Surprising Jobs That Put People at Risk for Asbestos Exposure
Mesothelioma is a rare and still barely understood form of cancer that is caused by exposure to the compound known as asbestos. When the particles of asbestos are breathed in and absorbed into the body it causes many harmful side effects the worst being the development of mesothelioma. There are many ways people have been exposed to asbestos but the workplace is the number one place of exposure and contamination and some of the most at risk occupations still present a risk today. “The most common way for asbestos fibers to enter the body is through breathing. In fact, asbestos containing material is not generally considered to be harmful unless it is releasing dust or fibers into the air where they can be inhaled or ingested. Many of the fibers will become trapped in the mucous membranes of the nose and throat where they can then be removed, but some may pass deep into the lungs, or, if swallowed, into the digestive tract. Once they are trapped in the body, the fibers can cause health problems… Because it is so hard to destroy asbestos fibers, the body cannot break them down or remove them once they are lodged in lung or body tissues. They remain in place where they can cause disease” (Environmental Health and Safety).
Top Five At-Risk Occupations
Many people end up being exposed to asbestos and differing the effects of mesothelioma, lung cancer, and other conditions because of their work environments and the conditions they had to work in day in and day out for years. Many industries made use of products that contained asbestos but the five worst were:
Construction Worker
- Thousands of construction products contained asbestos prior to the 1980s.
- Demolition crews and home renovators often have the highest level of exposure.
- Roofing and flooring materials may still be made with asbestos materials.
Firefighter
- Fires quickly damage asbestos products, causing asbestos fibers to become airborne.
- Asbestos once was used in making firefighter’s clothing, helmets, and boots.
- Many firefighters were exposed during the 9/11 attacks and the following cleanup.
Industrial Worker
- These include mechanics, foremen, trade laborers, engineers, and machinery operators.
- Common asbestos products included papers, textiles, gaskets, insulation and fireproofing.
- Industrial insulators are among the most at risk of asbestos exposure in the industry.
Power Plant Worker
- Many fireproofing spray and pipe insulation were highest for asbestos exposure.
- Cutting old asbestos pipes remains an exposure threat to power plant workers.
- A study found nearly 33 percent of power plant workers had asbestos in sputum samples.
Shipyard Worker
- Nearly 30 percent of mesothelioma lawsuits are from former shipyard workers.
- Those who did construction, demolition, and repair work experienced the most exposure.
- The confined working conditions made asbestos levels dangerously high.
Contact Us For Help With Your Asbestos Case
Our law firm has decade of experience fighting for our clients in a range of personal injury lawsuits. Many have been connected in some way to asbestos exposure or the development of mesothelioma. So, call us today and let us review your case and help you fight for the compensation you deserve!