The association of asbestos to deadly diseases such as mesothelioma, lung cancer, and asbestosis raises concerns despite its relevance in different commercial and industrial sectors. When you are diagnosed with an asbestos-related illness, you should look for a lawyer to find out what to do next, especially if you seek to file a claim. The use of asbestos is restricted in most states, but some companies still consider the mineral in their operations, notwithstanding the risks involved. So, who is at risk of developing asbestos-related diseases?
Factory and Manufacturing Workers
A lot of products used in construction and assembling projects are made in manufacturing plants. Most of these products are made with fewer elements of asbestos. You should note that the recipient of the products may not be affected by the included asbestos elements. This is, however, different from the employees in the manufacturing plants who are exposed repeatedly to asbestos. Workers in plants manufacturing construction products such as roof shingles, vinyl tiles, and water or drainage pipes are at high risk of developing asbestos-related diseases.
Firefighters
Asbestos is still a crucial element in making fireproof products needed by firefighters. This is due to its fire resistance property. The risk of asbestos exposure is much greater to firefighters who charge in the old burning building containing asbestos-made products. When asbestos-containing products burn, they release dust and asbestos fibers which are inhaled by the fighter. The more the firefighter has been exposed, the greater the risk of developing related diseases.
Construction Workers
Different construction and building materials are made using asbestos. Most of the materials used for flooring, insulation, and roofing contain elements of asbestos. The chances of the workers getting exposed to asbestos are much higher in construction sites. This is because of the constant disturbance experienced in the sites causing the asbestos particles to be released and become airborne. They are then inhaled, leading to the development of asbestos-related diseases such as mesothelioma and lung cancer. Plumbers, roofers, electricians, and carpenters are at high risk.
Servicemen and Military Members
Asbestos was used and, in some cases, still being used in different military exercises and activities. Tanks, ships, aircraft, and weapons have elements of asbestos in them. The more these military equipment are used, the greater the risk of being exposed to asbestos. The asbestos exposure in military members led to the creation of programs to help veterans who developed mesothelioma and other related diseases.
Painters
Before applying finish coat paints, painters have to do extensive prep work such as scraping, cleaning, sanding, and spackling on the surfaces. Unfortunately, painters are working on an old building with asbestos-containing materials, are higher chances of getting exposed. Asbestos has been used in the past as decorative plaster, in texture paints and coatings, and joint compounds, making renovation and remodeling projects a risk to painters.
Despite its relevance in different commercial sectors, asbestos is still a danger to humanity. This is because of its association with deadly diseases such as lung cancer, asbestosis, and mesothelioma. It is hard to know the effects of asbestos exposure as it takes years for it to appear. Asbestos exposure is an occupational hazard. This is because of the risks that people in the occupations named above have.
