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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, most of us have been
exposed to asbestos in small quantities. However, routine handling of asbestos
is the primary indicator for mesothelioma.
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. 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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