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Who is At Risk for Asbestos Exposure?

Just who is at risk for asbestos exposure? While nearly everyone is exposed to some degree of asbestos during their lifetime, most people suffer no ill effects from their exposure. Those who are at serious risk for health problems such as mesothelioma are usually exposed to the fibers on a regular basis over time. This includes laborers who are employed in jobs where they work directly with the material or are exposed through substantial environmental contact. Such individuals are more likely to face much higher levels of asbestos exposure than people who work, live or attend school in buildings containing asbestos products.

Some of the individuals most at risk for asbestos exposure include:

• Construction workers
• Plumbers
• Pipe fitters
• Boilermakers
• Shipyard workers
• Mechanics
• Demolition workers
• Firefighters
• Family members of asbestos workers

Asbestos Products

The use of asbestos in industries from automotive to building and construction has resulted in the manufacture of more than 5,000 industrial and household asbestos-containing products. Regular exposure to asbestos products can lead to serious health problems, including malignant mesothelioma. Several examples of products associated with asbestos exposure are listed below.

• Thermal insulation
• Fireproofing materials
• Acoustical products
• Fire-resistant fabrics
• Wall board
• Siding and roofing
• Brakes and clutches
• Casings for electrical wires
• Ceiling and floor tile
• Paints, coatings, and adhesives
• Vermiculite garden products
• Cement pipe
• Crayons
• Plastics

It should be noted that, although health problems increase with heavier exposure to asbestos products over longer periods of time, asbestos-related diseases have been found in individuals with a history of only brief exposure. No safe level of exposure to asbestos products has been determined. A number of factors combine to determine the risks of asbestos exposure, including:

• The concentration of asbestos fibers
• Duration of exposure over time
• Frequency of exposure
• Size, shape and chemical makeup of asbestos fibers