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asbestos-job-exposureBetween the years of 1940 and 1970, a mineral called asbestos was commonly used in many products and numerous industries. It was fireproof, had high electrical resistance, was flexible and strong, and made the ideal material for a variety of products. It’s also very friable, meaning tiny fibers break off easily when it’s disturbed. These microscopic fibers go airborne and are easily inhaled. Over time, asbestos exposure may lead to mesothelioma, which is a cancerous growth along the lining of the lungs.

Many occupations were at high risk of exposure to this dangerous material while it was in use. Since it takes decades for mesothelioma symptoms to manifest, workers who were exposed to asbestos weren’t aware of the health risks their jobs entailed. However, the life threatening risks of asbestos were known among business owners, and they knowingly put their workers at risk by failing to warn them of the hazards involved in their jobs.

Workers weren’t the only ones at risk. Asbestos fibers often clung to their clothing, and therefore anyone they came in contact with—such as family, friends, and others—would also be at risk.

Today, many uses of asbestos have been phased out, but some persist, and many existing structures, vehicles, and facilities that were built while this material was in use still use asbestos tiling, insulation, cements, paints, and components. Those who work in these places are still at risk of exposure, making safety measures and protective equipment paramount in preventing further mesothelioma outbreaks.

Job Type Category Risk Level Military?
Bricklayers / Stone Masons Construction Medium Yes
Building Inspectors Construction High Yes
Carpenters Construction Medium Yes
Drywall tapers Construction High Yes
Insulators Construction High Yes
Painters Construction High Yes
Pipefitters Construction High Yes
Plasters Construction High Yes
Roofers Construction High Yes
Sawyers Construction High Yes
Tile Installers Construction High Yes
Conservation employees EMS, Police, Firefighters Low Yes
EMTs and paramedics EMS, Police, Firefighters Low Yes
Fire inspectors EMS, Police, Firefighters Low Yes
Firefighters EMS, Police, Firefighters High Yes
Hazardous materials workers EMS, Police, Firefighters Low Yes
Police officers EMS, Police, Firefighters Low Yes
Aerospace Engineers Medium Yes
Biomedical Engineers Medium Yes
Chemical Engineers Medium Yes
Civil Engineers Medium Yes
Electrical Engineers Medium Yes
Health and safety Engineers Medium Yes
Heating Engineers High Yes
Industrial Engineers High Yes
Marine Engineers High Yes
Mechanical Engineers Medium Yes
Nuclear Engineers Medium Yes
Operating Engineers Medium Yes
Stationary Engineers Medium Yes
Agricultural equipment mechanics & operators Farmers High No
Dairy farmers Farmers High No
Farmhands Farmers High No
Poultry farmers Farmers High No
Ranchers Farmers High No
Sharecroppers/sharefarmers Farmers High No
Sheep, goat or cattle farmers Farmers High No
Vegetable farmers/market Farmers High No
Teachers General Medium No
Toll Collectors General High No
Cosmetologists Hairdressers Low No
Estheticians/Skincare specialists Hairdressers Low No
Manicurists Hairdressers Low No
Pedicurists Hairdressers Low No
Barbers Hairdressers Low Yes
Boilermakers and boiler operators HVAC High Yes
Fabricators and assemblers HVAC Medium Yes
General repair workers HVAC Medium Yes
Heat and frost insulators HVAC High Yes
Machinists HVAC High Yes
Pipefitters and steamfitters HVAC High Yes
Stationary engineers HVAC Medium Yes
Steamfitters HVAC High Yes
Blast Furnace Operators Industrial Workers High No
Appliance Installers Industrial Workers Low No
Asbestos Miner Industrial Workers High Yes
Asbestos Plant Worker Industrial Workers High Yes
Auto Mechanics Industrial Workers Medium Yes
Bakers General Low Yes
Boilermaker Industrial Workers High Yes
Brake and Clutch Manufacturer Workers Industrial Workers High No
Carpenters Industrial Workers Medium Yes
Cement Plant Workers Industrial Workers Medium Yes
Chemical Plant Workers Industrial Workers Medium Yes
Chimney Sweepers General Low No
Contractors and Building Managers Industrial Workers High No
Delivery Service Workers Industrial Workers High Yes
Electricians Industrial Workers Medium Yes
Factory Workers Industrial Workers High No
Glass Factory Workers Industrial Workers High No
Hospital Workers Industrial Workers High Yes
Insulator Industrial Workers High Yes
Janitors / Maintenance Workers Industrial Workers High Yes
Job and Die Setters Industrial Workers High No
Machine operators Industrial Workers High Yes
Machinists Industrial Workers High Yes
Maintenance and repair workers Industrial Workers High Yes
Mechanics Industrial Workers High Yes
Mixing Operatives Industrial Workers High No
Molders Industrial Workers High No
Moving Equipment Operators Industrial Workers High Yes
