Unfortunately, asbestos—the cause of mesothelioma in tens of thousands of individuals annually—can be found in many different substances, including in alcoholic drinks.
According to reports, chrysotile and amphibole asbestos fibers have been used by various manufacturers during production of their alcohol. For many, understanding how this can happen is important before you believe that all drinks are bad.
Prior to the 1980s, many of the manufacturers used filtration systems with specific filters known as pulp cakes. These are made from cotton and asbestos fibers for their ability to block out microorganisms. However, these filters were also a serious risk to release asbestos fibers.
It wasn’t until the 1980s, though, that the United States stopped using pulp-cake filters. Similarly, wine was produced using asbestos filters until the 1970s.
During the time these fibers were used, workers would open bags of raw asbestos during the filtering process. They would often discard the bags onto the floors and leave them, releasing the asbestos fibers into the air with the foot traffic and movement in the area. This puts these workers in danger following the latency period associated with mesothelioma.
Knowing where your favorite drink comes from, whether or not that country still legalizes the use of asbestos, and what is in your drink is important. This can help protect from potential exposure to asbestos and the long-term effects of mesothelioma.
Mesothelioma Attorneys On Your Side
Our mesothelioma lawyers work hard to protect those suffering from mesothelioma following asbestos exposure. It’s important for individuals to be aware of the potential causes and what rights they have should they be affected.
If you or someone you love needs legal help, call our team today at (713) 787-3733.