Asbestos exposure risks are still relatively high in the United States, despite increased safety measures and awareness of the dangers of asbestos-containing products and materials. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), some occupations carry more risk than others when it comes to asbestos exposure.

With that said, you might be wondering: which occupations are most at risk? This asbestos removal contractor in Lake Bluff, Illinois is going to explain below.

But first, what are the risks of asbestos exposure?

Asbestos exposure has been linked to several serious health conditions, including lung cancer, asbestosis, mesothelioma, cancer of the gastrointestinal tract, kidney and throat cancers, and pleural effusions.

Asbestos exposure can occur through inhalation of asbestos fibers or ingesting asbestos-containing dust. The worst part is that the symptoms of asbestos exposure may not appear until years after exposure has occurred.

Workers in certain occupations are at a higher risk for asbestos exposure due to the nature of their work. This asbestos removal contractor in Lake Bluff, Illinois is going to review them below:

Construction Workers

Many roofing, ceiling, and flooring materials were made with asbestos in the past. And when working with these materials, asbestos fibers can become airborne and inhaled by construction workers. This puts them at a higher risk for developing asbestos-related diseases.

Electricians

Many electricians worked with asbestos-containing products (such as wires, motor controllers, electrical panels, and boxes) daily and, as a result, were put at high risk for exposure.

Shipyard Workers

Asbestos exposure is a serious health hazard, and shipyard workers are among those most at risk. The heat and fire-resistant properties of asbestos made it a popular material for use in shipbuilding, particularly in the construction of boilers, pipes, and insulation. Unfortunately, this also means that shipyard workers may be exposed to asbestos fibers when working with these materials.

Welders and Machinists

Welders and machinists also need to be aware of asbestos exposure risks. These tradespeople may encounter asbestos-containing materials when working on ships, in older manufacturing facilities, or on pipelines that use asbestos products.

Miners

As any asbestos removal contractor in Lake Bluff, Illinois knows, mining is one of the most dangerous occupations when it comes to asbestos exposure. This is because miners are constantly exposed to the mineral fibers. There are three main types of mining that put workers at risk: underground mining, surface mining, and milling.

• Underground miners are most at risk because they have the greatest exposure to asbestos. The mineral fibers can become airborne and inhaled when the rock is disturbed.
• Surface miners also have a high risk of exposure because they often work near asbestos-containing rock. In addition, wind can blow the fibers around, making it easier for them to be inhaled.
• Milling operations involve cutting up rocks into smaller pieces and releasing dust with traces of asbestos into the air. These workers may not be as directly exposed to fiber as other miners, but they still could suffer from prolonged inhalation.

Final Thoughts

Asbestos exposure is one of the top causes of work-related illness in the United States, and certain occupations are more likely to encounter asbestos than others. If you are concerned about asbestos exposure and your occupation, do not hesitate to reach out to a licensed asbestos removal contractor in Lake Bluff, Illinois. They will be able to test for the presence of asbestos and advise you on the best course of action. Asbestos exposure can cause serious health problems, so it is important to take precautions if you think you may be at risk.

Looking for an Asbestos Removal Contractor in Lake Bluff, Illinois?

Are you ready to have your commercial building inspected for asbestos? If so, look no further than the experts at Axis Response Group. As the top-rated asbestos removal contractor in Lake Bluff, Illinois, our experts know how to remove asbestos from commercial buildings in the safest, most efficient manner possible. Contact us today at (773) 427-6811 to schedule a free consultation.