evidence of land and water contamination in the surrounding areas exists, as well.

These recent exposures may, one day, result in cases of asbestos-caused diseases. Since mesothelioma and other diseases can take up to fifty years before being diagnosed, be aware of any symptoms of lung, heart or abdominal disease and let your doctor know of your asbestos exposure.

If you would like more information about asbestos diseases please contact Parker, Dumler & Kiely, LLP, the experienced asbestos lawyers serving Baltimore, Maryland and Washington, D.C.

Based upon a government exemption that protects it and a number of asbestos companies from liability, one of the most at risk asbestos occupations in Washington, D.C. might well be as a maintenance worker for any of the Capital Hill buildings. Not only are these workers exposed regularly to airborne particles from asbestos used for heating, plumbing and insulation in the basements of these buildings, but they have no legal recourse to collect monetary damages for the asbestos related diseases they have developed as a result of their work.

The Washington Navy Yard is another dangerous location for workers because it was heavily fireproofed with asbestos. Prior to 1961 it was used to produce munitions and guns and housed blast furnaces and an array of flammable substances. Steel and iron casting were done in the buildings, adding to the demand for fireproofing. The Navy Yard workers also wore asbestos protective clothing that could release asbestos fibers if they were torn or wore thin.

If you have been diagnosed with any lung or stomach disease that could have been caused by your exposure to asbestos please contact Parker, Dumler & Kiely, LLP, the experienced mesothelioma lawyers serving Baltimore, Maryland and Washington, D.C.

Most products containing asbestos were manufactured prior to the 1980s, but many of them are still in use or available from antique and rummage stores, flea markets, garage sales or just acquired from attics and basements. Other categories of products that are still manufactured include some construction materials and brake linings.

Older products that create heat, or protect from heat, are the most likely sources of household asbestos contamination. Items like potholders, oven mitts, electric blankets, or anything fireproof that was manufactured before the 1980’s probably does contain asbestos. One big problem today is that these products are at least 30 years old and deteriorating. Their age increases the chances of asbestos fibers escaping into the air where they can be breathed or ingested.

Other asbestos products used in building construction pose an especially dangerous risk. Many people are buying older homes and renovating them as a home improvement project. The problem is that most lay people have no idea the extent to which their older home contains asbestos or the danger they are exposing themselves to.

If you have been exposed to asbestos through the use of household products or construction materials please contact the experienced asbestos lawyers serving Baltimore, Maryland and Washington, D.C. Parker, Dumler & Kiely, LLP to learn more about your legal rights.

Over half the Maryland deaths from asbestos related diseases between 1979 and 1999 occurred in Baltimore County and Baltimore City County. High-risk asbestos exposure in these counties is a known risk in many different industries that used asbestos extensively.

Ship construction is one industry that used significant amounts of asbestos to wrap pipes and insulate walls. Both construction workers and sailors were exposed to the fibers that had become airborne within the ships.

Construction industry professionals are at the highest risk of exposure today. Homes and buildings constructed prior to the mid-1980s used extensive amounts of asbestos containing materials for insulation, floor and ceiling tiles, wallboard, paint, counter tops, and some adhesives. Workers who renovate these older buildings are at significant risk of exposure.

The average consumer can become exposed to deteriorating asbestos insulation from using products that contained asbestos insulation and were made prior to the 1980s. The list is lengthy, but includes such common items as toasters, oven mitts, hair dryers, and rope.

If you live near or work in a power plant, the construction industry, or ship building areas and have an asbestos-related disease please contact the experienced asbestos lawyers serving Baltimore, Maryland and Washington, D.C. Parker, Dumler & Kiely, LLP to find out if you may be entitled to compensation.

Once known as a miracle mineral, asbestos has lost favor, as it becomes increasingly known as a risk factor for many deadly diseases.

Mesothelioma

Asbestos is notorious as the only known risk factor for mesothelioma, a fatal cancer that can invade the mesothelium of the lungs, abdomen, heart and, although rarely, the scrotum. While there is no cure for mesothelioma to date, treatment and early detection has had some success in delaying the progress of this disease, and many victims are living longer, more productive lives.

Asbestos Lung Cancer

There are numerous risk factors for asbestos lung cancer, but asbestos is among those most well known. Fibers trapped in the spongy lung tissue have been found to cause as much as four percent of all lung cancers diagnosed each year in the U.S. The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) has found that people who were exposed to asbestos had twice the risk of developing lung cancer than people with no asbestos exposure.

Other Cancers

The National Cancer Institute (NCI) classifies asbestos as a human carcinogen. Other cancers linked to asbestos include:

• Colorectal cancer
• Gastrointestinal cancer
• Leukemia
• Ovarian cancer
• Prostate cancer

Pleural effusions can be caused by a number of diseases. Among them are any lung disease caused by exposure to asbestos. A pleural effusion is an accumulation of fluid in the pleural space that is caused by irritation of either or both pleural membranes that line the lungs and chest wall. As the fluid builds up it compresses the nearby lung tissue. When the air sacs in the lung are compressed they cannot bring oxygen into the lungs, or get rid of carbon dioxide until they are reinflated.

Pleural effusions often resolve by themselves as the body gradually reabsorbs the fluid. However, a couple complications can arise. Because the nearby portion of the lung is squeezed closed, mucus that is trapped there can become infected resulting in pneumonia. If the fluid in the pleural space does not reabsorb, it can continue to build up, or become infected and cause pain.

Treatment for pleural effusions may require draining the fluid either with a needle or tube. Antibiotics can prevent or treat infection both in the pleural space and in the lungs. And breathing treatments with bronchodilators, deep breaths and coughing help to reopen the lungs’ airways and sacs.

