Asbestos Exposure in New Jersey Sheet Metal Workers: What Families Need to Know

Introduction: Why New Jersey Sheet Metal Workers Are at Risk

New Jersey’s shipyards, refineries, power plants, and construction sites relied heavily on the skill of sheet metal workers. Unfortunately, many of these workplaces also contained asbestos, a toxic mineral widely used for insulation and fireproofing. As a result, countless NJ sheet metal workers and their families are now coping with mesothelioma, lung cancer, and other asbestos-related illnesses.

Where New Jersey Sheet Metal Workers Encountered Asbestos

Sheet metal workers in New Jersey were often exposed in:

• Camden and Kearny Shipyards: Shipbuilding used asbestos for insulation and fireproofing.

• Newark Power Plants and Factories: Boilers, turbines, and duct systems were heavily insulated with asbestos.

• Jersey City and Newark Construction Sites: High-rise and commercial construction before the 1980s used asbestos products.

• Refineries in Bayonne and Linden: Asbestos lined pipes, tanks, and ducts.

Even workers not directly handling asbestos could inhale fibers disturbed during repairs, cutting, or demolition.

Health Risks for New Jersey Workers

Asbestos exposure can take decades to manifest. The most common illnesses include:

• Mesothelioma

• Lung Cancer

• Asbestosis

• Pleural thickening

  
  

These diseases are life-threatening and often diagnosed late due to long latency periods.

Symptoms to Watch For

Families of NJ sheet metal workers should watch for:

• Shortness of breath

• Persistent cough

• Chest pain

• Fatigue and weight loss

If these appear, medical evaluation is urgent.

Legal Rights in New Jersey

New Jersey courts have a long history of asbestos litigation. Workers may be entitled to:

• Asbestos trust fund compensation

• Lawsuits against manufacturers who supplied asbestos products

The NJ statute of limitations makes early action essential.

Treatment Resources in New Jersey

• Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey (New Brunswick)

• Hackensack University Medical Center (Hackensack)

These centers provide specialized care for mesothelioma and lung diseases linked to asbestos.

How Our Firm Helps

Cohen, Placitella & Roth has deep roots in New Jersey and decades of experience representing asbestos victims. We investigate exposure history, connect families with medical specialists, and pursue maximum compensation through every available channel.

Call to Action

If you or a loved one worked as a sheet metal worker in New Jersey and face an asbestos-related diagnosis, contact us today. We offer free case evaluations and guide families through the legal and medical journey