Who is at Risk?
The harmful effects of asbestos have been known for almost a century, but in spite of information campaigns and increased regulation meant to protect workers, thousands of employees in industrial occupations such as mining, construction, and shipbuilding have compromised their health by asbestos exposure.
Professions most at risk for exposure include: asbestos mining and milling; manufacturers of asbestos textiles or other products; construction and renovation workers; insulation workers; brake installation and repair; demolition workers; drywall workers; firefighters and others. The family members of these individuals are also at risk due to the asbestos dust and fibers that are brought home on the workers clothes. Individuals who live near asbestos related manufacturing are also at risk, as are those who live in or near renovation projects where asbestos tiles or insulation are being removed.
Exposure occurs when the fine particulate asbestos dust is disturbed and borne into the air where it is inhaled into the lungs. The risks associated with exposure can vary according to the safety precautions taken by the individual worker and by the company responsible for the work. In general, the more direct and prolonged the exposure, the higher the risk.
Below is a list of materials that are know to contain asbestos:
Note: The following list does not include every product/material that may contain asbestos. It is intended as a general guide to show which types of materials may contain asbestos.
| Cement Pipes | Elevator Brake Shoes |
| Cement Wallboard | HVAC Duct Insulation |
| Cement Siding | Boiler Insulation |
| Asphalt Floor Tile | Breaching Insulation |
| Vinyl Floor Tile | Ductwork Flexible Fabric Connections |
| Vinyl Sheet Flooring | Cooling Towers |
| Flooring Backing | Pipe Insulation (corrugated air-cell, block, etc.) |
| Construction Mastics (floor tile, carpet, ceiling tile, etc.) | Heating and Electrical Ducts |
| Acoustical Plaster | Electrical Panel Partitions |
| Decorative Plaster | Electrical Cloth |
| Textured Paints/Coatings | Electric Wiring Insulation |
| Ceiling Tiles and Lay-in Panels | Chalkboards |
| Spray-Applied Insulation | Roofing Shingles |
| Blown-in Insulation | Roofing Felt |
| Fireproofing Materials | Base Flashing |
| Taping Compounds (thermal) | Thermal Paper Products |
| Packing Materials (for wall/floor penetrations) | Fire Doors |
| High Temperature Gaskets | Caulking/Putties |
| Laboratory Hoods/Table Tops | Adhesives |
| Laboratory Gloves | Wallboard |
| Fire Blankets | Joint Compounds |
| Fire Curtains | Vinyl Wall Coverings |
| Elevator Equipment Panels | Spackling Compounds |
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Let Us Help!
If you have questions about asbestos or benzene exposure and are concerned about possible occupational diseases and cancers, Shelton Law Group is here to help. Call us today for a FREE evaluation to find out if you have a case or fill out our case assessment form to consult with a member of our devoted staff.