Louisiana Petrochemical / Refinery Workers & Asbestos

Louisiana's Cancer Alley is home to over 200 petrochemical plants and refineries, making it one of the most heavily industrialized areas in the United States. Although this concentration of industrial activity brings economic benefits to the region, it also poses serious health risks for the people living and working in the area.

Petrochemical and refinery workers are particularly vulnerable to asbestos exposure - a highly toxic mineral fiber commonly used in industrial settings through much of the 20th century. Asbestos exposure has been linked to various life-threatening diseases, such as mesothelioma, various forms of cancer, and asbestosis.

Common Sources of Asbestos Exposure for Louisiana Petrochemical Workers

Petrochemical plants and oil refineries in Louisiana often consist of a complex network of pipes, valves, and pumps that carry gasses and liquids throughout the facility. These pipes are highly susceptible to damage due to high temperatures, corrosion, and other forms of wear and tear. As a result, they require insulation to prevent leaks and maintain their structural integrity.

Due to its heat-resistant properties, asbestos insulation was extensively used on various refinery structures, including pipelines, distillation towers, boilers, furnaces, and valves, through the 1970s. As a result, Louisiana petrochemical and refinery workers were constantly exposed to asbestos fibers when working on maintenance, repair, or demolition projects.

Furthermore, asbestos-containing materials were also used in Louisiana refineries in:

• Refinery equipment: pumps, gaskets, sealants, valves, and sheets
• Protective clothing and equipment
• Building materials: flooring, walls, ceilings, piping, and paneling

Three Ways Louisiana Refinery Workers Face Asbestos Exposure

Louisiana petrochemical workers face a high risk of asbestos exposure due to the nature of their work. These workers may come into contact with asbestos fibers through several direct and indirect pathways.

Direct exposure occurred when Louisiana refinery workers handled, installed, or removed asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) during equipment and facilities maintenance, repairs, or upgrades. Activities such as cutting, sanding, or drilling into materials containing asbestos could release asbestos fibers into the air, which Louisiana petrochemical workers may then inhale or ingest.

Indirect exposure occurred when Louisiana refinery workers were near other workers handling asbestos-containing materials. Asbestos fibers can easily become airborne and travel long distances, putting the direct handlers and those working nearby at risk.

Additionally, asbestos fibers can become embedded in clothing or equipment, and on hair or skin. If the same clothing or equipment was worn or used in different areas of the refinery or worn home, asbestos fibers could be spread to other workers or even Louisiana refinery workers' family members. This type of exposure is known as secondary exposure.

Louisiana Refinery Jobs with the Highest Risk of Asbestos Exposure

Several job roles in Louisiana petrochemical and refinery industries put workers at increased risk for asbestos exposure. These include:

• Pipefitters
• Insulators
• Electricians
• Welders
• Boilermakers
• Mechanics
• Maintenance technicians
• Demolition workers
• Plumbers
• Painters

Health Risks of Asbestos Exposure for Louisiana Petrochemical Workers

Mesothelioma is one of the most severe health risks associated with asbestos exposure for petrochemical and refinery workers. This rare and aggressive form of cancer affects the lining of the lungs, heart, or abdomen.

In addition to mesothelioma, asbestos exposure can also lead to other serious respiratory illnesses such as asbestosis and lung cancer. Cancers of the stomach, abdomen, and other internal organs may also result from asbestos exposure in Louisiana refineries. These deadly diseases may not manifest until many years – often decades - after exposure.

Legal Recourse for Louisiana Refinery Workers Suffering from Asbestos Illnesses

Louisiana refinery workers who have been exposed to asbestos and developed related illnesses may be entitled to compensation. This can include:

• Workers' Compensation: Louisiana has specific laws that protect refinery workers who have been injured or become ill on the job, including those exposed to asbestos. Workers' compensation benefits can cover treatment expenses, lost wages, and disability benefits.
• Civil Lawsuits: In addition to workers' compensation, Louisiana petrochemical workers may also be able to file a civil lawsuit against the companies responsible for their exposure. This can include manufacturers of asbestos-containing products or employers who fail to provide proper safety measures.
• Wrongful Death Lawsuits: Wrongful death lawsuits can be filed by family members or beneficiaries of a deceased petrochemical worker in Louisiana who passed away due to asbestos-related illnesses. These lawsuits can help provide compensation for various expenses incurred before the worker's death, funeral and burial costs, loss of companionship, and other related losses. These lawsuits may be filed against the responsible party's negligence or wrongful actions, such as asbestos manufacturers, employers, or contractors.

Seeking the help of a qualified lawyer with experience in Louisiana petrochemical asbestos cases can greatly increase the chances of receiving maximum compensation for asbestos exposure. Experienced attorneys can guide affected parties, inform them about the compensation options available, and help build a strong case against those responsible for the exposure. They can also assist in navigating the complex legal system and meeting important deadlines for filing a claim.