It’s long been known that asbestos poses a significant risk of mesothelioma for shipyard workers, factory workers, construction workers, and veterans, whose occupations and work environments were significantly contaminated with asbestos prior to the 1970s. But a recent study conducted by Italian researchers has found that the deadly mineral endangered employees in other, less obvious settings, including agricultural laborers employed by farms.
Asbestos Hidden in Farm Settings Leads to Mesothelioma
The mesothelioma study, conducted by researchers from the Occupational Health Unit at Fondazione IRCCS Ca’ Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico in Milan, searched for cases of mesothelioma reported in the Lombardi region between the years 2000 and 2016.
The group found that the Lombardi region’s mesothelioma registry included 26 farm or seed trade workers. Further investigation in the form of a questionnaire revealed that each had been exposed to asbestos from sources not immediately thought to be dangerous.
Included in the asbestos-contaminated materials blamed for the workers’ mesothelioma were recycled jute bags that had originally held asbestos; asbestos tiles used in farm building roof repairs; asbestos filters used for making wine; and brake linings used while maintaining and repairing tractors.
Mesothelioma Affects Workers in Diverse Occupations
Though agriculture is not high on the list of industries traditionally linked to mesothelioma, the sources of the afflicted workers’ exposure make sense once identified, and the work itself is similar in nature to others in which asbestos exposure is common.
There are other occupations where asbestos-related illnesses feel more shocking. Educators and healthcare professionals working in buildings constructed are being diagnosed with mesothelioma today, and the same has held true for employees in federal and state office buildings.
If you or someone you love has been diagnosed with mesothelioma or another asbestos-related disease, there’s a good chance it is a result of on-the-job exposure. For help in facing the many challenges that come with the disease, contact the Patient Advocates at Mesothelioma.net today at 1-800-692-8608.