Packing and Gasket Manufacturing Workers Industrial Workers High No
Painters Industrial Workers High Yes
Pipefitters Industrial Workers High Yes
Plumbers Industrial Workers Medium Yes
Protective Clothing Manufacturer Workers Industrial Workers High No
Road Workers Industrial Workers Medium No
Technicians Industrial Workers Medium Yes
Tile Setters Industrial Workers High No
Truck Drivers Industrial Workers High Yes
Warehouse workers Industrial Workers High Yes
Weavers Industrial Workers High No
Welders / Cutters Industrial Workers High Yes
Finishing Mills Industrial Workers High No
Paper Mill Workers Industrial Workers Medium No
Rolling Mills Industrial Workers Medium No
Steel Mill Worker Industrial Workers High No
Textile Mill Workers Industrial Workers High No
Bulldozer operators Machine Operators High Yes
Crane operators Machine Operators High Yes
Drill press operators Machine Operators High No
Millwrights Machine Operators High No
Mixing operators Machine Operators High No
Operating engineers Machine Operators High Yes
Power Plant Worker Machine Operators High Yes
Road machine operators Machine Operators High Yes
Sheet metal workers Machine Operators High Yes
Tool and die makers Machine Operators High No
Freight and material handlers Machine Operators High Yes
Ironworkers Machine Operators High Yes
Grinding machine operators Machine Operators High No
Airplane & Aircraft Mechanics Medium Yes
Assembly line workers Mechanics High No
Auto parts manufacturers Mechanics High No
Automotive body and glass technicians Mechanics High Yes
Diesel technicians and mechanics Mechanics High Yes
Electricians Mechanics Medium Yes
Industrial workers Mechanics High Yes
Shade tree mechanics Mechanics High No
Small engine mechanics Mechanics High Yes
Deck Crew Merchant Marines High Yes
Stewards Merchant Marines High Yes
Engine Crew Merchant Marines High Yes
Fabricators Metal Workers Medium Yes
Blacksmiths Metal Workers Medium Yes
Ironworkers Metal Workers Medium Yes
Machinists Metal Workers Medium Yes
Metal machine workers Metal Workers Medium Yes
Sheet metal workers Metal Workers Medium Yes
Solderers Metal Workers Medium Yes
Steel Worker Metal Workers High Yes
Tinsmiths Metal Workers Medium No
Tool and die makers Metal Workers Medium No
Welder Metal Workers Medium Yes
Boatswain’s Mate Navy High Yes
Boilerman, Boiler Tender, Boilermaker, Water Tender Navy High Yes
Damage Controlman Navy High Yes
Electrician’s Mate Navy High Yes
Engineman Navy High Yes
Fireman Navy High Yes
Gunner’s Mate Navy High Yes
Hull Maintenance Technician Navy High Yes
Instrumentman Navy High Yes
Machinist’s Mate Navy High Yes
Pipefitters Navy High Yes
Shipfitter Navy High Yes
Sonarman, Sonar Technician Navy High Yes
Storekeeper Navy High Yes
Utilitiesman Navy High Yes
Boilermakers and boiler operators Oil Refinery High Yes
Construction workers Oil Refinery High Yes
Electricians Oil Refinery Medium No
Machinists Oil Refinery Medium No
Maintenance workers Oil Refinery Medium No
Mechanics Oil Refinery Medium No
Metal/Iron workers Oil Refinery Medium No
Pipefitters Oil Refinery Medium No
Shipbuilders Oil Refinery Medium No
Welder Oil Refinery Medium No
General maintenance workers Railroad Medium Yes
Inspectors Railroad Medium Yes
Locomotive engineers Railroad Medium Yes
Locomotive firers Railroad Medium Yes
Machinists Railroad Medium Yes
Rail yard engineers Railroad Medium Yes
Railroad brake, signal and switch operators Railroad Medium Yes
Railroad conductors and yardmasters Railroad Medium Yes
Ship Building and Repair Shipyard High Yes
Carpenters Shipyard High Yes
Caulkers Shipyard High Yes
Crane operators Shipyard High Yes
Draftsmen Shipyard High Yes
Electricians Shipyard High Yes
Engine fitters Shipyard High Yes
Fitter Shipyard High Yes
Foremen Shipyard High Yes
Heavy equipment operators Shipyard High Yes
Insulators Shipyard High Yes
Laborer Shipyard High Yes
Lagger Shipyard High Yes
Longshoremen Shipyard High Yes
Machinists Shipyard High Yes
Painters Shipyard High Yes
Pipe coverers Shipyard High Yes
Pipefitters Shipyard High Yes
Sheet metal workers Shipyard High Yes
Shipwright Shipyard High Yes
Sprayer Shipyard High Yes
Welder Shipyard High Yes

Construction & Asbestos Exposure

Bricklayers / Stone Masons – Medium Risk -Bricklayers and stonemasons both would have been exposed to asbestos through the use of cement powders. Before the 80s, cement included asbestos, as did many bricks and precast blocks. When mixing cement or shaping bricks to fit into a structure, the process would often release asbestos fibers into the air.

Building Inspectors – High Risk -Building inspectors examine structures to make sure they are soundly built and compliant with regulations. This means they would have been exposed to asbestos in building materials between 1940 and 1970. When checking older buildings today, there is still some risk of exposure.

