Despite the known hazards asbestos poses to human health, it is still found in many construction materials and industrial supplies. The risk of asbestos exposure increases in certain occupations due to the most common applications. Understanding your risk factors is important for taking necessary precautions.
There are a few common occupations with an increased risk of asbestos exposure.
1. Firefighters
A firefighter’s job is unpredictable and comes with many inherent risks. Asbestos exposure is one such risk. One of the most common applications for asbestos is in construction materials. When a building with asbestos burns, the smoke and toxins in the air contain asbestos particles. Firefighters responding to the fire may face exposure without even knowing that asbestos is present.
2. Construction workers
The prevalence of asbestos in construction materials puts construction workers at the top of the list for exposure risk as well. Handling construction materials with asbestos, breathing in the dust and debris from the job site and coming into contact with asbestos on a variety of surfaces puts construction workers at risk of prolonged exposure and long-term complications.
3. Insulation contractors
Insulation is a common place for asbestos use and those fine insulation fibers are easily inhaled through normal respiration. Insulation contractors risk asbestos exposure in the insulating materials that they apply as well as when working in older homes and upgrading insulation since the existing materials may contain asbestos as well.
Recognizing areas where asbestos exposure risks are highest helps you take as many precautions as possible. These are a few common industries at risk of asbestos exposure and resulting complications.
