Asbestos and the Industrial Revolution
The Industrial Revolution in the United States began in the 19th century, some 40 years after Great Britain’s Industrial Revolution. As its name suggests, the U.S. Industrial Revolution marked the nation’s transition from agricultural methods of economic growth and production to mechanized and industrial methods, allowing for a massive production increase. Miners and factories jumped at the chance to utilize asbestos in building materials, because it was quickly discovered to be highly fire-resistant and a great insulator.
The booming railroad and ships industries in the U.S. increased the demand for asbestos, and it was fairly easy to find since it is a naturally occurring mineral. Asbestos was used as insulation for boxcars, refrigeration units, piping, boilers, and countless other railroad, shipyard, and building materials. Of course, those who mined asbestos were exposed to its fibers, but so were those who used the products that contained asbestos. Since many of these materials still exist today, individuals may be exposing themselves to deadly asbestos products and not even know it.
Symptoms of Asbestos Exposure
If you are unsure if you have been exposed to asbestos, or if you were exposed to it in the past, there are some signs that you can look for that may indicate exposure, including:
- Difficulty breathing
- Persistent cough
- Chest pain
- Difficulty swallowing
Asbestos fibers impact the lungs, so any kind of serious breathing problems may indicate previous asbestos exposure.
Contact Us
If you have been exposed to asbestos and would like to learn more about the medical and legal resources available to you, fill out the contact form at the top of this page, or contact Williams Kherkher at 800-781-3955.
