With an estimated 5,000 products that contain asbestos, asbestos is present in buildings, cars, factories, ships and houses. It is commonly accepted that the more you are exposed to asbestos, the more at risk you are of getting mesothelioma and lung cancer.

While many uses for asbestos were banned in the mid-1970’s, the risk from exposure continues today due to mesothelioma’s long latency (inactive) period of anywhere between 10 to 50 years. Today, asbestos continues to be a threat to workers exposed through their occupations and in buildings that were erected prior to the ban.

Asbestos fibers are so toxic, that industrial and trade worker’s families may be exposed to mesothelioma through particles that cling to the worker’s clothing, shoes, skin and hair. This type of “second-hand” exposure to asbestos is known as Para occupational exposure.

The following occupations present the highest risk for workers exposed to asbestos fibers:

* Pipe Coverers
* Navy Personnel
* Laborers
* Brake Mechanics
* Auto Mechanics
* Millwrights
* Painters
* Plasterers
* Merchant Marine Seamen
* Pipefitters
* Cement Finishers
* Foundry Workers
* Carpenters
* Plumbers
* Roofers
* Sailors
* Navy Yard Workers / Yardbirds
* Paperworkers
* Electricians
* Bricklayers
* Boilermakers
* Machinists
* Lathers
* Insulators
* Welders
* Sheetmetal Workers
* Crane Operators
* Aircraft Mechanics
* Engineers
* Steamfitters
* Masonry Workers
* Longshoremen
* Plantworkers
* Powerhouse Workers
* Railroad Workers
* Inspectors
* Maintenance Workers
* Papermill Workers
* Tapers

The following is a general list provided by the Environmental Protection Agency intended to show the types of materials containing asbestos. It does not include all products containing asbestos.

Cement Pipes
Elevator Brake Shoes
Cement Wallboard
HVAC Duct Insulation
Cement Siding Boiler
Insulation
Asphalt Floor Tile
Breaching Insulation
Vinyl Floor Tile
Ductwork Flexible
Fabric Connections
Vinyl Sheet Flooring
Cooling Towers
Flooring Backing
Pipe Insulation (corrugated air-cell, block, etc.)
Construction Mastics (floor tile, carpet, ceiling tile, etc.) Heating and Electrical Ducts
Acoustical Plaster
Electrical Panel Partitions
Decorative Plaster
Electrical Cloth
Textured Paints/Coatings
Electric Wiring Insulation
Ceiling Tiles and Lay-in Panels
Chalkboards
Spray-Applied Insulation
Roofing Shingles
Blown-in Insulation
Roofing Felt
Fireproofing Materials
Base Flashing
Taping Compounds (thermal)
Thermal Paper Products
Packing Materials (for wall/floor penetrations)
Fire Doors
High Temperature Gaskets
Caulking/Putties
Laboratory Hoods/Table Tops
Adhesives
Laboratory Gloves
Wallboard
Fire Blankets
Joint Compounds
Fire Curtains
Vinyl Wall Coverings
Elevator Equipment Panels
Spackling Compounds

A history of asbestos exposure at work is reported in about 70 percent to 80 percent of all cases of mesothelioma. In other cases, the exposures vary and /or have not been investigated thoroughly. If you suffer from mesothelioma symptoms or have been diagnosed with mesothelioma, you have legal rights that can help protect your future and family.

Scores of corporations that manufactured and profited from the sale of asbestos-containing products knew the health hazards as early as the 1920's. During the same period, there were alternatives to asbestos available. Ignoring the deadly risks and repercussions associated with asbestos, corporations chose to sell and recklessly use it through the 1980's. These manufacturers did not advise workers of the dangers of asbestos and consequently, many Americans who have unnecessarily and tragically contracted mesothelioma.

If you worked in a high-risk industry and have been diagnosed with mesothelioma, or you have lost someone to an asbestos-related illness, it is your right to seek compensation from those responsible for your situation. While monetary compensation will not alleviate your pain, it will ease the burden of concerns such as medical bills, lost income, continued support for loved ones, and may aid in your situation in many other ways.

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