Toll collectors, particularly those who worked in older toll booths, may have been exposed to asbestos, a material commonly used in construction and various industries due to its heat-resistant properties. However, asbestos is also a known carcinogen and can lead to serious health issues, including mesothelioma, lung cancer, and asbestosis.
Bailey & Glasser, LLP is here to help people who have developed these health issues. Get in touch with us today for a free consultation to discuss how we may be able to help you.
How are Toll Collectors at Risk?
The risk for toll collectors arises from several factors:
- Asbestos in older buildings and booths: Toll booths, particularly older structures, might have contained asbestos in roofing, insulation, tiles, and other building materials. Disturbance of these materials during maintenance, renovation, or demolition could release asbestos fibers into the air.
- Vehicle-related sources: Older vehicles might have contained asbestos in brake pads, clutches, and gaskets. As these vehicles pass through toll booths, asbestos fibers could potentially be released and inhaled by toll collectors.
- Limited ventilation: Toll booths, especially older or poorly maintained ones, often have limited ventilation, which could increase the concentration of airborne asbestos fibers.
- Lack of protective measures: In the past, there might have been a lack of awareness or protective measures regarding asbestos exposure. Toll collectors may not have been provided with appropriate respiratory protection or other safety equipment.
- Proximity to traffic and construction: Toll booths are typically located near heavy traffic and sometimes near construction sites, both of which can be sources of asbestos exposure.
Asbestos Sources
Asbestos was widely used in construction materials before its dangers were fully understood. Toll booths built several decades ago might contain asbestos in insulation, roofing, tiles, and other building materials. As these materials age or are disturbed during maintenance or renovation, asbestos fibers can become airborne and pose an inhalation risk.
Older heating and cooling systems in toll booths might have contained asbestos insulation. Disturbance or deterioration of these systems could release asbestos fibers into the confined space of a toll booth.
Manufacturers of Asbestos-Containing Toll Booths and Equipment
- Abex Corporation: Abex Corporation produced various friction products such as brake shoes, brake linings, and brake locks.
- Anchor Packing Company: Started out manufacturing industrial sealing products, they later expanded their line to include gaskets and brake linings.
- Armstrong World Industries: Armstrong World Industries construction materials for commercial, residential, and industrial settings.
- Ford Motor Company: Automobile and parts manufacturer that sold under various names Ford, Mercury, and Motorcraft.
- General Motors: General Motors manufactured automobile parts, including clutch linings, brake shoes, brake linings, and brakes.
- Johns Manville: Produced a wide range of construction products that would have been used in toll booths.
- National Automotive Parts Association (NAPA): NAPA distributed and sold various auto parts such as gaskets, brake pads, brake linings, and clutch linings.
Final Thoughts
It’s important to note that asbestos-related diseases often take years to develop after exposure. Therefore, toll collectors who were exposed to asbestos many years ago might only now be experiencing symptoms. If this sounds like you, call Bailey & Glasser, LLP today for a free consultation to discuss your options for moving forward.
