Asbestos at work has been an issues for decades. For a long time a broad spectrum of professions was known for be strongly related to an increased health risk due to exposure to asbestos. When asbestos is being handled there is a chance that it gets damaged. This will release the toxic fibers of this material into the air. The workers on-site practically had no chance but inhaling the contaminated air. Not too long back ago asbestos employers were not even required to provide their employees with protective gear such as overall-suits, gloves and most importantly, breathing masks.



Asbestos Jobs are dangerous - a worker is removing asbestos ceiling tiles

According to the International Labor Organization and the World Health Organization, the most effective way of ensuring that people don't contract asbestos related diseases, it to ban discontinue the us of the material entirely. There are some countries that have prohibited the utilization of asbestos, and even though the United States Government did enact a so called asbestos law that regulates the use and manufacturing of asbestos containing materials. Predominately, asbestos products found widespread use in the the building and construction industries. Unfortunately, many employers neglected their responsibility in not only protecting their workers adequately, but also in educating them about the health risks related to working with asbestos. Asbestos is a silent killer. Diseases that can originate from being exposed to asbestos include mesothelioma, lung cancer, kidney cancer and asbestosis.

Here is a list of occupations that are known for asbestos exposure at work:
  • Automotive Mechanics Workers
  • Coast Guard
  • Demolition Workers
  • Wrecking crews, cleanup crews
  • Haulers
  • Iron and Steel Workers
  • Electricians
  • Factory Workers in factories that refined, produced, or packed asbestos containing supplies
  • Merchant Marine Workers - Asbestos was found in deck and bunk areas which had to be made fire-resistant.
  • Power Plants Workers
  • Dockworkers
  • Workers who remove or install asbestos on vessels
  • Insulators
  • Boilermakers
  • Steamfitters who welded and fitted pipes
  • Plasterers who have been working with incombustible sprays
  • Shipyard workers
  • Navy personnel
  • mechanics
  • Bricklayers
  • Millwrights
  • Carpenters
  • building trades employees
  • Steel workers
  • Industrial and other refinery employees
  • Maintenance workers
  • Laborers