Carpenters – Medium Risk -Carpenters build the framework of houses and commercial buildings. They also perform renovation work, which frequently exposes them to asbestos in floor and ceiling tiles, insulation, boiler components, and so forth. Prior to 1980, they might have also had to work directly with asbestos sheets, cutting them into shape.

Drywall tapers – High Risk -Drywall tapers tape and seal drywall boards after they have been hung up. Drywall used to be made with asbestos, and airborne dust from construction was abundant while they carried out their duties. Related to drywall hangers, who would shape and install drywall sheets, tapers would be at high risk of exposure.

Insulators – High Risk -Between 1930 and 1970, asbestos was used in nearly every type of insulation. As such, those who installed insulation during that time would likely have been exposed. In addition, many older buildings still have asbestos insulation in their walls, so insulators who do work on those buildings may still inhale loose fibers.

Painters – High Risk -Many paint products at the time contained asbestos as a filler. While the mineral gave the paint better flow and temperature resistance, it also led to health problems for those who came into contact with it. This, plus the presence of asbestos in various building materials, put painters at risk of mesothelioma later on.

Pipefitters – High Risk -Many pipefitting pieces contained asbestos, especially those used for insulation or to add heat resistance. Cements, valves, and other items would contain asbestos, putting pipefitters at risk. In addition, their work environments (often construction sites) would have high levels of asbestos fibers in the air.

Plasters – High Risk -Plasterers, also known as stucco masons, applicators, plaster mechanics, and mortarers, would have been exposed to asbestos through the plasters they used, which contained asbestos fibers. The risk of inhaling these fibers increased every time a plasterer would mix or cut dry plaster. In addition, their work environments frequently had airborne fibers from other materials.

Roofers – High Risk -Many roofing products contained asbestos in order to enhance strength and fire resistance without increasing the weight. Roofers working with those materials would have been exposed to asbestos fibers, especially when cutting or shaping shingles, insulation, etc. Older buildings may still pose a risk to roofers today.

Sawyers – High Risk -Sawyers cut wood, a vital task in construction. Construction sites often included many building materials, many of which used to include asbestos. The presence of asbestos fibers in the air while sawyers were at work would have led to a high chance of developing mesothelioma later on.

Tile Installers – High Risk -Prior to 1980, many floor and ceiling tiles included asbestos to enhance strength and fire resistance. Often, tile installers would have to cut and sand tiles before installing them, releasing asbestos fibers into the air where they could be inhaled. This risk would be in addition to the occupational hazards of construction sites at the time.

EMS, Police, Firefighters & Asbestos Exposure

Conservation Employees – Low Risk -Forest and conservation workers look after natural areas. Sometimes, this involves the suppression of forest fires, a task that requires heat resistant equipment. Much of the protective gear used in these tasks between the ’40s and ’70s included asbestos, putting conservation workers at risk.

EMTs and Paramedics – Low Risk -Emergency medical care at accident sites is provided by paramedics and EMTs, who may be exposed to asbestos at the site. Many old buildings contain asbestos construction materials, and providing emergency care at those sites could put EMTs and paramedics at risk of exposure.

Fire Inspectors – Low Risk -Fire inspectors visit buildings and examine them to make sure they meet relevant fire codes. They may visit older buildings which contain asbestos, potentially risking exposure to airborne fibers. Building inspectors, zoning inspectors, and similar occupations may have comparable risks, especially when visiting older structures.

Firefighters – High Risk -Firefighters put out fires, and are exposed to high levels of heat. Prior to 1980, fireproofing gear would have been made using asbestos, making firefighters highly likely to contract mesothelioma later on. In addition, entering/working around structures that contain asbestos building materials would put them further at risk.

Hazardous Materials Workers – Low Risk -Hazardous material workers, or hazmat removal workers, may come into contact with asbestos as they dispose of it from contaminated areas. This involves some risk of exposure, hence the protective gear used in the process. Inspecting and working around areas with asbestos can still pose a risk, however.

Police Officers – Low Risk -Law enforcement personnel such as police officers may need to work in areas where asbestos is present, such as in older buildings or disaster areas with lots of old structures. This places them at risk of inhaling toxic airborne fibers resulting from damage to buildings. EMTs, paramedics, firefighters, and other personnel may also be at risk.

Engineers & Asbestos Exposure

Aerospace Engineer – Medium Risk -Also known as aeronautical engineers, aerospace engineers build and maintain all types of air and space craft. These craft frequently used asbestos in their insulation, brake linings, electrical coatings, and soundproofing materials, often placing engineers in contact with toxic fibers. Engineers involved in manufacturing and maintenance were at higher risk than design engineers.

Biomedical Engineer – Medium Risk -Biomedical engineers use engineering principles to develop tools, machines, and complex systems for use in healthcare. They often work in manufacturing facilities which may expose them to asbestos fibers. Between 1940 and 1970, asbestos was used in many industrial settings, putting anyone working in those locations at risk.

Chemical Engineer – Medium Risk -Most chemical engineers work in research and development, but they sometimes handled asbestos as part of their work. A chemist in a chemical plant would have some additional risk due to the use of asbestos in building materials, insulation on piping and equipment, tools, and protective clothing.

