Occupations With the Highest Risk of Asbestos Exposure

How Asbestos Exposure Can Lead to Mesothelioma

Although mesothelioma is a relatively rare form of cancer, the American Cancer Society estimates about 3,000 new cases are diagnosed each year. Asbestos exposure is the leading cause of mesothelioma. Roughly 8 out of 10 people with mesothelioma have been exposed to asbestos. Most people exposed to asbestos are workers who are using asbestos products in their industry. Here's what you need to know.

Occupational Exposure to Asbestos

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the most occupational asbestos exposure occurs when doing the following activities while working with asbestos that was installed years ago:

Repair
Renovation
Removal
Maintenance

The Mesothelioma Latency Period

Mesothelioma can take 20 to 50 years to develop. This means even though workers may have been exposed years ago or are currently working with older asbestos products, they are still at risk of developing mesothelioma at any given time. Read on to learn more about the risks associated with the occupations listed below.

High-Risk Occupations

The following occupations have the highest risk of asbestos exposure:

Construction Workers

Construction workers must often work with many types of materials and products. Some roofing and flooring products are still made with asbestos today. In addition, demolition and renovations in older homes may have more asbestos-made building materials than newer homes or buildings.

Firefighters

Asbestos was used as fireproofing material for many years, but in 1973, the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) banned its use for fireproofing and insulation. However, during a fire, fire-damaged asbestos products in older constructions can cause toxic fibers to become airborne. Asbestos was also used to make clothing, helmets, and boots for firefighter protection.

Industrial Workers

The following industrial workers often work with chemicals and other products containing asbestos:

Mechanics
Chemical Workers
Machine Operators
Industrial Insulators

Power Plant Workers

Power plant workers may have been exposed to asbestos through handling asbestos pipe coverings, asbestos boilers, cement containing asbestos, firebrick, acoustic plaster, asbestos blankets, and more.

If You Were Diagnosed with Mesothelioma, We Can Help.

Learning you have mesothelioma is devastating news. Not only can the recovery process be long and painful, but the costs associated with your medical care can put financial strains on you and your family. When facing mounting medical bills, it can make your diagnosis that much more stressful. When you're unsure where to go for help, we are here for you. A mesothelioma lawsuit can help you obtain financial stability during a difficult time.

Our firm handles claims nationwide. Contact } today at (888) 495-1250 for a free consultation with one of our mesothelioma claims lawyers.