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Oil Refinery Asbestos Exposure

oil refinery mesotheliomaWhen crude oil is refined into various products we use every day, such as gasoline, kerosene, and methane-based fertilizers, the inherently flammable substance must be heated at a high temperature. In order to prevent fires and to control heat, oil refineries once relied on the heat- and fire-retardant properties of asbestos in pipes, pumping systems, storage tanks, and other components. While refineries have turned to alternatives, given the health hazards of asbestos-containing materials (ACMs), some asbestos still remains at many of these sites. But while oil refinery workers in close proximity to ACMs are now required to take strict protective measures, those exposed to ACMs before its dangers were well known may be at risk of developing mesothelioma or other asbestos-related illnesses.
 

Oil Refinery Asbestos Exposure: Who is Most at Risk?

There were 141 operable refineries in the United States in 2017, according the U.S. Energy Information Administration, with an estimated oil refinery workforce of more than 41,000 (roughly half located in Texas). Virtually anyone who has worked at an oil refinery may be at risk for an asbestos-related illness, but some professions present higher risks than others, such as pipefitters, boiler makers, electricians, welders, and millwrights.

Mesothelioma takes roughly 30 to 50 years after exposure to take hold and show symptoms, so long-time and former oil refinery workers who are currently healthy are not necessarily in the clear. Relatively young refinery workers, particularly those who started in the industry after the 1980s, are at less of a risk. However, working with or replacing ACMs without proper protective gear (such as respirators) can put anyone at risk.
 

Asbestos-Containing Materials at Oil Refineries

Since asbestos is not only heat and fire resistant, but also protects against certain chemical reactions, it was once considered indispensable for the necessary boiling of crude oil. Any time asbestos is released from ACMs (made dusty) and becomes airborne, anyone in the vicinity can inhale the tiny fibers and over time develop mesothelioma or other serious medical conditions. Therefore, tasks such as cutting asbestos pipes or filing asbestos gaskets (often in tight, poorly ventilated spaces) can expose workers to potentially harmful levels of the substance.

Those who have worked in oil refineries may have been exposed to asbestos through the following materials and products:

Insulation – Up until the 1970s, asbestos was routinely used for insulation in refineries whenever heat and fire were a concern (such pipelines, boilers, furnaces, pumps, and tanks). Asbestos insulation still remains in place at many oil refineries. This insulation is often in a deteriorated condition, which poses a hazard to those working at the jobsite.

Construction Materials – Protective screens for on-site welding operations, ceiling tiles, walls, and other common building materials incorporated asbestos.

Protective Gear – Oil refinery workers commonly used asbestos-containing clothing and gear to protect them from excessive heat and fire hazards.

Refinery Equipment in General – Asbestos was once liberally incorporated into a wide range of equipment used in oil refineries, from sealants to gaskets and packing.
 

Are You at Risk for Mesothelioma?

It’s important to remember that mesothelioma, an aggressive form of cancer that affects the lining of the abdomen and the body’s organs, is very rare. The majority of mesothelioma cases are of the epithelial cell type, which has the most favorable outcome for recovery. The most deadly form of the disease (and also the least common) is sarcomatoid mesothelioma. If you believe you or a loved one may have been exposed, early detection is of vital importance.

The legal professionals from MesoLawyersCare have recovered more than $10 billion dollars for people diagnosed with mesothelioma. Our firm has successfully represented oil refinery workers, and their family members, who developed mesothelioma as the result of asbestos exposure. For more information or a free consultation, fill out the form on this page, have a live chat now with one of our representatives, or call our offices.
 

Learn More About Mesothelioma

 

Asbestos Exposure Information

 

Did You Know?