Civil Engineer – Medium Risk -One of the major parts of a civil engineer’s work involves inspecting building sites and giving instructions to technicians. This put them in contact with the asbestos products they designed into these structures, including concrete, insulation, asphalt, adhesives, and so on. Much of the equipment, such as HVAC and heavy building equipment, also used asbestos in their various components.

Electrical Engineer – Medium Risk -Electrical engineers design various electrical systems, including motors, wiring, machinery controls, and navigation systems. Overseeing the implementation of these systems often took electrical engineers onto sites where asbestos was used. Many electrical components themselves, such as cast iron switches, used asbestos, putting engineers at risk if they handled these components.

Health and Safety Engineer – Medium Risk -Health and safety engineers develop systems that protect people from illness and injury. Prior to 1980, many systems included asbestos in order to prevent fire and damage to both equipment and personnel alike. Designing these systems could bring health and safety engineers into contact with asbestos materials, putting them at risk.

Heating Engineer – High Risk -Heating engineers install and maintain heating systems in homes and commercial buildings. This often exposed them to asbestos in the insulation materials inherent in HVAC equipment prior to 1980. In addition, the settings where they work may still have asbestos within their building materials. Similar to HVAC technicians, plumbers, and insulators.

Industrial Engineer – High Risk -Companies hire industrial engineers to improve the efficiency of their processes. As such, industrial engineers often visit sites to determine where improvements are needed. Prior to 1980, this exposed them to the numerous asbestos products used in industrial processes, such as insulation, protective gear, pipe fittings, gaskets, and building materials.

Marine Engineer – High Risk -Marine engineers develop, test, and build marine craft and equipment. From 1940 to 1980, asbestos was frequently used in marine vessels to prevent fire and improve the resilience of various boat parts. As such, marine engineers working at shipyards would frequently be exposed to asbestos fibers.

Mechanical Engineer – Medium Risk -Mechanical engineers frequently work with moving mechanical parts, and prior to 1980, those parts often contained asbestos. In addition to handling these components, mechanical engineers working on site would be exposed to other sources of asbestos, such as building materials, insulation, protective gear, and heavy equipment.

Nuclear Engineer – Medium Risk -Nuclear engineers work around reactors, which often used asbestos as part of their insulation. Reactors used asbestos to protect pipes and valves, and asbestos powder was used to repair damaged insulation. As nuclear engineers maintained reactors and related systems, they’d often be in direct contact with toxic fibers.

Operating Engineer – Medium Risk -Operating engineers use a variety of heavy equipment to build and maintain structures. Alternatively, they may work with heating and cooling systems within buildings (also called stationary engineers). The asbestos present in many building and insulation materials prior to 1980 placed them at risk of mesothelioma due to exposure.

Stationary Engineer – Medium Risk -Stationary engineers maintain heating and cooling systems. Between 1940 and 1980, these systems often used asbestos to prevent fire, improve efficiency, and reduce corrosion. Maintaining HVAC equipment with asbestos frequently required shaping and cutting insulation materials, loosing millions of dust particles into the air.

Farmers & Asbestos Exposure

Agricultural Equipment Mechanics & Operators – High Risk -Heavy machinery, such as tractors, tillers, and the like, used to contain many asbestos components, including brake pads, gaskets, clutches, brake linings, seals, engine parts, and insulation. Operating this equipment came with the risk of asbestos exposure, and the risk was also prevalent for those who had to maintain farm equipment.

Dairy Farmers – High Risk -Dairy farms sometimes include asbestos in heavy equipment and building materials to increase durability, resist corrosion, and enhance fire resistance. These materials deteriorate over time, releasing toxic fibers into the air. Dairy farmers, their farm hands, and those who operate agricultural equipment would all be at risk.

Farmhands – High Risk -Farmhands perform numerous tasks on farms, including tending livestock, operating machinery, performing maintenance, etc. Older farms frequently used asbestos in their building materials, and agricultural equipment often had asbestos components, such as brakepads, gaskets, insulation, and so forth. Working with this equipment would expose farmhands to asbestos fibers, leading to a risk of mesothelioma.

Poultry Farmers – High Risk -Poultry farmers (and those who work on farms in general) may be in contact with asbestos, particularly in older farm facilities that were built with asbestos. Much of the equipment used by farmers before the 1980s also included asbestos, putting those who used and maintained that equipment at risk.

Ranchers – High Risk -Ranchers and farmers in both animal and plant production are at risk of mesothelioma due to the presence of asbestos in farming facilities and equipment. Machines to harvest and process crops once contained asbestos insulation and components, putting ranchers at risk as they worked with this equipment.

Sharecroppers/Sharefarmers – High Risk -Sharecroppers and sharefarmers share their equipment, lands, crops, etc. in order to profit alongside other farmers. The use of outdated equipment or facilities may put them at risk of mesothelioma given how asbestos was used in many machine parts and building materials prior to the 1980s. Older tractors, tillers, processing equipment, facilities, and so forth may still pose a risk.

