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Mesothelioma is an aggressive cancer that affects the lining of the lungs, heart, or abdomen. Caused primarily by the inhalation of asbestos fibers, mesothelioma is most commonly diagnosed in older individuals who worked with asbestos products in an industrial setting.Prognosis for mesothelioma is poor, but early detection and newer treatment methods have given many patients hope for survival. Mesothelioma is a long-developing cancer that can appear decades after the initial exposure asbestos particles.

Shipyard workers have a variety of duties, including construction and maintenance of ships. Asbestos was very common on these ships because of its properties and could be found in almost any aspect of the ship, from the gaskets and seal compounds to the boilers.

Because of the high amount of asbestos used on these naval ships, Navy veterans are also at high risk. Asbestos was used widely throughout the military, however, so all veterans are vulnerable to being diagnosed with mesothelioma. Most At Risk Positions include:

• Insulators
• Steamfitters
• Pipefitters
• Boilermen
• Plumbers
• Electricians

Whether working as a mechanic performing maintenance on a vehicle or aircraft, asbestos exposure is a big risk. Because many of the inner workings of a car or aircraft cause high heat and friction, asbestos was widely used in various parts because of its heat resistance. Today, asbestos is mostly present in older parts, but can also be present in vehicle or aircraft parts imported from other countries.

Auto repair shops often have poor ventilation and circulation, which can make the asbestos dust more concentrated in the air. Many workers aren’t even aware of asbestos in the products they’re using, so often don’t take precautions to avoid exposure.

In addition to the dangers of replacing these parts, mechanics also risk exposure through improper cleanup. Wiping parts with a dry rag or wiping away any dust in this manner can create airborne asbestos. Spraying water or using compressed air to clean various parts can also spread the asbestos around the facilities.

Power plant, chemical plant, and industrial plant workers all face varying degrees of asbestos exposure on the job. Power plant workers interact with and maintain boilers, generators, and turbines which all operate with the risk of combustion or heat damage. As such, much of the equipment was made with asbestos to lessen the risk, though it ultimately put the employees at great risk of dangerous exposure.

Industrial plant workers have a variety of responsibilities, but largely tend to mass quantities of manufactured goods, often performing mechanical or chemical processes throughout production. The majority of their tasks involve maintaining and repairing heavy machinery, many of which were made with various asbestos-containing materials.

Chemical plant workers also perform varied tasks, whether they’re working directly with the chemicals or operating and tending to the machines producing their goods. In addition to the equipment having many asbestos products, workers also would frequently wear protective clothing that contained asbestos. Because of its heat resistance, the fibers were used in many gloves, aprons, and coveralls the workers would wear.

There are well over one million firefighters in the United States, both volunteers and those pursuing a career. Being a firefighter is a dangerous occupation for many reasons. Unfortunately, exposure to toxins like asbestos on the job is a serious risk. Many older buildings built before 1980 contain some asbestos materials. Even though asbestos was used for its heat resistance, in the event of a fire most these materials will begin to break down and release asbestos fibers into the air. Though in many cases, their protective gear will help prevent exposure, the fibers will continue to linger even after the fire is out. Protection is still vital even when the immediate danger of the flames has been extinguished.

The tragic events of 9/11 also created a lot of dangerous debris and airborne toxins, including asbestos. Reports estimate that around 410,000 people were exposed to these toxins during rescue and cleanup efforts. Since it can take 10 – 50 years for symptoms to show, those who helped during and after the attack should monitor their health and inform their doctor of potential exposure.

Electricians

On top of resisting fire, asbestos is also tolerant to electricity. Electricians in charge of projects in residential areas and in businesses during the 1980s and earlier were likely exposed to asbestos at some point. Cutting and drilling into asbestos-filled materials releases the mineral into the air. Working with insulation, wiring applications, drywalls, ceiling tiles, insulation film, and other such materials all come with a risk of asbestos exposure.

The list of workplaces that might expose employees to asbestos is long. After any asbestos-related diagnosis, seek help from our personal injury attorneys regardless of your occupational history. You could have faced second-hand exposure from someone else even if you didn’t work directly around the mineral.