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Jobs at High Risk for Asbestos Exposure

Jobs at High Risk for Asbestos Exposure

Asbestos consists of six fibrous natural minerals like chrysotile, amosite, tremolite, crocidolite, anthophyllite, and actinolite. It was discovered in the 1980s to be extremely dangerous to humans, and was used up until this point because it has many efficient uses like insulation and fireproofing.  After it was discovered to cause cancer and other lung diseases, safer alternatives took its place. However, a lot of older buildings and houses still have asbestos in them. Firefighters, construction workers, plumbers, electricians and shipbuilders are all at high risk for asbestos exposure because of the environment they work in, as a contractor skilled in asbestos removal Los Angeles CA resident trust can attest. Electricians are often exposed to asbestos because they handle materials containing it. Pipes and plaster are usually the culprits. Electricians also may be exposed when they are working in tight building spaces, especially if the building is older than forty years. Firefighters are also at risk for asbestos because they go into many burning buildings. Asbestos is common in drywall, fire blankets and roofing material. It can also be on walls in the paint! Unfortunately, firefighters can also be exposed to asbestos from their boots, helmets, and other gear that they must wear. Plumbers are also prone to asbestos exposure because they work with sewer pipes, flues, gaskets, and go into parts of buildings that have been left dormant for decades. Construction workers are at the highest risk for exposure to asbestos simply because they constantly work in buildings and with materials that are most commonly known to contain asbestos. The dust that can stir up in the air while construction workers are doing their job can cause mesothelioma.

 

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Workers should never try to deal with asbestos on their own. Mesothelioma can occur and can be life threatening. If you work at any of these jobs, and think you have encountered asbestos do not touch the materials that contain it or move them. It can be very harmful when it gets into the air, because it can put you and those around you at risk for inhaling it.  Asbestos usually gets disturbed when it is cut up, sanded, drilled or hammered. Vacuuming up the asbestos is also a safety hazard and should be cleaned up by professionals. If you think that you or your fellow workers were exposed to asbestos due to their job, you should definitely consider contacting a personal injury lawyer. Compensation may be paid to you to help cover medical expenses and lost wages.

 

Thanks to our friends and contributors from Nielsen Environmental for their insight into asbestos exposure.