OCCUPATIONAL HAZARDS

What types of workers are at high risk for asbestos-related illnesses?

Since the early 1940s, millions of American workers have been exposed to asbestos. Workers in the shipbuilding industry, asbestos mining and milling workers, manufacturers of asbestos products and construction workers have all been identified as high-risk for asbestos illnesses. Asbestos removal workers and firefighters are also at risk to exposure to asbestos fibers.

Those involved in the rescue, recovery and cleanup of the September 11, 2001, World Trade Center tragedy in New York City have recently been identified as another at-risk group.  Asbestos was used in the construction of the North Tower of the WTC. When the building collapsed many hundreds of tons of asbestos were released into the atmosphere.  (There are on-going studies with the 9/11 population.)

Government regulations enacted in the 1980s have minimized many of the risks faced by today’s workers.

OCCUPATIONS

The following occupations present the highest risk for exposure to asbestos fibers:

• Construction workers handling or installing insulation.
• Miners
• Auto Mechanics
• Roofers
• Factory Workers
• Electricians
• Ship builders
• Railroad workers
• Gas mask manufacturers

TYPES OF MATERIALS CONTAINING ASBESTOS

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	Chalkboards
Elevator Brake Shoes	Spray-Applied Insulation
Cement Wallboard	Roofing Shingles
HVAC Duct Insulation	Blown-in Insulation
Cement Siding	Roofing Felt
Boiler Insulation	Fireproofing Materials
Asphalt Floor Tile	Base Flashing
Breaching Insulation	Taping Compounds (thermal)
Vinyl Floor Tile	Thermal Paper Products
Ductwork Flexible Fabric Connections	Packing Materials (for wall/floor penetrations)
Vinyl Sheet Flooring	Fire Doors
Cooling Towers	High Temperature Gaskets
Flooring Backing	Caulking/Putties
Pipe Insulation (corrugated air-cell, block, etc.)	Laboratory Hoods/Table Tops
Construction Mastics (floor tile, carpet, ceiling tile, etc.)	Adhesives
Heating and Electrical Ducts	Laboratory Gloves
Acoustical Plaster	Wallboard
Electrical Panel Partitions	Fire Blankets
Decorative Plaster	Joint Compounds
Electrical Cloth	Fire Curtains
Textured Paints/Coatings	Vinyl Wall Coverings
Electric Wiring Insulation	Elevator Equipment Panels
Ceiling Tiles and Lay-in Panels	Spackling Compounds

 

Scores of corporations that manufactured and profited from the sale of asbestos-containing products knew the health hazards as early as the 1920s. 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 1980s. These manufacturers did not advise workers of the dangers of asbestos. Consequently, many Americans 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.