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Occupational
Hazards
 What
jobs are the most hazardous for asbestos exposure? What types
of workers have the highest risk for Mesothelioma?
With an estimated 5,000 products that contain asbestos,
many of us have been exposed to asbestos in small quantities.
These victims include
powerhouse workers, factory workers, electricians, brake
mechanics, shipyard workers, merchant seaman, plumbers,
mechanics, maintenance workers, engineers, Navy workers and
laborers.
While many uses for asbestos were banned in the mid-1970’s,
the risk from exposure continues today due to mesothelioma’s
long latency (inactive) period of anywhere between 15 – 50
years. Today, asbestos continues to be a threat to workers
exposed through their occupations and in buildings that were
erected prior to the ban.
Asbestos fibers are so toxic, that industrial and trade
worker’s families may be exposed to mesothelioma through
particles that cling to the worker’s clothing, shoes, skin
and hair. This type of “second-hand” exposure to asbestos
is known as Para occupational exposure.
The following occupations present the highest risk for workers
exposed to asbestos fibers:
- Construction workers
handling or installing insulation.
- Miners
- Auto Mechanics
- Roofers
- Factory Workers
- Electricians
- Ship builders
- Railroad workers
- Gas mask manufacturers
The
following is a general list provided by the Environmental
Protection Agency intended to show the types of
materials containing asbestos. It does not include all
products containing asbestos.
| Cement Pipes |
Elevator
Brake Shoes |
| Cement
Wallboard |
HVAC Duct
Insulation |
| Cement
Siding |
Boiler
Insulation |
| Asphalt
Floor Tile |
Breaching
Insulation |
| Vinyl Floor
Tile |
Ductwork
Flexible Fabric Connections |
| Vinyl Sheet
Flooring |
Cooling
Towers |
| Flooring
Backing |
Pipe
Insulation (corrugated air-cell, block, etc.) |
| Construction
Mastics (floor tile, carpet, ceiling tile, etc.) |
Heating and
Electrical Ducts |
| Acoustical
Plaster |
Electrical
Panel Partitions |
| Decorative
Plaster |
Electrical
Cloth |
| Textured
Paints/Coatings |
Electric
Wiring Insulation |
| Ceiling
Tiles and Lay-in Panels |
Chalkboards |
| Spray-Applied
Insulation |
Roofing
Shingles |
| Blown-in
Insulation |
Roofing Felt |
| Fireproofing
Materials |
Base
Flashing |
| Taping
Compounds (thermal) |
Thermal
Paper Products |
| Packing
Materials (for wall/floor penetrations) |
Fire Doors |
| High
Temperature Gaskets |
Caulking/Putties |
| Laboratory
Hoods/Table Tops |
Adhesives |
| Laboratory
Gloves |
Wallboard |
| Fire
Blankets |
Joint
Compounds |
| Fire
Curtains |
Vinyl Wall
Coverings |
| Elevator
Equipment Panels |
Spackling
Compounds |
 A
history of asbestos exposure at work is reported in about 70
percent to 80 percent of all cases. However, an intense
investigation by an experienced attorney familiar with all
relevant products, jobsites, and occupations can help to
identify the asbestos exposures that contributed to the
disease process. If you suffer from mesothelioma
symptoms or have been diagnosed with mesothelioma, you
have legal rights that can help protect your future and
family.
Scores of corporations that manufactured and profited from the
sale of asbestos-containing products knew the health hazards
as early as the 1920's. During the same period, there were
alternatives to asbestos available. Ignoring the deadly risks
and repercussions associated with asbestos, corporations chose
to sell and recklessly use it through the 1980's. These
manufacturers did not advise workers of the dangers of
asbestos and consequently, many Americans who have
unnecessarily and tragically contracted Mesothelioma.
If you worked in a high-risk
industry and have been diagnosed with mesothelioma, or you
have lost someone to an asbestos-related illness, it is your
right to seek compensation from those responsible for your
situation. While monetary compensation will not alleviate your
pain, it will ease the burden of concerns such as medical
bills, lost income, continued support for loved ones, and may
aid in your situation in many other ways. Learn about your
legal options, click
here.
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