Occupations at Risk of Mesothelioma

Occupational Asbestos Exposure & Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma is an incurable cancer that is caused by exposure to asbestos, a naturally occurring yet carcinogenic mineral once used in thousands of industrial, automotive, construction and household products throughout the United States and globally.  Although the U.S. passed strict regulations around the use, management, removal and disposal of asbestos in the 1980’s, many workers remain at risk of deadly exposure and eventual development of mesothelioma (cancer) orasbestosis (scarring of the lungs.)

 

Occupations at Risk

Mesothelioma has a long latency period, taking anywhere from 10 – 50 years to develop, with almost all cases of asbestos related diseases linked to occupational exposure.  The following occupations run the highest risk of exposure:

• Air Force Veterans
• Army Veterans
• Auto Mechanics
• Blacksmiths
• Brake Mechanics
• Bulldozer Operators
• Carpenters
• Cement Finishers
• Coast Guard Veterans
• Construction Workers
• Drywall Tapers
• Electricians
• Factory Workers
• Firefighters
• First Responders
• Foundry Workers

• Inspectors
• Insulators
• Janitors
• Mason Laborers
• Merchant Marine Seamen
• Millwrights
• Miners
• Navy Personnel
• Painters
• Pipe fitters and coverer's
• Plasterers
• Plumbers
• Power Plant Workers
• Railroad Workers
• Roofers
• Ship Yard Workers & Ship Builders
• Welders

In addition to occupational exposure, a smaller percentage of mesothelioma is caused by residential, environmental and domestic exposure.  Domestic exposure often occurred for men by way of their father’s bringing home asbestos and women from their husbands.