Jobs Where Exposure To Asbestos Is Common

By Sam Jones


A huge concern in the work world today is having jobs where exposure to asbestos is common. A lot of insulation and fire retardant materials contain the fiber. It isn't used in most products produced today because of its harmful nature. Three diseases that can be contracted from the fiber is mesothelioma, lung cancer, and asbestosis.

Insulators are at a high risk because of the fact that they have to do extensive work with asbestos insulation. They use things such as; pipe covering, block insulation, cement, lagging, and certain kinds of attic insulation, and they all the poisonous material.

Anyone who is involved in the building or maintenance of ships is at a big risk of getting exposed to particles in the air. Insulation containing it is used around boilers and steam pipes. When performing routine maintenance, particles can become airborne from the insulation.

People in the construction business are at a big risk of getting exposed. Products that contain the harmful insulator were used quite often in both commercial and home construction. Products that are used in construction that normally contain asbestos is plaster, fireproofing insulation, patching compounds, and joint compounds. Risk of exposure is still a concern in any older home or building.

talc and vermiculite miners are at risk for large amounts of exposure and disease. Factors that make the mining so dangerous for the Iron Range miners is; the dust, poor ventilation, and the complete lack of appropriate breathing equipment.

Those who work on the railroads are exposed to the hazardous fiber through heat resistant insulation that is used to insulate steam powered and diesel locomotives. They used the materials to on these trains to wrap the boilers, hot water lines, steam pipes and refrigeration units. Maintenance performed regularly had the workers removing the hazardous material and replacing it with new.

There are several other jobs where exposure to asbestos is common including; jobs in power plants, refineries and industrial settings. Plumbers, auto mechanics, and textile industry workers are at risk as well. If you think you have been exposed, seek prompt medical care.




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