Asbestos Exposure in the Workplace
Worksites across the United States relied on asbestos-containing products for decades.
Versatile, strong, and resistant to fire, water, and sound, asbestos was described as a “faithful servant to mankind” in the 1940s.
Many jobs put workers in contact with asbestos, including:
- Construction work
- Firefighting
- Insulation work
- Plumbing
- Shipyard work
- Vehicle maintenance
Yet, the general public was unaware of an awful secret: Occupational asbestos exposure could cause deadly health problems, including cancers like mesothelioma.
Only the manufacturers of asbestos-containing products knew this, but they hid the facts to keep making money.
As a result, millions of workers — along with their families and loved ones — were regularly exposed to asbestos and put at risk of serious asbestos-related illnesses.
Workers exposed to asbestos decades ago should be aware of the consequences and take action if they believe they are suffering from asbestos-related health problems.
These workers can seek life-extending medical treatments and may be able to take legal action against the manufacturers of asbestos-containing products to receive compensation.
Occupational Asbestos Exposure Quick Facts
- Between 1940 and 1979, it is estimated that 27.5 million workers were exposed to asbestos, according to the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR).
- The ATSDR also notes that occupational asbestos exposure peaked in the 1960s and 1970s in western countries like the United States.
- According to the American Cancer Society (ACS), there is no safe level of occupational asbestos exposure. That said, the more asbestos a worker is exposed to, the higher their risk of diseases like mesothelioma and lung cancer.
- Aircraft Mechanics
- Asbestos Plant Workers
- Blacksmiths
- Boilermakers
- Carpenters
- Cement Plant Workers
- Construction Workers
- Deckhands & Sailors
- Electricians
- Factory Workers
- Firefighters
- HVAC Mechanics
- Insulators
- Iron Workers
- Machinists
- Miners
- Oil Refinery Workers
- Plumbers
- Power Plant Workers
- Railroad Workers
- Roofers
- Shipyard Workers
- Steel Mill Workers
- Teachers
- Textile Mill Workers
- Welders