Low levels of asbestos are present in air, water and soil. The effects of asbestos exposure became more dangerous, however, when individuals have a regular or prolonged exposure to toxic fibers. This most often occurs in the workplace.
In the past, certain professions including members of the US Navy, boilermakers, railway and oil refinery workers were exposed to high levels of asbestos in working with asbestos products on a regular basis. Although asbestos is completely banned in the United States today, the regulations have reduced the risks from certain professions. There are a number of labor, however, who remain at risk.
Firefighters
Many times firefighters can enter a building that was built with asbestos and is on fire, full of debris, or crumbling to the ground. High temperatures can cause asbestos fibers to deteriorate further, causing the breakdown of fiber and their subsequent release into the air. If firefighters inhale these airborne fibers, they may be at risk for mesothelioma and other asbestos related diseases.
construction workers
Today, there are more than 1.3 million construction workers, construction and maintenance of the equipment in the United States. According to the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry, about two-thirds of asbestos still produced in the US is used in the construction industry. Ongoing construction workers may still be at risk of exposure to dangerous asbestos, making the appropriate protective equipment even more important.
Mechanical Service
Although their professional risk is often minimized, considerable mechanics are in danger of asbestos exposure as they perform the practical work of grinding and reassembly of parts automotive distressed and worn. Despite studies1 which demonstrate the dangers of asbestos for auto mechanics, a number of auto parts manufacturers continue to defend asbestos as safe if properly monitored. Worse, these manufacturers continue to mechanics at risk by releasing this toxic material in the open market in products such as brake pads, brake linings, clutch facings and gaskets.
Teachers
Asbestos was used in the construction of school buildings for decades. According to the United Federation of Teachers, about 3.5 million tonnes of asbestos products have been installed in schools and other public buildings in New York alone before 1970. Today, many school buildings built during that time are deteriorating and under renovation. Although eradication measures adequate asbestos should be taken, teachers are at risk of exposure to airborne fibers in schools.
Mesothelioma has a long latency period ranging from 20 to 30 years, which means the disease can take years to develop. Stay informed and learn more about who is at risk of exposure to asbestos now
1 Source :. Lemen RA. The asbestos in brakes: exposure and risk of disease. Am J Ind Med 04; 45: 229-237. http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/ajim.10334/abstract
