Hairdressers and Asbestos
Surprisingly, workers in the hairdressing industry have been affected by asbestos exposure and the resulting health problems including mesothelioma cancer. The two products responsible for asbestos exposure within this industry are the hand-held hairdryer and the hood-type hairdryer that could be found in the beauty shops of the 1950’s, 1960’s, and 1970’s.
Asbestos Products in the Beauty Industry
Asbestos was used in both the hand-held and bonnet hood hairdryers because of its unique resistance to heat and electrical damage. Asbestos was able to provide protection and regulate heat so as not to affect the electrical components of the hairdryer or make it hot to the touch. Unfortunately because hairdryers in use are blowing air, they had the potential to release dangerous asbestos fibers. When inhaled, this can lead to a number of health problems including asbestosis and the following cancers: mesothelioma, lung, esophageal, gastrointestinal, laryngeal, and pharyngeal.
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Study Confirmed Asbestos Fibers Were Being Released
In 1979, the National Institute on Safety and Health ran a study to test asbestos in 30 different hairdryers. The results of the study showed that significant amounts of asbestos fibers were being released during the operation of hairdryers. The report ultimately resulted in the end of production and sale of asbestos-containing hairdryers by almost 40 manufacturers including Clairol, Conair, General Electric, Gillette, J.C. Penney, Sears, and Schick.
The results of the study were enough to require the elimination of asbestos in hairdryers and set the foundation for the Consumer Protection Commission’s future determinations regarding asbestos in consumer products.
Family and Friends at Risk for Asbestos Exposure
As with most occupational asbestos exposures, the on-site beauty shop workers were not the only people at risk for asbestosis, mesothelioma, and the other health risks. Hairdressers and barbers often returned to their homes covered in asbestos fibers, putting both family and friends at risk as well.
Were You Exposed to Asbestos at Your Hairdresser Job?
It is recommended that people who have spent a significant period of time working with and around hairdryers get a full physical evaluation by a medical doctor. Mesothelioma, a rare and aggressive cancer caused by asbestos exposure, often takes 15-40 years to manifest and victims average only one year of life after diagnosis. Thus, it is important to catch the disease in its early stages. At-risk beauty workers should pay close attention to any mesothelioma symptoms which include fluid in the lungs, chest pain, coughing, shortness of breath and fatigue.
Mesothelioma Attorneys May be Able to Help
If you have been diagnosed with mesothelioma and believe you were exposed to asbestos over the course of your hairdressing career, you may be entitled to financial compensation. To learn more about your legal options, please contact us for a free case evaluation. Thousands of victims have been helped by mesothelioma attorneys to receive the mesothelioma settlements they may deserve.