Sheep, Goat and Cattle Farmers – High Risk -Livestock farmers, such as those who farm sheep, cattle, or goats, may have some risk of asbestos exposure, particularly when using older facilities and equipment. Prior to 1980, many types of equipment contained asbestos components, and buildings were frequently built using the material in order to prevent fires, putting farmers and farmhands at risk.

Market and Vegetable Farmers – High Risk -Vegetable farmers use many types of heavy equipment that once used asbestos. Gaskets, brakes, insulation, and other components used the material to enhance durability and heat resistance. In addition, older farming facilities may contain asbestos building materials. Finally, agricultural filler made using asbestos would add further risk.

General & Asbestos Exposure

Teachers – Medium Risk -Many school buildings are very old, and as such, they often contain asbestos insulation and construction materials. Additionally, old boiler heating systems may contain asbestos. Teachers in these locations may have a risk of developing mesothelioma due to asbestos exposure, especially as those old building materials deteriorate.

Toll Collectors – High Risk -Toll collectors collect tolls from drivers, and while drivers pay, their vehicles are idle. This means various emissions, including asbestos from brake pads and clutches, are put into the air, meaning exposure for toll collectors on a daily basis. This is especially the case when drivers of older vehicles are stopped at toll booths.

Bakers – Low Risk -Professional bakers, pastry cooks, biscuit cooks, and similar occupations would sometimes be exposed to asbestos. The high heat that baking equipment needs to handle would have called for asbestos prior to 1980, and the material was used to insulate ovens. It could have also been present in heat-resistant clothing used in the industry.

Chimney Sweepers – Low Risk -Chimney sweepers may encounter asbestos when cleaning older chimneys. The bricks used in chimneys built before 1980 often contained asbestos for heat resistance, and many hearths on prefabricated chimneys could also contain the material. Bricklayers, masons, pipefitters, and building cleaners may also be affected.

Hairdressers & Asbestos Exposure

Cosmetologists – Low Risk -Cosmetologists working at hairdressing salons may have been exposed to asbestos. Many hair drying products, including handheld hairdryers and hood hairdryers, used to contain asbestos to protect components from overheating. As such, those who worked with or around those items may have been exposed to asbestos fibers at some point.

Skincare Specialists/Estheticians – Low Risk -Estheticians and skin care specialists who worked in settings that used hair dryers before 1980 may have been at risk of mesothelioma. This is because many hairdryers contained asbestos to prevent overheating. While estheticians may not necessarily have used these products in their work, they often work in settings where hairdryers would be frequently used.

Manicurists – Low Risk -Manicurists, who specialize in caring for people’s fingernails, often work in salons where hairdryers are used. Before 1980, many models of hairdryers contained asbestos components to add heat resistance. The blowers in these devices had the potential to blow asbestos fibers into the air, leading to a small risk of mesothelioma for those present.

Pedicurists – Low Risk -Pedicurists care for their clients’ toenails, but may work in settings where hairdryers are in frequent use. Between the years of 1940 and 1970, asbestos was in frequent use in many products, including hairdryers, putting those using them and working around them at risk of exposure. Pedicurists working in hair salons before 1980 may be at risk of mesothelioma as a result.

Barbers – Low Risk -Barbers work with hair, and because of this, they often use hairdryers, including both handheld models and large hooded hairdryers. During a large part of the 20th century, these items frequently contained asbestos components to keep them from overheating. As a result, their use may have distributed asbestos particles into the air, putting barbers and their clientele at risk.

Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) & Asbestos Exposure

Boilermakers and Boiler Operators – High Risk -Boilers used various asbestos products as heating insulation. The production of asbestos insulation and the responsibilities of boiler workers often crushed or crumbled the material, releasing dust into the air. Boilermakers and workers might be employed as HVAC personnel, industrial workers, or power plant workers. Frequently employed in Ohio, Texas, Illinois, Indiana, and New York.

Fabricators and Assemblers – Medium Risk -Fabricators and assemblers would make and assemble HVAC components. Many of these components were expected to be exposed to high heat, so asbestos was frequently included in the material. Many worksites also had asbestos fibers in the air, increasing exposure. Related to boilermakers, plumbers, pipefitters, and electricians.

General Repair Workers – Medium Risk -General repair work on HVAC systems exposes technicians to asbestos fibers, even today. Older buildings include asbestos in building materials, insulation, valves, pipe fittings, and more. Those who do HVAC repair work are at moderate risk of exposure to loose fibers, especially when the job requires disassembly of a component or access to a wall.

Heat and Frost Insulators – High Risk -Heat and frost insulators install insulation on piping, boilers, furnaces, heat exchangers, refrigeration units, and so forth. Most work is done in commercial settings, such as refineries or high-rises. Since many types of insulation used asbestos as a fire retardant, heat and frost insulators would have been put at risk as they shaped and installed the material.

Machinists – High Risk -HVAC machinists cut, mill, and shape metal into various mechanical parts for use in furnaces, heat exchangers, boilers, and so forth. These parts used to use asbestos to improve heat and electrical resistance, and making these parts would expose machinists to toxic fibers. Factories where these parts were made might also have airborne asbestos dust from other processes.

