These days, many people are wondering about who is at risk of asbestos exposure. With the seemingly constant reports of recalled products, unsafe working conditions, and the many toxins in our environment, it's not surprising that people are concerned about the very real risk of asbestos exposure. The thousands of asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) used in products that surround us are of serious concern to public health officials and for good reason — asbestos exposure has already caused thousands of cases of lung cancer, asbestosis, mesothelioma, and other very serious disorders.

Working with Asbestos

The people who are at the greatest risk of asbestos exposure are those who work directly with asbestos: mining the mineral from the ground, processing asbestos, or making products that contain asbestos, for example. Another group of workers at risk of asbestos exposure transport, install, or remove ACMs.

A partial list of the jobs of individuals who are at risk of asbestos exposure is as follows:

· Workers at facilities where an ACM-containing product is manufactured
· Asbestos removal workers
· Workers at facilities where vermiculite ore from Libby, Montana, was processed
· Demolition workers
· Insulation workers
· Floor covering manufacturers or installers
· Drywallers, plasterers, painters
· Auto mechanics
· Plumbers, maintenance workers
· Iron workers
· Bricklayers, roofers, carpenters, electricians
· Furnace workers
· Glazers
· Longshoremen

Places Where Asbestos Is Present at High Levels

In addition to specific jobs that put an individual at risk for asbestos exposure, there are several industries that are known to have a greater asbestos exposure risk:

· Building construction
· Building demolition
· Automotive repair (on clutches and brakes)
· Shipyards and shipbuilding sites
· Oil refineries
· Mining operations
· Offshore rust removal operations
· Railroads
· Sand or abrasive manufacturing plants
· Steel mills
· Power plants

The Family Members of Asbestos Workers

Unfortunately, the family members of asbestos workers are also at risk of asbestos exposure. The federal government has recognized that it is entirely possible for significant asbestos exposure to occur simply from handling the clothing of someone who works with an ACM, or from living with a person who may have work-related asbestos fibers on their hair, skin and shoes. There are many documented cases of family members contracting an asbestos-caused disease in this manner.

If You Feel that You Have Had Excessive Asbestos Exposure

If you or a member of your family has been diagnosed with an asbestos-related illness, don't hesitate to contact us today to learn more about the resources available to you.