GeneralIndustries That Use Asbestos Everyday

What is Asbestos?

Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral found in rocks. These minerals are composed of extremely tiny mineral fibres such as chrysotile, amosite, crocidolite, tremolite, anthophyllite and actinolite. Due to its properties, it is heat resistant, flexible and strong,  which makes it a great component for many products used for the construction industry. Products like insulation in walls and attics, vinyl tiles used for floors, shingles, sliding on houses, blankets that protect hot water pipes, fabrics that resist heat, and car breaks are of the many that asbestos is used for. Because of its wide usage, it is included within any commercial or residential cost estimate. 

There are many reasons manufacturers use asbestos, but it is an extremely toxic and hazardous mineral that have affected many, especially those who work in the construction and manufacturing industry. Asbestos is extremely hazardous due to its tiny fibres that if inhaled for over a long period of time, may increase one’s risk of diseases such as asbestosis, lung cancer, and mesothelioma. Despite being completely dangerous, it is a very common mineral. So much so that most if not all of those exposed to the outside have encountered asbestos. It is only dangerous when exposed in high levels, which is why workers have the highest risk of catching these diseases. 

While being exposed to low levels of asbestos, it is important that one should be aware of how this mineral can affect not only you but your family, friends and even your neighbors. If you notice an on-going construction site, it is best for you to keep at a distance so as to not get exposed to the asbestos fibres. Fortunately, the use of asbestos by large companies has been controlled by the government ever since the 1970s. This is due to the extremely hazardous material that may affect anyone exposed. It is banned in most countries, but in the U.S, it is still used in various items used to build a home. When you’re thinking of renovating or building your home, it is best to research the materials you areto use as this will help you and your loved ones in the future. 

Industries That Use Asbestos

While asbestos is extremely hazardous, it is not completely banned in the U.S. Products like vinyl floor tiles, cement pipes, clothes, and brake pads are the most common that contain asbestos. The government has strictly banned paper, flooring felt, fake fireplace embers, and other products to contain asbestos. It is not a secret that asbestos is still found everywhere like roads, schools, ships, trains, homes and most especially factories. As asbestos is everywhere, it is also important to note that there are many others who risk their health and their lives to work in these industries. The following are occupations that are ot high risk for asbestos exposure: 

• Industrial Industry

Industrial workers are among the most at risk for exposure. Industrial workers include machinery operators, mechanics, foremen, chemical workers, and laborers. These workers are known for being exposed to asbestos containing textiles, fireproofing, insulation and gaskets. 

• Power Plant Industry

Unfortunately, a study has found that more than 30% of power plant workers are exposed to asbestos and have been experiencing symptoms that are related to diseases due to asbestos exposure. Fireproofing spray, pipe insulation and cutting old asbestos pipes are some of the common reasons for power plant workers to be exposed from asbestos. 

• Firefighter

Fire fighters are most commonly known to be exposed to asbestos due to damaged materials from casualties. An example of this was the 9/11 attacks on the World Trade Center that has affected many.

• Construction Industry

Constructions workers are the most affected by asbestos fibre exposure due to the materials they work with that contain these highly toxic minerals. Workers such as demolition crews and home renovators are some of which are most commonly exposed to asbestos. Many construction workers that worked with asbestos containing materials are now suffering from diseases such as lung cancer, asbestosis and mesothelioma. 

• Shipyard Industry

The reason for asbestos being banned in most countries is due to the 30% of lawsuits filed by shipyard workers across the globe. These workers have experienced high exposure to these toxic minerals. Fortunately, those who have filed this lawsuit have won a multimillion dollar lawsuit against manufacturers of asbestos. 

More Occupations with a High Risk of Exposure to Asbestos

• Steel Mill Workers
• Asbestos Mining
• Insulators
• Asbestos Plant Workers
• Textile Mill Workers
• Boiler Workers

Industries that Suffer from Asbestosis and Mesothelioma Deaths:

• Elementary and Secondary Schools
• Constructions
• Railroads
• Electrical Light and Power
• Ship and Boat Building and Repairing
• Electrical Light and Power
• Hospitals
• Blast Furnaces, Steelworks, Rolling and Finishing Mills
• Miscellaneous Nonmetallic Mineral and Stone Products 
• Agricultural
• Industrial and Chemicals
• Manufacturing Industries 

Conclusion

Unfortunately, there is no way to completely ignore the use of asbestos as a mineral to manufacture certain products as it has extremely strong properties essential to building certain structures. Many of these workers are obligated to work in these dangerous and hazardous working conditions that may affect their lives in the near future. Although lawsuits have been filed to ban the use of this highly toxic mineral, the government cannot completely take this material out as it is essential to many. The downside of this is that more and more are affected by this every year and the struggle to cure those that have been diagnosed with diseases connected to asbestos is a worldwide issue. Surviving mesothelioma, asbestosis, and lung cancer is not a joke and should not be taken lightly as these diseases have a large fatality rate. Luckily, the OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) is doing their best to reduce asbestos exposure for these workers. They have implemented certain standards such as requiring employers to provide personal exposure monitoring to assess the risk of exposure as well as training programs that operate every now and then to seek potential areas that are extremely exposed to asbestos. Despite all this, there is no “safe” level of exposure to asbestos and even the most little exposure may lead to mesothelioma. If you or anyone you know has been exposed to asbestos, and have been experiencing symptoms that diseases asbestos is connected to, go to a health professional immediately. 

This article has been sponsored by Boba Digital, LLC