Occupational Asbestos Exposure

Millions of people working in industrial, blue-collar, or military jobs during the 20th century were exposed to asbestos. Many materials used on job sites relied on asbestos as it was cheap and durable. However, asbestos exposure can cause mesothelioma. If you suffered occupational asbestos exposure and now have mesothelioma, we can help you access treatments, support, and compensation.

Fact-Checked and Updated by: Laura Wright

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Risks of Asbestos in the Workplace

Worksites across the United States relied on products containing asbestos between the 1930s and early 1980s.

As a result, millions of workers were exposed to this cancer-causing substance, according to the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR). Anyone exposed could develop cancers like mesothelioma later in life.

Many jobs put workers in contact with asbestos, including:

  • Construction
  • Firefighting
  • Insulation
  • Plumbing
  • Shipbuilding
  • Vehicle maintenance

Manufacturers of asbestos-containing products hid the health risks from workers for decades to keep profit margins high. They chose health over human safety, letting hardworking Americans get sick.

Quick Facts on Occupational Asbestos Exposure

  • Exposure rates: 27 million workers were exposed from 1940 to 1979
  • Related diseases: Mesothelioma, lung cancer, asbestosis, ovarian cancer, and other health issues
  • Compensation options: Lawsuits, asbestos trust fund claims, and U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) benefits

Get our Free Mesothelioma Guide to see how we can help you access treatments and compensation if on-the-job asbestos exposure caused you to get sick.

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List of Jobs With Asbestos Exposure Risk

Many jobs put workers in contact with asbestos-containing materials before the health risks were fully understood. View our list of the most common occupations exposed to asbestos below.

Construction Workers

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) estimates that 1.3 million construction and general industry workers were exposed to asbestos from building materials like drywall, roofing, and insulation.

Construction workers who needed to remove, repair, or demolish asbestos materials were at particular risk of occupational asbestos exposure.

Firefighters

Firefighters risked asbestos exposure when responding to fires in structures built before the early 1980s. Fires could release asbestos fibers in these buildings, and firefighters could breathe them in.

Additionally, before the risks were fully understood, firefighters’ uniforms and gloves contained asbestos since the material resisted heat and fire.

Firefighters are 200 times more likely to develop asbestos-related illnesses, according to a 2023 report from the International Association of Fire Fighters.

Electricians

Electricians risked exposure to asbestos used in wiring, panels, insulation, and many other products. Asbestos helped prevent electrical fires and improved durability but also put electricians in danger of mesothelioma.

Call (866) 608-8933 if you or someone you love developed mesothelioma and may have been exposed to asbestos in the workplace. We can help you connect with top doctors, explore your treatment options, and pursue financial compensation.

Factory Workers

Anyone who worked in factories that produced or used asbestos products could have suffered regular exposure.

For example, factory workers may have needed to refine raw asbestos into specific products, releasing fibers into the air as they did so.

Mechanics

Auto mechanics were frequently exposed to chrysotile asbestos when servicing brakes, clutches, insulation, and gaskets. This type of asbestos was flexible and heat resistant.

Aircraft mechanics also could have been exposed to asbestos used in plane brakes, insulation, engines, and other components.

“We had done brakes the old-fashioned way. We did a lot of grinding with sandpaper to prepare them. We had asbestos dust everywhere. We didn’t know any better.”

Arthur Putt, mechanic and U.S. veteran with mesothelioma

Plumbers and Pipefitters

Plumbers and pipefitters could have been exposed to asbestos-containing materials like pipe insulation and cement throughout their careers.

As these components were installed, repaired, or renovated, asbestos fibers could be released into the air that these workers breathed in or swallowed.

Shipyard Workers

Shipyard workers suffered occupational exposure because they had to remove, install, or repair asbestos-containing products every day.

Shipyards operated by the U.S. Navy were particularly dangerous since this military branch used more asbestos than any other branch. Virtually every Navy ship contained asbestos until the early 1980s.

During World War II alone, 4.5 million shipyard workers were exposed to asbestos, according to the New York Times. The asbestos dust in these shipyards was so thick that people couldn’t see across rooms.

Other Jobs With a Risk of Occupational Asbestos Exposure

Besides the jobs listed above, many other occupations put workers at risk of asbestos exposure.

You may have been exposed even if you don’t see your occupation listed above. Get our Free Mesothelioma Guide to learn more about high-risk job sites and how we can help determine the source of your exposure.

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Secondary Asbestos Exposure and High-Risk Jobs

Workers who suffered occupational asbestos exposure also put family members at risk. Loved ones suffered secondary asbestos exposure when workers came home with fibers stuck to their clothing, hair, and skin.

As a result of secondary exposure, many people who never worked directly with asbestos have gone on to develop mesothelioma.

Julie Gundlach
Point of Hope

Julie Gundlach remembers her father, an electrician, coming home covered in asbestos dust. Julie was diagnosed with mesothelioma due to this secondhand exposure — just a year after her father’s death from asbestos lung cancer. Thankfully, Julie has lived for nearly 20 years with mesothelioma thanks to surgery and chemotherapy.