Pipefitters and Steamfitters – High Risk -Piping is an essential part of many HVAC systems, and pipefitters/steamfitters would need to be equipped to deal with high temperatures when making repairs. Protective gear prior to 1980 would often include asbestos as protection. In addition, many pipe fittings and insulation materials contained asbestos, and working with these materials frequently released asbestos dust into the air.

Stationary Engineers – Medium Risk -Stationary engineers work with boilers and mechanical systems, many of which used asbestos fibers as insulation against heat, fire, and corrosion. Maintaining this equipment would frequently expose workers to tiny particles of asbestos. The protective equipment they used would also put them at risk since fireproof aprons, coveralls, gloves, and masks would contain the material as well.

Steamfitters – High Risk -Known today as pipefitters, steamfitters had to design, install, and repair pipe systems used in various applications. Piping frequently used various asbestos components, including valves, fittings, and insulation, to guard against heat, but the use of this material exposed steamfitters to airborne particles that would lead to mesothelioma.

Industrial Workers & Asbestos Exposure

Furnace Operators – High Risk -Blast furnace workers are exposed to high levels of heat, so they need protective gear. Before it fell out of use in the 1970s, asbestos was frequently used as a fire-retardant ingredient in protective gear. In addition, maintaining blast furnaces would mean cutting, shaping, and installing asbestos insulation or using cements containing the mineral.

Appliance Installers – Low Risk -Those who install appliances in homes and other properties may be exposed to asbestos in older structures. In addition, many appliances used to use asbestos in their piping, electrical systems, and insulation materials, putting those handling appliances at risk of mesothelioma. Related to HVAC technicians, plumbers, electricians, and appliance repairers.

Asbestos Miner – High Risk -The mining of asbestos began in the U.S. in the late 1800s and peaked in 1973. The process of mining asbestos puts fibers into the air that can be inhaled, leading to respiratory problems. Vermiculite and taconite mines also pose some risk of asbestos exposure, though not all are contaminated.

Asbestos Plant Worker – High Risk -Asbestos plant workers process raw asbestos into a form that can be used in a wide variety of applications. The process puts high levels of dust into the air, putting anyone within the plant at risk. States where people were most at risk include New York, New Hampshire, New Jersey, California, and Montana.

Auto Mechanics – Medium Risk -Auto mechanics often work with older car components that may contain asbestos. Prior to 1980, brakes, clutches, and heat seals would contain asbestos to improve heat resistance. Working with these parts exposes auto mechanics to loose fibers that may be knocked loose, potentially leading to mesothelioma.

Boilermaker – High Risk -Boilermakers cut, shaped, and installed various types of asbestos insulation in boilers. The process of using asbestos paper, cement, half-rounds, and air cell insulation often released fibers into the air, which workers would inhale. Many boilers made with asbestos are still in use today, causing continued exposure.

Brake and Clutch Manufacturer Workers – High Risk -Before being phased out in the 1970s, asbestos was a key component in brake pads and clutches. Brake pad manufacturers would have been at high risk of asbestos exposure as they cut, ground, and machined parts for brake pads, clutches, and similar components. Automobile factory workers in general would be at risk from working in these production environments.

Carpenters – Medium Risk -Carpenters working in industrial settings would frequently be exposed to the high levels of asbestos present in various building materials, including tiles, insulation, pipe fittings, and so forth. In addition, they would often work around insulators, tile installers, cement masons, etc., all of whom might work directly with asbestos materials.

Cement Plant Workers – Medium Risk -Pre-1980, part of a cement plant worker’s job would include introducing asbestos into cement mixtures. This material was then cast into blocks or molded into other shapes. Moving, stacking, and shipping these items frequently exposed workers to high levels of asbestos dust. Related to plaster masons, tile setters, and brick masons.

Chemical Plant Workers – Medium Risk -Chemical plant workers often worked in settings with high levels of asbestos. Toxic fibers were found in the machinery and protective gear used in these settings, not to mention also the building materials used in constructing these facilities. Chemical engineers, biochemists, biophysicists, material engineers, environmental specialists, and so forth might have been exposed.

Contractors and Building Managers – High Risk -Building contractors perform a variety of home maintenance and repair services, including various construction projects. Before being phased out, asbestos was used in a wide variety of building materials and equipment, putting contractors and building managers at risk of exposure when carrying out or overseeing projects.

Delivery Service Workers – High Risk -Delivery service workers may have shipped asbestos products between the years of 1940 and 1970. Raw asbestos and various products made using the material would have packaged and handled by workers in this industry. In addition, many vehicles used in making deliveries (such as trains, trucks, and boats) also contained asbestos components.

Electricians – Medium Risk -Electricians deal with many hazards, including asbestos. Before 1980, asbestos was used as an insulator in electrical wiring, which electricians handled frequently. In addition, building materials in walls, floors, and ceilings frequently contained asbestos, and much of an electrician’s work would have involved disturbing these materials.

