Correctional facilities that have been constructed decades ago have lots of stories to tell. They are often witness to a lot of pain when it comes to confinement, and in some cases, there are overlooked hazards that many don’t know about.
For example, asbestos has remained one of the most persistent threats today since the material has been widely used throughout the 20th century. It has fire-resistant qualities, but later on, it became well-known for giving severe health consequences. What was once symbolized by strength is now considered dangerous to people’s health. See more info about asbestos when you click here.
Structural aging affects a lot of prisons because there’s continued use, and they rarely undergo a full-scale renovation. Maintenance is only done when there’s an issue, and this creates a complex situation where asbestos can remain undisturbed for years until deterioration exposes it.
There can be another layer of complexity to the problem when visitors move through these environments regularly. Contractors who work on the walls are not aware of the materials that they’re exposed to, and they may develop mesothelioma, which can develop in the tissue lining of their lungs.
Why Did People Use Asbestos Before?
This carcinogen was first discovered in a Greek quarry, and the fibers were spun into fire-resistant textiles. At first, it was only used in handkerchiefs and other clothing products, but in the early 1800s, it made its way into new uses like insulation for steam pipes. There was also the increased production of cement pipes made from asbestos, so it’s popular in water supplies.
Others used it to spray on their ceilings so they could have excellent fireproofing inside their homes. It’s versatile, and it could be applied everywhere. However, when slaves working with asbestos started experiencing illnesses, the public began to be aware of its health risks. The mineral was classified by the United States Environmental Protection Agency as a hazardous pollutant, and mining for it ceased in the US in 2002.
Breathing the mineral fibers alone can scar the lungs, and more cases of cancer were confirmed between the cancer and the material. Asbestos is dangerous when it’s disturbed, especially if the materials are damaged. The microscopic fibers tend to be released into the air, and they can remain lodged inside the body for a very long time. There’s no effective way to remove them, so the cancer is often progressive. Since it’s not detected early, a cancer diagnosis becomes tricky to link with mesothelioma.
Exposure Risks in Institutional Settings
For larger prisons that are continuously housing inmates, there’s little room to change everything for fear of them escaping. Upgrades are usually done in phases, so it’s more likely that the older materials will just remain in place.
In aging infrastructure where asbestos is present, maintenance work is often the most common point of exposure. Some tasks, like pipe replacement, can disturb the fibers, and the workers are at risk of developing cancer, especially if protective measures are not imposed.
Airborne filters can also travel to a lot of people in the facility, and they can find their way into a shared ventilation system. Some individuals who might not be involved with the construction work might still find themselves inhaling contaminated air. In areas like Sing Sing Correctional, which was known to have used asbestos, where there were services for heavy asbestos abatement that were performed, this is where many people should act if they suspect that they’re an unknowing victim of the exposure.
The Long-Term Health Impact
Generally, the symptoms can develop decades after the initial contact with the fibers. Diseases like asbestosis can be delayed, and this creates a false sense of safety for many. Individuals who might have been working around the facility might feel fine, but one day, they get a diagnosis that the cancer is already at its advanced stage.
Around 3000 people each year get this diagnosis, and the primary cause is workplace exposure. The cancer is aggressive, and mostly, it’s men over 65 who are most affected. Know that this cancer is incurable, but it can be treated with chemotherapy. However, many are getting the grim news that their average survival rate is only 12 months, so early diagnosis is really important. When chemo is continuous, patients can generally live longer, especially with specialized care, but know that this is going to be a difficult journey ahead.
Identification of Who Was Responsible for the Exposure
For those who have worked in the correctional facility, the responsible parties can often include the facility operators. There are a lot of law firms like Belluck Law that can review extensively the patient’s medical records, and they can also identify the materials that may have been used during Sing Sing’s construction.
These attorneys are going to step in, and they’ll investigate the connection thoroughly so the exposure points can be traced as the cause of the cancer. This can help individuals seek compensation through trust claims that can immensely help with their treatment expenses. The professionals will also determine whether the patient is entitled to compensation (https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/social-sciences/compensation-law) in the first place. This is just the first step towards financial recovery, and this step can also encourage others to seek justice.
The Importance of Awareness Moving Forward
Since many people are dying from mesothelioma, it’s just natural that the material is now banned in many construction sites. Property owners are now required to be aware of the presence of asbestos in their property to avoid risks, and many construction workers now have comprehensive knowledge about the material so they can protect themselves when working with older facilities.
Others are doing regular checkups, and they wear PPE for safe handling. They’re also trying to detect the cancer before it progresses. For those who know someone who has worked with a correctional facility that has been diagnosed with asbestos-related disease, they should consult a lawyer who can offer them a free consultation and ensure that they get the fair amount of compensation that they deserve.