Here are just some of the industries or employment types that were commonly exposed to asbestos:
Insulating
Insulators, or people that worked extensively around asbestos insulation, are especially at risk for the development of an asbestos related disease. Common products that insulators worked with are:
- asbestos pipe covering,
- asbestos block insulation,
- asbestos containing cement,
- asbestos lagging, or
- Zonolite Attic Insulation.
Building and Construction
Asbestos products were used extensively in both home and commercial construction. Fireproofing, insulation, joint compounds, plaster and patching compounds are just a few of the commonly used products that contained asbestos. Plumbers are also at risk—exposed through asbestos laden cement pipes, deteriorating asbestos insulation and pipe coverings.
Mining
Miners of talc and vermiculite are at significant risk for heavy asbestos exposure and asbestos disease. Large amounts of asbestos dust, poor ventilation and lack of proper breathing protection are contributing factors.
Textile Industry
The textile industry used asbestos in heat resistant products like heat–resistant pads, asbestos gloves, and woven into cloth coverings and protective blankets.
Power Plants, Refineries and Industrial Settings
Power plants, oil refineries and industrial settings are jobsites where asbestos is used extensively.
Asbestos fibres are also carried on clothing, so the families of those working with asbestos and those involved in the laundering of an asbestos worker’s clothing may be at risk.