  • Mesothelioma Facts
    Mesothelioma Facts
    The highest award of compensatory damages ever upheld on appeal in a mesothelioma case is $30.3 million.
  • Mesothelioma Facts
    Mesothelioma Facts
    The largest punitive damages verdict ever upheld on appeal in a mesothelioma case is $18 million.
  • Mesothelioma Facts
    Mesothelioma Facts
    There are over $30 billion in asbestos trust funds to compensate victims of mesothelioma and other asbestos-related diseases.
  • Mesothelioma Facts
    Mesothelioma Facts
    There are more than 50 bankruptcy trusts accepting claims to compensate victims of mesothelioma and other asbestos-related diseases.
  • Mesothelioma Facts
    Mesothelioma Facts
    There are many “asbestos dockets” that permit living mesothelioma patients to obtain a jury verdict in less than 1 year.
  • Mesothelioma Facts
    Mesothelioma Facts
    In 2015, more than 2000 mesothelioma cases were filed in the United States.
  • Mesothelioma Facts
    Mesothelioma Facts
    In some mesothelioma cases, settlements can be obtained in less than 1 year.
  • Mesothelioma Facts
    Mesothelioma Facts
    Thousands of different companies have been defendants in mesothelioma cases over the past 40 years.
  • Mesothelioma Facts
    Mesothelioma Facts
    According to a 2015 study of 77 peritoneal mesothelioma cases, the average life expectancy (median survival period) was 75.7 months, or over 6 years.
  • Mesothelioma Facts
    Mesothelioma Facts
    According to a 2015 study of 77 peritoneal mesothelioma patients, 73.8% were living after 3 years, and 65.3% were living after 5 years.
  • Mesothelioma Facts
    Mesothelioma Facts
    According to a 2015 study of 77 peritoneal mesothelioma patients, 64% were treated with HIPEC and cytoreductive surgery.
  • Mesothelioma Facts
    Mesothelioma Facts
    According to a 2015 study of 303 pleural mesothelioma patients, the average life expectancy (median survival period) was 18.4 months.
  • Mesothelioma Facts
    Mesothelioma Facts
    According to a 2015 study of pleural mesothelioma patients, 73.1% were still living after 1 year, and 22.9% were still living after 3 years.
  • Mesothelioma Facts
    Mesothelioma Facts
    In 2015, the largest number of mesothelioma cases were filed in the following 10 courts: (1) Madison County, IL; (2) Cook County, IL; (3) St. Louis, MO; (4) Los Angeles, CA; (5) New York, NY; (6) Philadelphia, PA; (7) New Castle County, DE; (8) Middlesex County, MA; (9)Middlesex County, NJ; (10) Kanawha County, WV.
  • Mesothelioma Facts
    Mesothelioma Facts
    The states with the largest number of diagnosed mesothelioma cases are: New York, New Jersey, California, Washington, Pennsylvania, Massachusetts, Virginia, Florida, Texas, Illinois, Wisconsin, Michigan and Ohio.
  • Mesothelioma Facts
    Mesothelioma Facts
    There are about 3000 mesothelioma cases diagnosed in the United States each year.
  • Mesothelioma Facts
    Mesothelioma Facts
    About 1 in 100,000 people in the United States will be diagnosed with mesothelioma each year in the United States.
  • Mesothelioma Facts
    Mesothelioma Facts
    More than 80% of all mesothelioma cases occur in the pleura (pleural mesothelioma).
  • Mesothelioma Facts
    Mesothelioma Facts
    Less than 20% of all mesothelioma cases occur in the peritoneum (peritoneal mesothelioma).
  • Mesothelioma Facts
    Mesothelioma Facts
    About 22% of all mesothelioma cases occur in women.
  • Mesothelioma Facts
    Mesothelioma Facts
    A history of asbestos exposure can be found in more than 80% of mesothelioma cases.
  • Mesothelioma Facts
    Mesothelioma Facts
    More than 30% of all mesothelioma patients in the United States were exposed to asbestos in the military.
  • Mesothelioma Facts
    Mesothelioma Facts
    Mesothelioma can be caused by laundering, or other household contact with, work clothing contaminated with asbestos.
  • Mesothelioma Facts
    Mesothelioma Facts
    Mesothelioma can be caused by work with (direct exposure) or around (bystander exposure) asbestos-containing products.
  • Mesothelioma Facts
    Mesothelioma Facts
    The average time between a person’s first exposure to asbestos and the development of mesothelioma (latency period) is more than 40 years.
 

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Learn More About MesoLawyersCare

Watch the video below to learn why MesoLawyersCare is the best choice to represent you and your family after a mesothelioma diagnosis.


 

Contact MesoLawyersCare Now

If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with mesothelioma, please contact us to see if we can help you get the compensation you deserve from the billions of dollars in asbestos trust funds available now for qualified asbestos victims. With just one call, you can put all our experience and success to work for you.

We have represented thousands of victims of mesothelioma and their families in virtually every State in the country and in decades of work have recovered billions of dollars in financial compensation for our clients.

Call us now at 1-888-568-1177, fill out the form on this page or chat with a live person. The consultation is free and it costs nothing upfront to hire the lawyers behind MesoLawyersCare. We only get paid if you collect a settlement or verdict and you will never receive a bill from us.

 

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