Asbestos Exposure Risks in Smithville, Tennessee

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News Summary

Former employees of the Nuturn and Federal-Mogul plants face serious health risks from past asbestos exposure in Smithville, Tennessee, raising alarm.

Asbestos-Related Health Risks Still Loom in Smithville, Tennessee

In the quiet town of Smithville, Tennessee, the lingering shadow of asbestos exposure raises alarming concerns for former employees of the Nuturn plant and the Federal-Mogul plant. These industrial sites have been linked to serious health risks, producing cases of asbestos-related diseases that can take anywhere from 30 to 40 years to manifest in workers.

The Grim Reality

Dr. Hugh Don Cripps, a family practice physician in the area, has treated numerous patients suffering from asbestos-related diseases. Among these unfortunate cases is a patient who succumbed to asbestosis, a chronic lung disease caused by inhaling asbestos fibers. Symptoms of this disease include alarming lung tissue scarring and debilitating shortness of breath, facts that have been substantiated by medical sources such as the Mayo Clinic.

Most cases of asbestosis were diagnosed in individuals exposed to asbestos before federal regulations were enforced in the 1970s. Such legislation has since strictly controlled the handling and use of asbestos, yet the ramifications of past exposure remain dire for many.

Legal Troubles for Federal-Mogul

The toxic legacy of asbestos at the Federal-Mogul plant is not just a health crisis but also a legal battlefield. In 2001, the company filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy after facing an avalanche of lawsuits from employees suffering from asbestos-related illnesses. This bankruptcy was a direct consequence of the overwhelming medical and legal claims against the company. It re-emerged in 2007 with a structured plan that included various asbestos trust fund subsidiaries specifically designed to compensate victims of these devastating diseases.

Asbestos-related diseases often have a delayed onset, with symptoms typically not appearing until 10 to 40 years after initial exposure. This extended latency period adds a layer of complexity to the situation, as individuals who believed they were safely past the danger may still face life-threatening illnesses such as mesothelioma, asbestosis, and lung cancer.

Time for Change

The Federal-Mogul plant in Smithville, which resided on Grizzly Lane until its closure in 2018, has a troubled past but is currently operating under new ownership. After being sold to Tenneco Corporation, the company has transformed the production process. Tenneco has replaced asbestos with synthetic materials for the manufacturing of brake lines and automotive parts, moving away from the hazardous practices of the past.

Joseph Cannon, the manager of the Air Pollution Division, confirmed that Tenneco now adheres to strict health regulations and does not use asbestos or other harmful chemicals in its manufacturing processes. Furthermore, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has thoroughly investigated the plant’s history and cleared it of any wrongdoing regarding past emissions, alleviating some public concern.

However, residents recall harsh emissions during previous operations, which have left lasting memories of the potential dangers presented by the plant.

Ongoing Risks and Health Services

Despite Tenneco’s efforts to move forward, workers from the inception of the plant’s operation in the 1970s until its sale in 2018 remain at a significantly elevated risk for asbestos-related diseases. It is crucial for these individuals to remain vigilant regarding their health and seek regular medical check-ups.

For those concerned about potential exposure to asbestos, numerous resources are available. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration can be reached at 202-693-1999, while the DeKalb County Health Department is available at 615-597-7599. Additionally, the Tennessee Department of Environmental Protection offers contact information for specialists like Randall Harrison and Adrianne White for those needing specific inquiries.

Moreover, individuals who believe they have been exposed should consider the free asbestos testing available by contacting 1-855-500-3734. It is worth noting that while testing may be free of charge, asbestos removal services do incur costs, typically available in larger state cities.

The shadows of asbestos-related health risks remain real and persistent for many residents in Smithville, a sobering reminder of the impact of industrial practices on human health. Remaining informed and proactive is the best defense against the legacy of this hazardous substance.