There are many occupations in which the risk for asbestos exposure is high, and they all seem to have one thing in common: blue-collar workers. Those with occupations involving manual labor are at much higher risk for developing an asbestos-related disease due to occupational exposure than workers in other fields. But why?
Miners
Miners are some of those most at risk for asbestos exposure on the job, simply because of the nature of their work. Within asbestos mines in the past, workers came in direct contact with airborne fibers in areas with little ventilation. Vermiculite and talc miners have also suffered from asbestos exposure due to contaminated materials.
Electricians
Asbestos was once used as an insulator for wiring within commercial buildings and residential homes, putting electricians at risk for exposure during their jobs today. Renovations and maintenance requires electricians to work closely with these old materials, and many have suffered from asbestos-related diseases as a result of past exposure.
Sheet Metal Workers
Sheet metal workers hold many different occupations that have and can expose them to asbestos materials. Sheet metal workers perform architectural sheet metal work, fabrication, installation and service for many different trades. It is estimated that 32% of workers between 1986 and 1990 were affected by occupational lung diseases.
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If you work in these or other occupations at high risk for asbestos exposure, you are urged to alert your doctor of your work history. Your doctor should look for signs and symptoms of asbestos-related diseases, such as mesothelioma, and monitor your health closely throughout the years following exposure.
If you are diagnosed with an asbestos-related disease due to occupational exposure, you and your family might be eligible for compensation for your pain and suffering.
