For generations, the Northeast Ohio area has played a crucial role in fueling the industrialization wave in America. From the steel mills of the Mahoning Valley and the automotive facilities surrounding Cleveland, to construction sites throughout Akron and manufacturing facilities in the area, thousands of workers build successful careers in these industries to support their families.
However, what they don’t understand is that their years in these industries may interfere with their lives after retirement. That’s why learning about occupational health issues is vital for senior Northeast Ohio residents who want to remain healthy while ensuring their families’ financial security.
Asbestos-Related Lung Cancer
Asbestos was nothing less than a miracle material for most of the 20th century. However, it was later known that asbestos fibers can lead to serious forms of cancer and lung disease. Unfortunately, it was impossible for workers in the construction industry, automobile factories, shipyards, and the military community within Northeast Ohio to avoid inhaling those fibers.
The problem is that the effects of asbestos fibers take time to manifest. Those microscopic fibers can stay in the lungs for decades, causing scarring and inflammation that eventually lead to lung cancer. In most cases, someone exposed to asbestos may develop lung cancer or other complications anywhere from 15 to 50 years following the very first exposure.
It suggests that a construction worker who was exposed to asbestos in the 70s isn’t likely to get a cancer diagnosis until late in retirement. However, they should understand that if companies knowingly exposed them to asbestos or failed to warn them properly, it’s possible to hold them responsible for the resulting harm. This is exactly the reason why many families end up filing a lung cancer lawsuit, to manage medical expenses, which can cost over $140,000 with insurance.
Silicosis and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)
Asbestos was not the only kind of hazardous substance Northeast Ohio workers encountered on the job. Silica dust was just as common. It was inhaled by sandblasters, foundry workers, stonemasons, and those in quarrying operations. Similarly, those working in grain elevators, textile mills, and metal fabrication facilities were also exposed to various occupational dusts that caused all sorts of respiratory issues.
Silicosis results from continuously breathing in silica particles, which leads to lung inflammation and scarring. Silicosis and asbestosis are similar in how they can take many years to progress from being asymptomatic to symptomatic. The worker may retire in relatively good health, but begin to experience breathing problems after several years. The situation gets worse when silicosis is accompanied by COPD, causing irreversible lung damage.
For individuals who have retired and find themselves experiencing issues, such as shortness of breath, a nagging cough, or chest discomfort, it’s vital to discuss everything with a doctor familiar with occupational health problems. Additionally, if your condition is work-related, you should work with an attorney to see if you’re eligible for workers’ compensation or occupational health assistance.
Endnote
If you’re a retiree in the Northeast Ohio area with a history of occupational exposure and have received a concerning diagnosis, you must act now. Taking these steps now can help you access appropriate treatment, understand your rights, and make informed decisions about your health and your family’s future.
