Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral found in certain geographic locations around the world. For nearly 100 years, asbestos was widely used in manufacturing, construction, shipyards, and other industries as an insulator and flame retardant. In spite of regulations passed in the 1970's, many industries continued to use asbestos well into the 1980's.
As early as the 1890's, there was evidence to link asbestos exposure to fatal asbestos diseases. Later in the 1930s, asbestos exposure was being described in scientific literature as causing cancer in people. And by the late 1950s, asbestos was known as a cause of malignant mesothelioma. Asbestos exposure is the leading cause of mesothelioma, a specific type of asbestos cancer that affects over 3,000 people annually. There are still a large number of public buildings and schools that contain asbestos insulation.
Continued exposure to asbestos, typically through a profession such as ship building or construction, increases the chance of developing mesothelioma. This risk does not decrease over time or after exposure stops.
Studies have shown that family members of people exposed to asbestos are also at risk. Asbestos fibers can be carried home on clothing, putting the family in jeopardy of breathing in and coming into contact with the fibers.
Early Detection Vital
If you have been exposed to asbestos, particularly over extended periods while on a job, let your doctor know so that appropriate tests can be conducted. Early detection is very important with any cancer, but particularly with mesothelioma since the latency period is long (20 – 40 years) and it is often diagnosed in the latter stages of the disease.
Industries at Risk for Asbestos Exposure:
Aerospace
- Aerospace Mechanics
- Missile and Aircraft Production Workers
Automotive
- Assembly Workers
- Auto Mechanics
- Brake Repairers
- Production Workers
Construction and Demolition
- Boilermakers
- Bricklayers
- Building Engineers
- Carpenters
- Construction Workers
- Drywall Installers
- HVAC Mechanics and Welders
- Inspectors
- Insulators
- Laborers
- Masonry and Cement Workers
- Painters
- Plasterers
- Plumbers
- Roofers
- Steamfitters
- Steel and Iron Workers
Electrical
- Electrical Linemen
- Electricians
- Powerhouse Workers
- Telephone Linemen
Labor
- Crane Operators
- Railroad Employees
- Refinery Workers
- Sheet Metal Workers
- Steamfitters
- Warehouse Workers
Manufacturing
- Aircraft Manufacturers
- Asbestos Textile Mill Workers
- Machinists
- Material Products Manufacturers
- Packing and Gasket Materials Workers
- Protective Clothing Manufacturers
Shipyards
- Coast Guard Personnel
- Laggers
- Longshoremen
- Sailors
- US Navy Personnel
- Yard Workers