Factory Workers – High Risk -Factories often used many components that included asbestos insulation around friction-prone points. In addition, many factories produced asbestos products or used asbestos insulation in their building materials, exposing workers to airborne fibers. Workers didn’t necessarily have to handle asbestos products; walking through areas where it was in the air was often enough to cause illness.

Glass Factory Workers – High Risk -Glass factories often use equipment that runs at high temperatures. As such, asbestos insulation would often be used to protect workers. However, given the carcinogenic properties of asbestos, glass factory workers would be at risk of illness. In addition, the insulation used in construction materials in these factories could pose additional risk.

Hospital Workers – High Risk -Many hospitals that were built before asbestos was phased out include asbestos insulation, pipe fittings, cements, bricks, tiles, and so forth. Hospital workers may inhale fibers during the course of their daily duties. As such, doctors, nurses, and (most especially) maintenance personnel at these locations are at risk of developing mesothelioma.

Insulator – High Risk -Insulators working in industrial settings have to install and maintain insulation on heating and cooling apparatuses, including boilers and refrigeration systems. Asbestos was used in many insulation products since it has strong heat resistance, and those who installed it would have cut it, crushed it, or otherwise handled it in ways that would send fibers into the air.

Janitors / Maintenance Workers – High Risk -Janitors, custodians, and routine maintenance workers would frequently be exposed to asbestos while it was in common use, and they may still be exposed to it today while working in older buildings. Wall insulation, tiling, boiler components, and so on could all pose a risk to those who worked around them, especially since making certain repairs may involve removing asbestos components.

Job and Die Setters – High Risk -Tool job and die setters deal a lot with hot metal, which requires heat-proofed clothing and tools. This equipment almost always had asbestos in it between 1940 and 1970. Any time a piece of equipment was chipped or clothing was torn, tiny asbestos fibers were released into the air to be inhaled. Related industries include toolmakers, metal workers, blacksmiths, and machinists.

Machine Operators – High Risk -Machine operators use a wide variety of machines for just as many applications. Many of these machines have to withstand high amounts of heat and friction, and asbestos was commonly used to satisfy that need. As pieces of machinery wore out, asbestos fibers would be released into the air, posing a high risk to operators.

Machinists – High Risk -Machinists grind and shape pieces of metal into usable components for machines, vehicles, tools, and heavy equipment. Since both their tools and many of the materials they worked with contained asbestos, machinists working while asbestos was in common use would be likely to inhale or ingest it, leading to mesothelioma later on.

Maintenance and Repair Workers – High Risk -Maintenance and repair workers handle common repairs in a variety of settings, including heavy industrial areas. Whether they worked in homes, factories, hospitals, schools, or other places, there would often be a risk of encountering asbestos in numerous building materials. Automotive repair workers would also work directly with asbestos components, such as brake pads or clutches.

Mechanics – High Risk -Mechanics inspect, repair, and maintain vehicles, planes, heavy equipment, etc. Asbestos was used in many of these items before 1980, making those who performed repair work on them very likely to inhale fibers and develop mesothelioma. Clutches, brake pads, gaskets, insulation, and so forth are among the components that put these workers at risk.

Mixing Operatives – High Risk -Known in the US as mixing operators, mixing operatives in the UK would have been in contact with asbestos in the course of their daily duties, which consist of operating mixers and related machinery. Factory settings frequently had high levels of asbestos since the equipment used included the material.

Molders – High Risk -Molders use injection molding techniques and machinery to produce polymer plastic products. These products frequently used asbestos to enhance their durability and heat resistance, and since molders deal with high heat, their equipment generally used the material as well. As a result, molders have a higher risk of mesothelioma than other professions.

Moving Equipment Operators – High Risk -Heavy moving equipment often needs to deal with high temperatures and friction, and asbestos was used to fulfill that need for decades. Operators of bulldozers, cranes, tractors, and similar equipment would be at risk due to asbestos fibers from brake pads, clutches, gaskets, insulation, and so on.

Packing and Gasket Manufacturing Workers – High Risk -Gaskets and packing for various applications used to include asbestos to make them more heat resistant. Those who made these items would have had to work with asbestos fibers on a regular basis. In addition, factory settings frequently had asbestos in their building materials and equipment, further enhancing the risk.

Painters – High Risk -Industrial paints often contained asbestos as a filler to aid in resilience and temperature resistance. Painters who applied coats of these paints to various industrial components and products would have been subject to high levels of asbestos, frequently leading to mesothelioma later on.

Pipefitters – High Risk -Piping used for heat-intensive applications, such as in boilers, included asbestos insulation, gaskets, and other components for decades. Pipefitters had to handle and shape these components on a regular basis, knocking loose deadly fibers into the air. Related to boilermakers, plumbers, and similar professions.

Plumbers – Medium Risk -Plumbers work with piping, and that often involves shaping, removing, or installing asbestos insulation. Valves and other pipe fittings would also utilize asbestos in some applications, particularly those where high heat was involved. Related industries include pipefitters, boilermakers, boiler operators, HVAC technicians, and contractors.

