Asbestos was once marveled as the “miracle fiber” of the 20^th century. Its heat and fire resistant properties made it an obvious choice for use in places where extremely high temperatures were part of job. Nowhere is this more prevalent than in the metal working industry. Plants that manufacture steel and aluminum often used asbestos in a number of different applications to help protect against fire and heat. The use of asbestos in this industry probably saved many lives, but that is no excuse to ignore the harmful and hazardous attributes of asbestos.

Some workers in these plants even wore asbestos clothing to help combat the extremely high temperatures. Asbestos was used to make pants, shirts, gloves, and even face masks. This type of close exposure to asbestos is extremely dangerous and made it very easy for the average worker to inhale hazardous asbestos fibers.

If you or a loved one was exposed to asbestos by a career in metal works it is important to be examined by a doctor for possible asbestos related problems. Early detection of mesothelioma and other asbestos related ailments can drastically change the prognosis for the affected individual and offer physicians a much wider variety of treatment options.