Stationary engineers are responsible for operating, maintaining and repairing boilers and mechanical systems. During the course of their work, they would often be exposed to asbestos that was used in these products and this could lead to cases of Mesothelioma, which only showed up years after the exposure. Today people are more aware of the problems of asbestos and are no longer using it in these systems, but there are many lawsuits against companies who allowed their stationary engineers to be exposed to asbestos.
How Stationary Engineers Were Exposed to Asbestos
In the past, boilers were often covered in an asbestos-containing insulation. When stationary engineers were operating, maintaining and repairing these boilers they could be exposed to large amounts of asbestos in the air. Apart from the boilers, stationary engineers were also exposed to asbestos in other forms such as diesel engines, generators, and electrical systems.
The Use of Asbestos
Asbestos had many beneficial properties as a heat and electrical insulator; it was strong but also flexible and lightweight. It was also fire-resistant and so was used to prevent fires. Unfortunately, due to these beneficial properties, companies would ignore the dangers of asbestos. This ignorance led to many of their previous workers contracting Mesothelioma.
What Is Mesothelioma?
Mesothelioma is a cancer caused by asbestos inhalation. When the asbestos fibers reach the lungs, they start attacking the lining of the lungs and this eventually leads to death. Mesothelioma may also affect other organs such as the stomach and heart.
What To Do If You Have Been Exposed to Asbestos and Contracted Mesothelioma
If you are currently suffering from Mesothelioma and feel that it was due to negligence by the company you worked for as a stationary engineer, then you may wish to seek legal advice and claim against the company. If you do, it is important to get all the information you can about the case such as when you were exposed to asbestos, information about the company you worked for and your medical history and details of your Mesothelioma from your doctor.