Industries and Occupations at Risk of Asbestos Exposure:
Asbestosis is an incurable progressive lung disease caused by exposure to asbestos, a fibrous mineral found in soil and rocks in many parts of the world. The use of asbestos in the United States is now limited, but at one point asbestos was widely used in building materials, auto parts, and even clothing because of its resistance to fire and heat. Even though the use of asbestos is now limited in the U.S., some industries are still at much greater risk of exposure. In this article we’ll discuss what causes asbestosis and which industries are most likely to be exposed to asbestos.
What Causes Asbestosis?
When asbestos is disturbed, fibers are released into the air and water and can be inhaled or ingested. Once asbestos fibers enter the body, they can lodge in the alveoli of the lungs, causing them to become irritated and stiff with scar tissue. This makes it difficult to breathe because the lungs can’t expand and contract normally. This condition, asbestosis, also greatly increases the risk of contracting lung cancer or mesothelioma.
Industries at Risk for Asbestosis
Some occupations and industries have much higher rates of asbestosis among workers, particularly those with exposure to asbestos. These industries and occupations include (but are not limited to):
- Shipbuilding
- Asbestos mining and milling
- Manufacturing of asbestos products, including asbestos textiles
- Installation or remodeling work in the construction and building trades
- Auto mechanics
- Firefighters
- Demolition, drywall, and asbestos removal workers
- Military
- Construction workers
- Insulators
- Steel workers
- Power plant workers
- Workers involved in the rescue, recovery, and clean up at the World Trade Center, the site of the September 11, 2001 attacks in New York City.
Experts agree that there is no safe level of exposure to asbestos, but workers can take steps to mitigate their risk by using proper protective gear. Employers should also follow workplace practices and safety procedures recommended by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). If you are concerned about possible asbestos exposure at work, you should discuss it with your employer and your co-workers and ensure that you are following all best practices for working with and around asbestos.If you or a loved one have been exposed to asbestos and have been diagnosed with an asbestos-related disease, you may be entitled to compensation. For a FREE consultation, call the Madeksho Law Firm at 1-888-910-MESO (6376), or contact us here. We have decades of experience helping victims of asbestos-related diseases.
