High Risk Jobs - Who is Most Likely to Be Exposed to Asbestos?

Although the use of asbestos was so prevalent in the United States that almost everyone has had some contact with asbestos-containing materials, certain people are much more at risk of being affected by their exposure.

People can be exposed to asbestos by inhaling asbestos fibers that are released into the air. This can occur when asbestos is removed from buildings and homes, or if people live near factories where asbestos is used.

At-Risk Occupations

There are also several occupations that carry a high risk of asbestos exposure. The Environmental Protection Agency asserts that there is no known level of safe exposure, but the following workers are thought have the highest exposure to ACM:

• Asbestos removal workers
• Bricklayers
• Carpenters
• Construction workers
• Demolition workers
• Electricians
• Firefighters
• Furnace workers
• Insulation installers
• Iron workers
• Janitors
• Longshoremen
• Maintenance personnel
• Mechanics
• Miners
• Oil refinery workers
• Painters
• Plumbers
• Power plant workers
• Railroad workers
• Roofers
• Shipyard workers
• Steel mill workers
• Telephone repair workers

In addition, people who live or work near a facility that uses asbestos risk inhaling fibers that have been released into the air.

Consult an Asbestos Attorney

If your loved one has been exposed to harmful asbestos fibers and has developed an asbestos-related disease, it is important to seek medical care and the guidance of an experienced asbestos lawyer as soon as possible.