August 9th, 2007

A man from Adelaide in Australia has filed a lawsuit against a company claiming that he was exposed to asbestos because of the company, and that this exposure then led to health problems. Asbestos is a known carcinogenic, and exposure to airborne asbestos dust and fibers can result in a number of health problems, such as scarring of the lungs, respiratory problems, and a form of cancer known as mesothelioma.

Resources company BHP Billiton is being sued by seventy-one year-old Rodney King. Mr. King once worked for the company as a fitter and was exposed to asbestos insulation on all types of equipment and piping. He claims that he was exposed to asbestos forty years ago while working in the area.

King was diagnosed with terminal lung cancer and asbestosis as a result of the alleged exposure to asbestos. Now hospitalized as a result of his injuries, King is suing more than one company, as he is also suing the manufacturers of the asbestos products that he had to work with.

King stated that the health risks associated with exposure to airborne asbestos dust and fibers were widely known by the company and the manufacturers, but no warning was ever issued whilst working with asbestos on a daily or regular basis.