New book, The Cancer Factory, reveals toxic exposure risks faced by U.S. workers

Even as awareness of the dangers of chemical exposure grows, cancer cases continue to rise. The National Cancer Institute estimates that two million people will be diagnosed with cancer in 2024. Meanwhile, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health estimates that many of these cases are caused by exposure to workplace chemicals, such as asbestos, silica, benzene, chromium and others.

That’s what Jim Morris’s new book, The Cancer Factory, explores. Morris’s book describes ongoing efforts by corporations to hide or downplay the dangers of chemical exposure to avoid the added costs from changing production processes or better protecting workers.

Hazardous Chemicals in the Workplace

Morris highlights one example of a factory in Tyler, Texas, that was in operation from 1954 to 1972, long after the health risks of asbestos exposure had been known. Even though the plant closed more than 50 years ago, workers continued to suffer and die from mesothelioma — a deadly form of cancer caused by exposure to asbestos — through the 2010s.

Morris’s book builds on the work of another journalist, Paul Brodeur, who documented the troubles at the Tyler factory in an award-winning investigation. Brodeur found that the factory failed to adequately clean up the contamination, pointing out that bags tainted with asbestos had been sent to a local nursery to use to package plants, while politicians failed to provide any oversight. The following quote from a Texas politician sums up this attitude: “I think we are all willing to have a little bit of crud in our lungs and a full stomach rather than a whole lot of clean air and nothing to eat. And I don’t want a bunch of environmentalists and communists telling me what’s good for my life and family.”

Even though the science is clear regarding the dangers of asbestos and other toxic chemicals used in manufacturing, exposure to these chemicals continues to be a real threat to workers and their families. Employers have a responsibility to protect their workers from dangerous chemicals, and they can be held legally liable when they fail to do so. In fact, civil lawsuits have played a key role in exposing negligent corporate practices and improving workplace safety.

How does asbestos exposure cause disease?

Breathing in or swallowing asbestos can cause a type of cancer called mesothelioma, which affects the lining of the lungs, stomach, or heart. The tiny asbestos fibers can get stuck in these linings, causing swelling and damage over time, which can lead to mesothelioma tumors.

Asbestos can cause other serious health problems, including asbestosis and cancers of the lungs, kidney, throat and voice box.

What are the symptoms of asbestos exposure and mesothelioma?

When exposed to asbestos, a person may not notice symptoms right away. Coughing, breathing issues, or chest pain may develop many years after exposure. Symptoms of mesothelioma and other types of asbestos-caused cancers often vary, but common signs include a cough that won’t go away, chest pain, feeling very tired, trouble breathing, losing weight, and a swollen or painful belly.

How We Help Victims of Asbestos Exposure

Seek justice with the help of our experienced asbestos attorneys. Our asbestos law firm has represented individuals like you affected by asbestos exposure for over 20 years, aggressively fighting the corporate giants responsible for their dangerous products. If you or a loved one were exposed to asbestos or suffered from a disease caused by asbestos, like mesothelioma, we can help.