There are a wide variety of occupational situations where a worker may be exposed to dangerous levels of asbestos.
Shipyard Workers and Navy Veterans
It is very likely that shipyard workers and Navy workers who worked between World War II and the Korean War were exposed to asbestos at some point, often at very harmful levels. Asbestos was used in many parts around ships because of its ability to resist corrosion and high temperatures. It was used for insulation around incinerators, boilers, steam pipes, and hot water pipes. Because these areas were often inadequately ventilated, asbestos dust built up around them and was often breathed in by the people working on and around the ship. This extends beyond the shipbuilders, but also to the crews who worked on the ship, and those who loaded them regularly. Due to this exposure, many workers carry a greater risk to developing Mesothelioma or other asbestos-related lung problems.
Brake Mechanics
Another occupation that could of had regular exposure to asbestos are brake mechanics. Asbestos was used in brake pads and the linings around it for many years, and can still be found in older cars that are on the roads. Over normal use of brakes, asbestos can begin to break down and is either released into the air, or gets trapped in the clutch space or brake housing. When the latter happens, the asbestos is released when the brakes are repaired or replaced. Those who regularly repaired these brakes are at a high risk for asbestos exposure. Most standard shop procedures used to minimize brake dust are ineffective on asbestos, and only succeed in spreading it further.
Construction Workers
Construction workers from all over the field can be at risk for asbestos exposure. They can come into contact with it during remodeling, maintenance, or demolition of buildings. Asbestos has been used as an insulator in many different forms, ranging from shingles to electric pipes. Those who work directly with insulation are often at a great risk of exposure, as asbestos was used in many different forms. However, many other workers are also at risk of exposure. Sheet metal workers can be exposed to asbestos in shingles and tiles, or to asbestos insulation while installing their product. Plumbers and pipefitters were often exposed to asbestos-cement pipes and asbestos insulation around the pipes, as well as being used to fill in cracks on the pipes. Electricians could have been exposed to asbestos-containing pipe, or insulation for either buildings or electric wire. Dry wall products such as joint compound contain asbestos, and can be inhaled by Dry Wall Installers while they are mixing and sanding the walls.
Textile Manufacturing Plant Workers
Among the many other uses of asbestos, it used to be woven into cloth to act as a protective against heat and flame. Those who worked in the plants that did this work were regularly exposed to asbestos, as it would often flake off and be breathed in by the workers. During the process of asbestos being woven into the clothing, it first had to be crushed by a huge machine, then worked into fibers. Any workers who worked with and around these machines were subject to great amounts of asbestos exposure. As the fibers were worked into the cloth, much of it became airborne and was breathed in by any workers throughout the plant.
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