Health Risks of Occupational Asbestos Exposure

Occupational asbestos exposure can lead to many serious health issues, such as cancer. These illnesses typically form 10-50 years after someone was first exposed.

The most notable asbestos-related diseases include:

  • Mesothelioma: This is a rare and aggressive cancer that affects the lining of the lungs, abdomen, heart, or testicles. The only known cause of malignant mesothelioma is asbestos exposure.
  • Lung cancer: Asbestos fibers that get trapped in the lungs can cause long-term irritation, eventually leading to cancer.
  • Asbestosis: This chronic condition develops due to lung scarring from asbestos fibers. While not cancerous, it can be fatal over time.
  • Other cancers: On-the-job asbestos exposure can put workers at risk of larynx (voice box) cancer, ovarian cancer, colorectal cancer, and stomach cancer.
Did You Know?

The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that over 70% of all work-related cancer deaths can be attributed to occupational asbestos exposure.

Contact us now if you developed mesothelioma or another disease that could be related to asbestos in the workplace. We can help you pursue medical care, compensation, and other helpful resources.

Top Asbestos Exposure Job Sites

Many worksites used asbestos extensively, putting employees at high risk for mesothelioma and other asbestos-related diseases. View high-risk asbestos worksites below.

  • Construction Sites
    Asbestos was often used in construction materials such as cement, insulation, and roofing tiles. Workers in the construction industry regularly handled these materials, often without suitable protection.
  • Chemical Plants
    Chemical plants used asbestos to insulate equipment and protect against fires. Engineers and technicians were at high risk of exposure in these facilities.
  • Mines
    Asbestos was mined from rock deposits, so mining could have released fibers into the air. The last U.S. asbestos mine closed in 2002, but miners exposed before this time could still be in danger of developing mesothelioma today.
  • Shipyards
    Virtually all shipyards relied on asbestos before the early 1980s, before the health risks were known. Shipyard workers, whether in private shipyards or the U.S. Navy, were frequently exposed to asbestos products like insulation, tiles, and paint.
John Stahl
Point of Hope

John Stahl was diagnosed with stage 4 mesothelioma decades after working with drywall, gaskets, and other products on construction sites. He’s still living today, more than 5 years after his diagnosis, thanks to treatment.

Other Worksites

Thousands of work sites across America put workers at risk of occupational asbestos exposure.

Other sites where asbestos exposure was a concern include:

  • Aluminum plants
  • Automobile assembly plants
  • Demolition sites
  • Factories
  • Military bases
  • Oil refineries
  • Power plants
  • Schools
  • Steel mills
  • Textile mills
  • And many more

The average person wouldn’t know that asbestos in the workplace could lead to mesothelioma or other illnesses decades later. Asbestos companies not only understood the risks but hid them, putting their profit margins ahead of human life.

Get our Free Mesothelioma Guide to explore your medical and financial options if you were diagnosed with cancer after working on a job site that used asbestos.

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Compensation for Workplace Asbestos Exposure

If you or a loved one developed mesothelioma from working with or around asbestos-containing products, you may qualify for compensation to cover medical bills and other expenses.

Notable mesothelioma compensation options include:

  • Mesothelioma lawsuits: These lawsuits pay out $1 million or more on average. Our legal partners can file a lawsuit for you. Former employers are typically not sued. Instead, these lawsuits are filed against the companies who made asbestos-containing products.
  • Asbestos trust funds: Set up by bankrupt asbestos manufacturers to avoid lawsuits, these trusts contain over $30 billion today. You may qualify to get some of this compensation without going to court.
  • VA benefits: Veterans with mesothelioma may qualify for nearly $4,000 a month in disability compensation and inexpensive or free cancer treatments through the VA health care system.

Get a Free Case Review to explore your compensation options after a mesothelioma diagnosis.

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Shara Fisher
Shara Fisher Senior Paralegal
17+ years providing legal help to mesothelioma victims

Examples of Compensation Secured for Workers With Mesothelioma

The mesothelioma lawyers we partner with have recovered over $10.1 billion for patients and loved ones impacted by this cancer and other asbestos-related diseases.

Some of their most notable results include:

  • $40.1 million for a Washington Navy veteran
  • $34 million for a California mechanic and veteran
  • $7 million for a California wire installer
  • $10 million for a Louisiana longshoreman
  • $8 million for a Texas pipefitter and plumber
  • $1.88 million for a New York laborer
  • $6.8 million for a Florida mechanic
  • $2.7 million for an Arizona Navy veteran
  • $4 million for an Illinois union laborer
  • $60 million for a California laborer
  • $250 million for an Indiana steelworker (largest asbestos payout ever)

Contact us now to learn whether you or a loved one can file for mesothelioma compensation.

Asbestos in the Workplace Today

Asbestos is no longer used in new materials on work sites, given the health risks. However, asbestos-containing products put in place before the health risks were fully understood are still in use today.

Without proper precautions, workers could disturb these materials while on the job and go on to develop cancers like mesothelioma later in life.

In 2024, the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) claimed a Chicago contractor failed to warn workers about asbestos risks on a demolition project. OSHA is seeking to fine the contractor nearly $450,000.

