A mesothelioma sufferers’ group has today spoken about the importance that retired oil refinery workers must look out for symptoms of the condition. It has emerged in recent years just to what extent the oil refineries of the United States and indeed the world were filled with asbestos, which is considered to be the primary cause of mesothelioma, in the last century – up to as late as the 1990s.

Our mining correspondent says: “It is not yet known what impact these warnings could have for the mining industry itself. Certainly through the 50s, 60s and 70s the oil refineries of the nation were absolutely packed with asbestos. People who worked in refineries during that time and who develop or have developed mesothelioma may be entitled to damages.”

Mesothelioma class action lawsuits are already in existence for people who have worked in asbestos -heavy environments. To this end a number of companies have set aside funds to serve as compensation for the victims, but the effect of retired refinery workers paying closer attention for tell-tale signs of mesothelioma could mean that those funds need to be larger.

Our correspondent states: “The causal link between a work environment which is heavy with asbestos and a worker developing mesothelioma is by now well known. So it may be that the bulk of the lawsuits to be had with regard to this issue have already been decided. However, this will still send a chill through the industry until the full story is known.”