Occupations Prone to Asbestos Cancer
Asbestos was first linked to lung disease in the early 20th century when an unusual number of asbestos miners began complaining about shortness of breath, trouble breathing and other symptoms that eventually led to the diagnosis of asbestosis and cancer. Throughout the history of asbestos, work-related asbestos exposure has been the most common cause of asbestos diseases, including mesothelioma.
Unfortunately, a large number of occupations are at risk for asbestos exposure. This is because asbestos has been used to fabricate a wide range of manufactured products.
Though the government now heavily regulates worksites where asbestos is present, many asbestos companies fail to take the necessary steps to protect their employees from asbestos inhalation. Because of this, the threat of asbestos cancer remains a serious concern among many asbestos occupations.
Trade Occupations Related to Asbestos Exposure
Industries affected by asbestos exposure include manufacturing, construction, demolition, and automotive. For a list of some of the many occupations that are at risk for asbestos cancer, please see below.
Construction Industry
Asbestos is commonly found in many different types of products. Anyone in contact with these materials may be exposed to asbestos. Specific occupations include:
- Boilermakers and Boiler Operators
- Bulldozer Operators
- Bricklayers
- Carpenters
- Crane Operators
- Construction Workers
- Demolition Crews
- Drywall Installers
- Electricians
- HVAC Mechanics and Welders
- Inspectors
- Insulators
- Laborers
- Masonry and Cement Workers
- Painters
- Plasterers
- Plumbers
- Remodelers
- Roofers
- Steamfitters
- Steel and Iron Workers
- Glazers
- Pipefitters
Aerospace and Automotive
- Aeronautical Engineers
- Aircraft Mechanics
- Aircraft Production Workers
- Auto Mechanics
- Auto Plant Workers
- Brake Repairmen
- Garage Workers
- Machine shop workers
Trains and Shipbuilding
- Boiler Room Workers
- Engine Room workers
- Machinists
- Electricians
- Coast Guard Crew
- Laggers
- Locomotive Engineers
- Longshoremen
- Railroad Employees
- Sailors
- Shipyard Workers
- U.S. Navy Crew
Manufacturing
- Blacksmiths
- Cabinetmakers
- Cement Plant Workers
- Drill Press Operators
- Grinders
- Machine Operatives
- Masonry Workers
- Millwrights
- Molders
- Paper Mill Workers
- Protective Clothing Manufacturers
- Sheet Metal Workers
- Stone Masons
- Textile Mill Workers
- Welders
Non-Trade Occupations at Risk for Asbestos Cancer
Prior to government regulations passed in the 1970s, asbestos was widely used in the construction of homes and other buildings as well as in consumer products such as hairdryers. Today, many of these buildings still stand. Any individual who works inside one of these structures may be at risk for asbestos cancer. Non-trade professions that are at the most risk include:
- Civil Engineers
- Custodians
- Firefighters
- Hairdressers
- Teachers & School Personnel
- Laborers
- Truck drivers
- Office workers
- People living in the vicinity of asbestos plants
- Andy many others