Plumbers are among the industrial workers most at risk for deadly mesothelioma cancer.  That’s the finding of an insurance industry study recently done in the UK. The report, prepared for Claims National, found that current or former plumbers and pipe fitters, as well as electricians, builders and auto mechanics, have a much higher incidence of the asbestos-related cancer than people working in other industries.  It’s a finding supported by CDC researchers in the U.S. who found the number of mesothelioma deaths among plumbers and pipe fitters ‘proportionately significant’ and predict the numbers could keep rising for another 40 years. Asbestos is an insulating material that was widely used in industry around the world until the 1980’s.  It was particularly prized in plumbing … Continue reading Plumbers Still at High Risk of Mesothelioma According to Study »

The same insulation that is protecting water pipes in hundreds of thousands of homes and commercial buildings, poses a serious health threat to the plumbers called on to repair or replace those pipes. Insulation containing the mineral asbestos, which causes the cancer mesothelioma, was a popular choice for use around pipes because of its resistance to temperature extremes and corrosion.  Although it has not been used in new construction since the early 1980’s the material can also still be found in pipe fittings, pipe coatings and water heater filaments. In addition, an estimated 35 million homes also contain a vermiculite insulation product called Zonolite.  While vermiculite, which is clay-based, is believed to be safe, the material in Zonolite was collected from … Continue reading Plumbers at Risk for Mesothelioma from Asbestos »