Jobs With High Levels of Asbestos Exposure and Disease Occurrence

Many at High Risk of Occupational Exposure

Exposure to asbestos can be particularly deadly in certain work environments. For example, many who worked in asbestos manufacturing plants or in asbestos mines succumbed to fatal asbestos–related diseases. But the problem extends further—to those who routinely handled, manufactured, or repaired asbestos–containing products. Even administrative or clerical staff could be affected if asbestos fibers were released into the air or carried by workers throughout the plant or facility. Significant asbestos exposure risks are associated with these occupations and workplaces:

• Insulating, or any work around insulators who install or remove:
  • asbestos pipe covering
  • asbestos block insulation
  • asbestos cement
• Shipbuilding, where workers were exposed to massive levels of asbestos in the past; especially in boiler rooms, and around hot water pipes and incinerators
  • Maps of Shipyard Locations – Explore where shipyards that used asbestos in shipbuilding and maintenance are located around the United States.
• Power plants, refineries and industrial settings where asbestos was used extensively in insulation, cement, and pipe fittings
• Construction and building trades, where asbestos was incorporated into fireproofing and many building materials, including roof shingles, pipes, siding, wall board, and tiles
• Manufacturing of asbestos products
• Pipefitters, steamfitters, boilermakers, refractory workers
• The textile industry where asbestos may be woven into fabrics
• Auto repairs, where asbestos is part of brake linings and clutches
• Railroads, where asbestos was used in insulation, brake linings, and in other areas
• Teachers, who may be exposed to asbestos dust in the classroom from worn, damaged or disturbed building materials
• Mining operations where asbestos was a contaminant
• Appliance repairmen, who work with older small appliances containing asbestos

Many of the workers who are at risk for asbestos exposure are union members. See The Union Fight to Protect Workers from Asbestos Exposure for details.

Asbestos can also be a danger to consumers. See Products Containing Asbestos for details.