Laws on Occupational Asbestos Use

Because of the significant risks associated with asbestos in the workplace, the U.S. government has passed many laws to protect workers.

These include:

  • Asbestos Ban and Phaseout Rule (1989): This rule partially banned asbestos products and prohibited new uses of asbestos after 1989.
  • Asbestos National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants (NESHAP): Administered by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), this requires safe practices for handling asbestos during demolitions and renovations to prevent air contamination.
  • Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act (AHERA): AHERA mandates that schools inspect for asbestos, develop management plans, and address any hazards.

The EPA finally banned chrysotile asbestos — the last and most common type still used in the United States — in March 2024. However, this latest asbestos ban doesn’t apply to asbestos already in buildings, products, or infrastructure, so the risk of exposure still exists for workers in older structures and industrial settings.

In addition to the laws above, OSHA sets exposure limits, requires protective equipment, and mandates training for workers who may come into contact with asbestos.

We’re Here to Help Occupational Asbestos Exposure Victims

Hardworking Americans like you don’t deserve to be fighting mesothelioma simply from doing your job. We’re committed to assisting you and your family through this trying time.

By working with Mesothelioma Hope, you can access:

  • The best doctors and cancer treatment centers
  • Top asbestos lawyers who can explain your compensation options
  • Other resources to help you navigate life with mesothelioma

Call (866) 608-8933 now or get our Free Mesothelioma Guide for personalized support.

Asbestos in the Workplace FAQs

What is occupational asbestos exposure?

Occupational asbestos exposure happens when employees or military service members are exposed to this toxic material on the job.

Before the health risks were publicly known, millions of people were exposed to asbestos in the workplace. Asbestos-containing products were used in many jobs, including construction work, shipbuilding, and plumbing since they were very durable and inexpensive.

However, anyone exposed to asbestos could develop mesothelioma or other health issues 10-50 years later. Workers often faced long-term asbestos exposure, which increased their chances of getting sick.

What to do if you have been exposed to asbestos at work?

Make sure to notify your employer if you’ve been exposed to asbestos at work. Strict laws are in place to help prevent exposure to asbestos on the job.

You should also make sure to get regular health screening for possible asbestos-related diseases. This is especially helpful if you were exposed to asbestos long ago, as it takes decades for mesothelioma to form.

If you’re now facing mesothelioma or another illness after workplace asbestos exposure, contact us for personalized medical guidance, financial assistance, and support resources to make your life easier.

Where can asbestos be found in the workplace?

Asbestos could be found in a variety of products throughout American workplaces prior to the 1980s.

Asbestos-containing products used on job sites included:

Anyone who worked with or around these materials could develop mesothelioma and other illnesses later in life.

Modern-day workers must also use caution as asbestos-containing products could still be present in older job sites and buildings.

Is one-time asbestos exposure safe?

According to the American Cancer Society (ACS), there is no safe level of occupational exposure to asbestos. Even a single exposure can lead to cancer.

That said, the more asbestos a worker is exposed to, the higher their risk of diseases like mesothelioma and lung cancer.

Call (866) 608-8933 for help if you’ve developed mesothelioma after workplace asbestos exposure. We can help you access treatments and compensation.

How to report asbestos in the workplace?

You can report concerns about asbestos in the workplace to your state’s branch of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) or the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA).

Federal and state laws protect workers from the health risks of asbestos exposure. If you’ve been exposed, it’s in your best interest to report it to keep yourself and your coworkers safe.

Laura WrightWritten by:

Lead Editor

Laura Wright is a journalist and content strategist with more than 16 years of professional experience. She attended college at the University of Florida, graduating magna cum laude with a bachelor’s degree in journalism in 2008. Her writing has been featured in The Gainesville Sun and other regional publications throughout Florida.

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References
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  6. Environmental Protection Agency. (n.d.). EPA actions to protect the public from asbestos exposure. Retrieved October 24, 2024, from https://www.epa.gov/asbestos/epa-actions-protect-public-exposure-asbestos
  7. Environmental Protection Agency. (n.d.). Overview of asbestos National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants (NESHAP). Retrieved October 24, 2024, from https://www.epa.gov/asbestos/overview-asbestos-national-emission-standards-hazardous-air-pollutants-neshap
  8. European Commission. (2022). Asbestos regulations in the EU. European Commission. Retrieved October 24, 2024, from https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/en/qanda_22_5678
  9. International Association of Fire and Rescue Services (CTIF). (n.d.). The risk of asbestos exposure in firefighting. CTIF. Retrieved October 24, 2024, from https://ctif.org/node/2533
  10. National Center for Biotechnology Information. (n.d.). Asbestos exposure and risk of lung cancer. StatPearls. Retrieved October 24, 2024, from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3678990/
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    Smith, D. (2024). Occupational asbestos exposure among construction workers. Retrieved October 24, 2024, from https://www.researchgate.net/publication/380574466_Occupational_Asbestos-containing_Materials_Exposure_and_Risk_of_Asbestosis_among_Construction_Workers
  12. World Health Organization. (n.d.). Lung cancer statistics. World Health Organization. Retrieved October 24, 2024, from https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/lung-cancer
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