Workers who were employed on offshore oil rigs from the 1960s to the 1980s may be in danger of developing cancer or serious respiratory illnesses due to asbestos exposure. Many of the materials used at these sites contained high amounts of asbestos, placing workers at risk of developing mesothelioma, lung cancer, asbestosis, or other diseases caused by asbestos.
The first offshore oil wells were built in Ohio during the later half of the 19th century. Over the following decades, hundreds of oil platforms were built along the Gulf Coast and in other U.S. waters. Today, the principle locations for offshore drilling in the U.S. are the coasts of Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama and California.
Many of the drilling mud additives used on offshore oil rigs contained high levels of asbestos. Workers who mixed these thickeners with the drilling mud may have been exposed to asbestos particles that were inadvertently spread in the areas where they worked. These additives—also known as drilling fluid additives—were manufactured by Union Carbide and several other companies, and were sold under names such as Visbestos, Suber Visbestos, Flosal, Visquik, Shurlift, Superbest, Univis and Arcovis.
Oil platform workers may have also been exposed to asbestos materials that were used to insulate work equipment or from asbestos fire suits that many oil workers wore to protect them from the intense heat onboard the rig. When these suits and materials became worn with age, asbestos fibers may become loose and spread throughout the work area, exposing workers to significant health risks.
Oil Rig Workers at Risk of Mesothelioma & Lung Cancer
Oil rig workers are at significant risk of asbestos diseases due to the widespread use of asbestos-containing materials in drilling operations. Asbestos was commonly used on oil rigs for insulation, fireproofing, gaskets, brake linings, and valves because of its heat resistance and durability. When these materials are disturbed—during maintenance, repair, or demolition—hazardous asbestos fibers can become airborne and inhaled by workers.
Prolonged or repeated exposure to asbestos can lead to serious health conditions, including mesothelioma, lung cancer, and asbestosis. Because these illnesses often take decades to develop, many former oil rig workers may not connect their diagnosis to earlier exposure on the job. Even workers who had limited contact with asbestos materials may still face elevated risks.
Free Asbestos Health Exam for Oil Rig Workers
If you or a loved one worked on an oil rig or other jobsites where asbestos products were used before 1982, you may be eligible to receive a free health examination to find out if you have developed diseases caused by asbestos exposure.
Workers, their spouses, and adult children who have been affected by mesothelioma or asbestos lung cancer may qualify to file a lawsuit and receive compensation.
For more information about receiving an asbestos medical exam or to file a claim, contact the lawyers at Hissey, Mulderig & Friend by calling toll-free at 1-855-500-3734. You can also reach us by filling out the free case evaluation form located on the top left side of this page.
After we receive your information, a member of our staff will contact you to help schedule your free asbestos test.
