Occupations at Risk for Asbestos Exposure
Unknown to most people, low levels of asbestos are present in the air, water, and soil. Although almost everyone gets exposed to some level of asbestos during their lifetime, it typically requires long-term asbestos exposure to cause the harmful health risks. This includes mesothelioma, a rare and aggressive cancer caused by asbestos fibers. The majority of people who become ill from asbestos have been exposed on a regular basis, most often because of their occupation and work history. Usually, they either directly handled asbestos or worked in an environment with a high concentration of asbestos fibers in the air. From 1940 through 1979, approximately 27,500,000 individuals experienced asbestos exposure at work.
Industries with High Risk for Asbestos Exposure
Asbestos, because of its resistance to heat, electrical and chemical damage, sound absorption and tensile strength, became common in numerous manufactured products and building materials. Unfortunately, this has affected a number of industries which show a high risk for mesothelioma, asbestosis, and other cancers including lung, esophageal, gastrointestinal, laryngeal, and pharyngeal.
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Industries that have been affected by asbestos exposures include:
• Construction: Asbestos was used to reinforce cement, plastic and a number of building products including insulation, roofing, and fireproof materials.
• Aerospace: Many aircraft parts including brakes, brake linings, seating gaskets, and insulation were produced using asbestos.
• Automotive: Asbestos was used in auto parts such as brakes and clutches because of its heat-resistant properties.
• Shipping and Shipbuilding: Asbestos insulation for certain areas of ships including boilers, incinerators, hot water pipes and steam pipes.
• Railroad: Asbestos was used to insulate a variety of locomotive areas along with individual parts such as brake and clutch linings.
• Metal Craftsmen: Protective clothing and work areas often contained asbestos for its heat and fire resistant properties.
• Manufacturing: Workers in the plants where asbestos products were created are at risk for mesothelioma, asbestosis, and other health problems. This includes cement plants, steel mills, textile mills, and many others.
• Others: Firefighter, miners, custodians, and hairdressers are among the other occupations affected by asbestos exposure.
Family Members of Asbestos Workers are at Higher Risk
Family members of people who work in high risk asbestos environment have been shown to have an increased risk for developing asbestos-related health problems like mesothelioma, asbestosis, and other cancers. The risk is that the worker can bring home the asbestos fibers on their clothes, skin, and hair. These fibers can be released into the home environment and create asbestos-related health risks for the family. Laundry was another risk because the asbestos worker’s clothes were often washed with the rest of the family clothing and the asbestos fibers were transferred.
Asbestos Regulation and Current Uses
In 1989, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency banned all new uses of asbestos, but all uses developed before 1989 were still permitted. Although the government has regulations for worksites with asbestos material, many employers fail to educate their employees on proper procedures and equipment. Asbestos exposure continues to remain a problem in an industry like construction, where workers face risk in older buildings.
Were You Exposed to Asbestos at Your Occupation?
If you have been diagnosed with mesothelioma and believe you were exposed to asbestos at work, you may be entitled to financial compensation. To learn more about your legal options regarding a possible mesothelioma settlement, please contact an asbestos lawyer.