When asbestos exposure is known or suspected, pleural effusions can indicate a potential for future asbestos-related diseases and should prompt further diagnostic testing.

If you have been exposed to asbestos and have experienced pleural effusions or other asbestos-related symptoms, please contact Parker, Dumler & Kiely, LLP, the experienced mesothelioma lawyers in Baltimore, Maryland and Washington, D.C. to learn more about your rights.

The pleural lung lining is actually two layers of elastic membrane that glide against one another over a layer of lubricating fluid. One layer lines the chest wall and the other surrounds the lungs. When a pleural membrane thickens it loses its ability to stretch and restricts the lungs’ ability to breathe effectively. While pleural thickening can be caused by a number of diseases, it, also, can result from asbestos exposure.

It may take as long as fifteen years after asbestos exposure for the irritation and inflammation caused by asbestos fibers to cause diagnosable pleural thickening. The lymph nodes within the chest may play a role if they became inflamed and fibrotic from asbestos fibers.

Because pleural thickening is also a symptom of asbestosis, a chronic restrictive lung disease resulting from fibrosis within the lung tissue, anyone who has been exposed to asbestos should have a through examination by an asbestos-savvy doctor. If pleural thickening is present, it is worthwhile to have diagnostic testing for mesothelioma and lung cancer as well.

Unfortunately, this condition cannot be cured or reversed, but with proper treatment and ceasing asbestos exposure, it can be controlled using bronchodilators and steroids.

If you have a history of asbestos exposure and a diagnosis of pleural thickening, please contact Parker, Dumler & Kiely, LLP, the experienced mesothelioma lawyers in Baltimore, Maryland and Washington, D.C. for a no-cost claim evaluation.

One of the indicators of asbestos exposure is the presence of pleural plaques on x-ray or CT scan. Pleural plaques are calcifications located in the pleural lining, the outer lining that covers the inner chest wall. Though pleural plaques are not cancerous, they are almost always caused by exposure to asbestos fibers and evidence of asbestos exposure.

Plaques by themselves are not considered pre-cancerous, but smokers who have pleural plaques have a greatly increased risk of developing lung cancer. Pleural thickening can accompany pleural plaques but can also be due to many other causes.

The presence of pleural plaques should act as a warning to avoid further exposure to asbestos. If you work with asbestos check to be sure your employer has implemented effective asbestos safety precautions.

If you are not exposed to asbestos at work, have your home inspected, and do not try to do any home renovations until you are certain that the paint, wallboard, flooring, counter materials or other structures do not contain asbestos. Hire a professional to remove any materials that contain asbestos.

If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with an asbestos-related disease please contact Parker, Dumler & Kiely, LLP, the asbestos lawyers in Baltimore, Maryland and Washington, D.C. for a no-cost claim evaluation.

While mesothelioma is almost synonymous with the term “asbestos disease,” it is certainly not the only one caused by the deadly mineral.

Asbestosis is another debilitating and life-threatening disease that has destroyed the lives of many workers. Asbestosis causes fibrotic scar tissue to grow in place of soft spongy lung tissue. Fibrous tissue is neither flexible nor porous, and fibrous lungs severely restrict a person’s ability to breathe.

Pleural fibrosis is another fibrotic disease caused by asbestos. Fibrotic pleural sacs prevent lungs from expanding. While the lung tissue is still soft and functional, it cannot expand sufficiently to allow full breathing capacity.

Pleural plaques are calcifications on the outer pleura that line the chest wall and do not, by themselves create a health problem. Rather they indicate the presence of asbestos and signal the alarm to be alert for other possible diseases.

Pleural effusions are collections of fluid in the pleural space caused by irritation from any source. Asbestos fibers can cause effusions. Effusions can compress lung tissue and prevent oxygen from entering the blood stream in sufficient amounts.

Asbestos lung cancer is another disease resulting from asbestos and resulting in roughly 20% of the deaths among asbestos workers.

COPD, including emphysema, chronic bronchitis, and asthma are common among asbestos workers.

Pneumonia is common with any of the above conditions because they tend to cause the lungs’ to trap secretions in diseased areas that don’t ventilate well.

If you notice any of these symptoms or have been diagnosed with any of these diseases and live in the Washington D.C. or Baltimore, Maryland area please contact Parker, Dumler & Kiely, LLP, the experienced mesothelioma lawyers in Baltimore, Maryland and Washington, D.C. for a no-cost case evaluation.

Washington D.C. and Maryland are areas of great historic interest, and most of the area's older buildings are treasured for their antiquity and presence during so many historical milestones. For that reason, they have been preserved and updated--some for over nearly 250 years.

People in and around Washington D.C. and Maryland may not realize just how much asbestos exposure they might be subjected to, but it is not hard to imagine how the introduction of this miracle insulating material would have been used extensively to update these buildings.

As an area exposed to frigid winters and warm, humid summers, the comfort of good insulation would have asbestos in great demand by an unsuspecting population. Consequently, most of the older buildings in these Eastern locations are rife with asbestos. Asbestos was used in older flooring, older counter tops, paint, wallboard, heaters, and so much more.

Added to construction be aware of the many other products made with asbestos–everything from household products like stove mitts and hair dryers, to brake pads, to concrete, to ships, all products made or used here.

The other exposure sources include occupational and para-occupational sites where workers are exposed to asbestos at work and bring fibers home to their families on their skin, shoes, clothing or hair. Manufacturers and mining operations expose neighboring communities simply because they cannot contain all of the microscopic asbestos fibers. These fibers escape into the air and contaminate the nearby population.

The experienced asbestos attorneys at Parker, Dumler & Kiely, LLP are ready to evaluate your asbestos-related claim so, please contact us for more information if you are in Washington D.C. or Baltimore, Maryland.