Understanding the Ongoing Threat of Asbestos Exposure in the Workplace
Asbestos is a well-documented health hazard regulated by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Despite a significant reduction in its use, asbestos remains dangerous and is in many residential and commercial environments, posing serious health risks.
When asbestos-containing materials deteriorate or are disturbed, they can release microscopic fibers into the air. Inhaling or ingesting these fibers can lead to serious health issues, as they can become lodged in the tissues of the lungs or digestive system and remain there indefinitely. Over time, these fibers can cause life-threatening diseases, including mesothelioma, an aggressive and almost always fatal cancer, as well as other serious respiratory conditions.
According to the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), despite a significant decrease in the use of asbestos and asbestos-containing products, these materials still exist in many residential and commercial buildings. As a result, workers across numerous occupations continue to face the risk of asbestos exposure. OSHA estimates that more than 500,000 workers are currently exposed to asbestos, with millions more having been exposed in the past. Asbestos exposure is not confined to those directly handling the material. Family members can also be at risk through secondary exposure, often occurring when workers unknowingly bring asbestos fibers home on their clothing or hair.
High-Risk Occupations
Certain occupations carry a higher risk of asbestos exposure due to the nature of their work or the environments in which they operate. Here are ten occupations that are most at risk in 2024:
Shipyard Workers: Military personnel, particularly those who served in the U.S. Navy, have historically encountered substantial exposure to asbestos. The material was widely used in the military, making it a critical component in numerous applications.. The material’s ability to withstand high temperatures made it ideal for use in insulation, fireproofing, and other protective measures. Unfortunately, many service members worked in close proximity to asbestos-containing materials without adequate protective measures or awareness of the associated health risks.
Even today, the legacy of asbestos use in the military continues to pose a threat. Many older military installations and naval ships still contain asbestos, putting current service members and veterans at risk. This is particularly concerning during maintenance, renovation, or decommissioning activities, which can disturb asbestos fibers and release them into the air. Veterans who worked in shipyards, boiler rooms, or construction and maintenance roles are especially vulnerable to asbestos exposure.
Firefighters: Firefighters often encounter asbestos during the course of their duties, especially when responding to fires in older buildings. Many buildings constructed before the 1980s contain asbestos in materials like ceiling tiles, insulation, flooring, and fireproofing products. When these structures catch fire or suffer other types of damage, the asbestos-containing materials can be disturbed, causing the release of harmful asbestos fibers into the air. Firefighters entering such environments may inadvertently inhale these fibers, which can lead to serious health issues over time.
The nature of firefighting significantly heightens the risk of asbestos exposure. During a fire, the high temperatures and chaos can cause asbestos-containing materials to break down and become friable, making it easier for fibers to become airborne. Additionally, the protective gear worn by firefighters, while effective against heat and flames, may not always provide full protection against microscopic asbestos fibers. Despite the use of modern protective equipment and safety protocols, the unpredictable nature of fires and the presence of asbestos in many older structures mean that firefighters remain vulnerable.
Construction Workers: Construction workers frequently encounter asbestos during the renovation or demolition of older buildings since many structures built before the 1980s used asbestos-containing materials. When these materials are disturbed during construction activities, asbestos fibers can be released into the air. The danger is especially pronounced in tasks that involve cutting, sanding, or breaking asbestos-containing materials, which can release large amounts of airborne fibers.
The health risks associated with asbestos exposure are often exacerbated by a lack of awareness and inadequate safety measures. Many construction workers may not be fully informed about the presence of asbestos in the buildings they work on or the proper procedures for handling it safely. This can lead to insufficient protective measures, such as inadequate respiratory protection or failure to use appropriate containment techniques to limit the spread of fibers.
Auto Mechanics: Auto mechanics often encounter asbestos when working on older vehicles, particularly in components such as brake linings and clutch facings. Asbestos was commonly used in these parts due to its exceptional durability and heat-resistant properties, which made it ideal for managing the high temperatures generated by braking and clutch systems. However, these asbestos-containing components can wear down and release asbestos fibers, especially when mechanics handle them during repairs or replacements. Sanding, grinding, or cleaning these parts can further increase the risk of asbestos exposure, as these activities can cause the fibers to become airborne.
The risk of asbestos exposure is heightened for mechanics working in poorly ventilated areas, where asbestos fibers can accumulate and linger in the air. Inhaling these fibers can lead to serious health issues, such as lung cancer, asbestosis, and mesothelioma. Unfortunately, many mechanics may not be fully aware of the dangers posed by asbestos in automotive parts, particularly in older vehicles. Without proper protective equipment and ventilation systems, they are at significant risk.
Insulators: Insulators face significant risks of asbestos exposure when working with older thermal insulation materials. It was commonly used in products such as pipe insulation, boiler coverings, and wall insulation. These materials can become hazardous when they are cut, removed, or disturbed during maintenance, renovation, or demolition work. The process can release microscopic asbestos fibers into the air, posing a serious health risk to those involved.
