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Asbestos exposure: Who's at risk?
An estimated 1.3 million employees in construction and general
industry face significant asbestos exposure on the job. Heaviest
exposures occur in the construction industry, particularly
during the removal of asbestos during renovation or demolition.
Employees are also likely to be exposed during the manufacture
of asbestos products (such as textiles, friction products,
insulation, and other building materials) and during automotive
brake and clutch repair work.
The inhalation of asbestos fibers by workers can cause serious
diseases of the lungs and other organs that may not appear
until years after the exposure has occurred. For instance,
asbestosis can cause a buildup of scar-like tissue in the
lungs and result in loss of lung function that often progresses
to disability and death. Asbestos fibers associated with these
health risks are too small to be seen with the naked eye,
and smokers are at higher risk of developing some asbestos-related
diseases.
General industry employees may be exposed to asbestos during
the manufacture of asbestos-containing products or when performing
brake and clutch repairs. In the construction industry, exposure
occurs when workers disturb asbestos-containing materials
during the renovation or demolition of buildings. Employees
in the maritime environment also may be exposed when renovating
or demolishing ships constructed with asbestos-containing
materials. In addition, custodial workers may be exposed through
contact with deteriorating asbestos-containing materials in
buildings.
Professions at risk of asbestos exposure
- Industrial Workers
- Utility Workers
- Shipyard Workers
- Construction and building trades
- Refining, Foundries and Steel Workers
- Mainentance Workers and Non-Union Crafts
- Chemical, Pharmaceutical Workers
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