Chemical companies like Akzo Nobel may have had numerous facilities in the past that were filled with toxic materials. It is no secret that large chemical outfits used asbestos in their buildings to work as a an insulator.
For decades Akzo Nobel has been a leader in providing paints coatings, but perhaps at a risk to former staff members. Serious health risks have been documented and thousands of paint factory workers have later been diagnosed with mesothelioma, lung cancer, pulmonary fibrosis and other related occupational lung disease.
Popular Akzo products include automotive coatings, specialized equipment for car repair and transportation market and marine coatings. The coatings include the following:
- Decorative Paints
- Marine Coatings
- Automotive Coatings
- Industrial Coatings
- Powder Coatings
Workers at various AkzoNobel plants around the U.S. may have been at risk of asbestos exposure and later diagnosis of asbestos-related disease.
What was asbestos so commonly used in chemical and paint plants? Because it was an effective industrial insulator, it was durable, cheap and resistant to heat and fire. It was used regularly not just in industrial areas but in schools, homes and hospitals. Of course, when it was common knowledge that the material was extremely toxic, the use was widely discontinued. But by 1980, millions of American workers were exposed to the toxins and were at risk that sometimes didn’t present itself until decades later.
If any employer failed to protect workers from known asbestos hazards, they can file an injury claim after an official diagnosis.
Joe Lyon is an asbestos lawyer representing plaintiffs nationwide in toxic exposure and mesothelioma cancer claims.
Was I Exposure to Asbestos at Akzo Nobel?
Many workers were exposed to toxins. Some develop cancer, others do not. But like many paint and chemical companies, Akzo Nobel plants were built with toxic insulation that could have led to serious consequences.
Mesothelioma and other related cancers can lay dormant for many years after exposure. When symptoms do appear, they may include:
- Chest pain
- Pain in the lower back
- Trouble breathing
- Persistent cough
- Fatigue
- Weight loss
- Trouble swallowing