The danger is particularly acute for insulators working in confined spaces, such as attics, crawl spaces, or mechanical rooms, where ventilation may be limited. In such environments, asbestos fibers can easily become concentrated in the air, increasing the likelihood of inhalation. Without proper protective equipment, such as respirators and protective clothing, insulators are at a heightened risk of developing asbestos-related illnesses like mesothelioma, lung cancer, and asbestosis.
Plumbers: Plumbers working with older infrastructure often encounter asbestos in various forms such as pipes, adhesives, and sealants. Asbestos was favored for its durability, strength, and heat resistance, making it ideal for applications where these properties were crucial, such as in pipe insulation and sealing materials. Despite regulations limiting its use in newer constructions, many older buildings still contain asbestos materials in their plumbing systems.
Plumbers face heightened risks of asbestos exposure, especially when working in confined spaces or alongside other tradespeople who may disturb asbestos-containing materials. The process of cutting, fitting, or removing asbestos pipes or seals can release asbestos fibers into the air. Once airborne, these microscopic fibers can be easily inhaled, posing serious health risks including the development of asbestos-related diseases such as mesothelioma and lung cancer. Proper training, adherence to safety protocols, and the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) are essential for plumbers to minimize exposure and protect their health while working in environments with potential asbestos hazards.
Boilermakers: Boilermakers face heightened risks of asbestos exposure due to the prevalent use of asbestos in older boiler systems. Asbestos was widely employed for its insulation and fireproofing properties within boilers and related equipment. During maintenance, repair, or removal of these systems, asbestos fibers can be disturbed and released into the air, exposing boilermakers to potential health hazards such as mesothelioma and lung cancer.
The extensive use of asbestos in boiler insulation and associated components means that boilermakers must take stringent precautions to minimize exposure. This includes using PPE, following safe handling procedures, and ensuring adequate ventilation in work areas. Awareness of these risks and adherence to safety protocols are crucial to safeguarding boilermakers’ health and well-being.
Electricians: Electricians may come into contact with asbestos in older electrical equipment and materials, such as wiring insulation, circuit breakers, and electrical panels. Asbestos was extensively used in the electrical industry due to its non-conductive and heat-resistant properties, making it ideal for insulating and protecting electrical components. This widespread use included applications in electrical wiring insulation, where asbestos helped prevent overheating and fires, and in circuit breakers and electrical panels, where it provided crucial fireproofing and thermal insulation.
When electricians perform maintenance, repairs, or upgrades on older electrical systems, they are at risk of disturbing asbestos-containing materials. For example, cutting or stripping old wires, drilling into walls to access electrical conduits, or removing outdated electrical panels can release asbestos fibers into the air. These fibers are microscopic and can be easily inhaled, posing serious health risks. Additionally, working in confined spaces, such as crawl spaces or attics, can exacerbate exposure, as asbestos fibers can accumulate in these areas and remain airborne for extended periods.
Teachers: Many older school buildings, constructed predominantly between the 1940s and 1980s, contain asbestos in various forms such as insulation, tiles, and other building materials. This widespread use was due to asbestos’s affordability, durability, and excellent fire-resistant properties, which made it a preferred choice for enhancing safety in educational environments. However, despite increasing awareness of its health risks over the decades, numerous schools across the country continue to operate in these aging facilities. As these buildings deteriorate with time, whether through natural aging processes, ongoing use, or insufficient maintenance budgets, the likelihood of asbestos fibers being released into the air increases. This poses an ongoing concern for teachers and other school staff who regularly conduct activities that could disturb these materials, such as routine maintenance, classroom setup, or even basic cleaning tasks.
Family Members of Workers: Family members can be exposed to asbestos fibers brought home on workers’ clothing or hair; a phenomenon known as take-home exposure. This occurs when workers do not decontaminate properly before leaving their job sites, allowing asbestos fibers to cling to their clothing, skin, hair, and personal items. When these workers return home, they unwittingly bring these fibers into their living environments, posing a risk to anyone in close proximity.
The impact of take-home asbestos exposure can be severe, as even small amounts of asbestos fibers can cause serious health issues over time. These fibers can become airborne in the home, where family members may inhale or ingest them, leading to potential development of diseases such as mesothelioma, asbestosis, and lung cancer. Children are particularly vulnerable due to their developing respiratory systems and tendency to have close physical contact with their parents.
Staying Informed and Protected
Understanding the risks and history of asbestos is crucial for protecting workers and their families. Awareness and adherence to safety protocols, including the use of protective equipment and proper handling of asbestos-containing materials, are vital for reducing exposure.
If you or someone you know may have been exposed to asbestos, contact us today at 412-471-3980 discuss your case and protect your rights. Our team is committed to advocating for justice and ensuring accountability for those responsible for asbestos exposure.
