Questions & Answers

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OCCUPATIONAL HAZARDS

What jobs are the most hazardous for asbestos exposure? What types of workers have the highest risk for Mesothelioma?

With an estimated 5,000 products that contain asbestos, asbestos is present in buildings, cars, factories, ships and houses. It is commonly accepted that the more you are exposed to asbestos, the more at risk you are of getting mesothelioma and lung cancer.

While many uses for asbestos were banned in the mid-1970’s, the risk from exposure continues today due to mesothelioma’s long latency (inactive) period of anywhere between 10 to 50 years. Today, asbestos continues to be a threat to workers exposed through their occupations and in buildings that were erected prior to the ban.

Asbestos fibers are so toxic, that industrial and trade worker’s families may be exposed to mesothelioma through particles that cling to the worker’s clothing, shoes, skin and hair. This type of “second-hand” exposure to asbestos is known as Para occupational exposure.

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

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

A history of asbestos exposure at work is reported in about 70 percent to 80 percent of all cases of mesothelioma. In other cases, the exposures vary and /or have not been investigated thoroughly. If you suffer from mesothelioma symptoms or have been diagnosed with mesothelioma, you have legal rights that can help protect your future and family.

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

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Asbestos & Mesothelioma Resources