High-Risk Occupations

High-Risk Occupations For Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma is a deadly cancer often caused by asbestos exposure in the workplace or elsewhere. It can result in costly medical treatments and severe emotional distress. And unfortunately, there is no known cure, although treatment options can be used to reduce the severity of symptoms and slow the progress of the disease.

We are fierce advocates for those diagnosed with mesothelioma at Menges Law Firm. We are dedicated to helping mesothelioma victims, and their families seek the financial compensation they deserve from the companies responsible for their exposure. Our mesothelioma attorneys have over 50 years of combined experience and know what it takes to fight for your rights in asbestos exposure cases, even if the company responsible for your condition has already declared bankruptcy.

What Occupations Can Put You At High Risk For Asbestos Exposure?

Asbestos is a potentially deadly mineral used in everything from fabric and talc production to building construction and pipe insulation. For decades, many workers were regularly exposed to asbestos while performing their job duties. While exposure can occur in many types of workplaces, some of those that are considered the highest exposure risk include:

• Auto mechanics
• Custodial service
• Construction and remodeling
• Plumbers
• Firefighters
• Military personnel
• Shipyard workers
• Welders

Being diagnosed with mesothelioma can be a shocking and devastating experience, and for many people, it can also come as a surprise. Mesothelioma is a type of cancer caused by exposure to asbestos. Although it’s considered rare, it’s still important to be aware of the different occupations and industries considered “high-risk” in mesothelioma.

Construction Workers and Asbestos Exposure

Construction workers are among the most at risk regarding mesothelioma due to their frequent contact with asbestos materials. Asbestos was used in building materials such as pipes, insulation, and roofing, which posed a potential danger for construction workers who unknowingly worked with them daily.

Shipyard Workers and Shipbuilding

Shipyard workers are another group susceptible to developing mesothelioma from prolonged exposure to asbestos materials. From the early 20th century until the mid-1970s, asbestos was consistently used on ships for fireproofing, insulation, soundproofing material, flooring, etc, which posed a potential hazard for shipbuilders over the years who worked directly with these materials.

Factory Workers

Working in factories can be dangerous already due to the amount of intense machinery involved but coupled with possible asbestos exposure makes factory work even more hazardous in terms of developing mesothelioma down the line. Asbestos was often used in factories both as an insulation or fireproofing material or hidden behind walls or ceilings where factory personnel would not have known that they were being exposed unknowingly on a daily basis.

Automobile Mechanics

Before long, procedures were put into place during car manufacturing production lines prohibiting the use of certain asbestos-containing materials such as brakes and clutches due to safety reasons; during this time, however, automobile mechanics were regularly exposed through these vehicle components without any protective gear whatsoever leading many into developing mesothelioma down the line.

HVAC Workers

Professionals in the HVAC, boiler making, and pipefitting industries may encounter asbestos when working in confined spaces. The employees may be exposed to danger when entering public buildings, residential homes, and big boilers. People in this industry may encounter high levels of airborne asbestos particles when carrying out maintenance or installation tasks. HVAC technicians may be exposed to asbestos when repairing boilers from past decades.

Plumbers & Electricians

Plumbers and electrical engineers were two other professions that experienced significant amounts of increased possibilities when dealing with dangers related to contracting mesothelioma due to their respective tasks requiring them to have direct contact without protection while exposed to large portions of these insulated pipes containing high concentrations of asbestos particles leading them potentially contracting this illness even years after stopping working in their corresponding fields altogether.

Firefighters

Asbestos fibers pose a threat to firefighters more than most other professions. Firefighters can be exposed to asbestos when responding to fires in homes and buildings constructed before 1980. Many items containing asbestos can be found in these structures. Asbestos is commonly found in insulation, tiling and roofing materials. Research indicates that firefighters are twice as likely to get mesothelioma than the average person. Repeated exposure during emergency calls has dramatically raised the risk to responders.

Oil Refinery Workers

Oil or petroleum refinery workers aid the processing of the oils and fuels employed every day in America. Asbestos, which can be found inside aged electrical items, cement, shielding apparel and thermal insulation, is often encountered by these workers. Investigations have indicated that people in this sector usually suffer lengthy asbestos contact. Subsequently, the mortality rate due to mesothelioma among oil refinery workers is marked as one of the highest.

Because mesothelioma symptoms can take 20 to 50 years after exposure to first appears, workers who have been exposed to asbestos in the past should stay vigilant when monitoring symptoms. At Menges Law Firm, our skilled attorneys know how to litigate mesothelioma cases where exposure occurred years before and understand how to seek damages from companies. We will fight to get you the settlement you need — and if we don’t get you a settlement, you don’t pay any attorneys’ fees.

What Is Asbestos Risk Like Today?

In the United States, OSHA began regulating asbestos use in the 1970s and began programs to remove it from existing structures during the 1980s and 1990s. Unfortunately, the use of asbestos in new construction has not been outright banned in the United States. Additionally, many homes, plants and old buildings have not been required to undergo any form of asbestos cleanup, so those who work in such buildings — especially on construction or renovation projects — still have a high risk of being exposed to the substance.