Protective Clothing Manufacturer Workers – High Risk -Protective clothing used asbestos for several decades in order to enhance its durability and heat resistance. Those who wove fibers into these pieces of clothing would have had a high chance of inhaling toxic particles since those would inevitably be knocked airborne during the production process. Textile mill workers would have faced similar hazards.

Road Workers – Medium Risk -Road workers perform repairs and maintenance on roads. Prior to 1980, asphalt commonly included asbestos, and those who worked with it were in danger of inhaling toxic fibers. Today, road workers (including paving crews, rakers, general laborers, and construction workers) who perform maintenance on older roads are exposed to airborne fibers as well.

Technicians – Medium Risk -Technicians of all kinds who worked in industrial settings would have been exposed to asbestos between the years of 1930 and 1970. Many industrial settings used machinery and protective equipment that included asbestos, and many technicians may have even processed the material for use in products.

Tile Setters – High Risk -Tile setters grind, sand, and cut tiles to place in floors and ceilings. For decades, many types of tiling included asbestos to enhance its durability and prevent fires. The act of cutting and grinding asbestos tiling would release millions of tiny fibers into the air, posing a risk to tile setters, installers, construction workers, contractors, and others working in the same area.

Truck Drivers – High Risk -Truck drivers before 1980 would be at risk of asbestos from various sources. The trucks they drove used asbestos in their brake pads, clutches, and other parts, and they would often haul loads to places where asbestos was prevalent. In addition, their own loads may have contained the material, including in raw form, putting truck drivers, loaders, and unloaders at risk.

Warehouse Workers – High Risk -Warehouses hold many items, many of which contained asbestos from 1940 to 1970. Warehouse workers would have been exposed to fibers through their stock as well as the equipment they used. Filling orders, sorting, storing, and receiving all placed workers at risk, and outdated equipment may still cause exposure today.

Weavers – High Risk -Weavers worked in textile mills to weave threads together into fabric. These threads frequently contained asbestos fibers, and weavers were exposed to airborne particles as they made clothing, threads, ropes, tapes, cloths, wicks, linens, blankets, etc. Weavers and other textile mill workers would be at high risk of mesothelioma.

Welders / Cutters – High Risk -Welding and cutting metal involves high levels of heat and poses some risk of fire. To decrease these risks, asbestos used to be included in protective gear for welders and cutters, including masks, gloves, and coveralls. In addition, welding rods frequently contained asbestos fibers to enhance the strength of the weld.

Finishing Mills – High Risk -Finishing mills put the final touches on metal and other products, smoothing out burrs and rough surfaces through grinding and milling. For decades, the materials processed at these mills often contained asbestos, and the finishing process would send millions of toxic fibers airborne.

Paper Mill Workers – Medium Risk -At paper mills, many of the processes involved, such as pulping and recovery, require high amounts of heat. This led to the use of asbestos in much of the machinery used in these facilities, exposing paper mill workers to asbestos. Talc, used in the bleaching process, may also contain asbestos.

Rolling Mills – Medium Risk -Rolling mills roll out metal into flat sheets, a process that requires high levels of heat. To withstand the high temperatures and forces involved in the process, both the machinery used in the process and the protective gear used by workers would be made with asbestos. As such, workers in these settings would have been exposed to asbestos fibers on a daily basis.

Steel Mill Worker – High Risk -Steel mill workers produce steel from iron ore through various high heat processes. As such, steel mill workers were exposed to asbestos used to insulate the machinery used in steel production processes. In addition, their own protective clothing frequently included asbestos as a fire retardant. Blacksmiths, pipefitters, welders, millwrights, and other occupations all would be at risk of mesothelioma.

Textile Mill Workers – High Risk -Textile workers spin, card, weave, and finish various fabrics. Often, these fabrics had asbestos fibers woven into them to enhance fire resistance. This was especially prevalent in factories that produced fire curtains, protective gear, welding blankets, etc. The machinery used in textile mills also frequently included asbestos, making workers highly prone to inhalation of toxic fibers.

Machine Operators & Asbestos Exposure

Bulldozer Operators – High Risk -Bulldozer operators move earth and other materials, and for decades, asbestos was used to reinforce various parts of bulldozers. In addition, bulldozer operators breaking up asphalt, brick, or cement would be exposed to airborne particles resulting from the breakage, posing a risk of mesothelioma later on.

Crane Operators – High Risk -Crane operators worked in a variety of settings, many of which were heavy on asbestos. Construction sites, shipyards, train yards, and so on would all use numerous asbestos products, including insulation, pipe fittings, and cements. Crane operators would be exposed to airborne fibers released from handling these materials.

Drill Press Operators – High Risk -Drill press operators drill holes and remove stock from materials, producing tons of shavings and dust. Often, the materials they processed had asbestos, releasing high volumes of toxic fibers into the air, which they would unknowingly inhale. Drill press operators and other machinists, metal workers, and the like would all be at high risk of mesothelioma as a result.

Millwrights – High Risk -Millwrights install, maintain, repair, and remove heavy machinery in industrial settings. Since many heavy machines included asbestos components for decades, maintaining them meant a high incidence of exposure for millwright workers. Sprays, epoxies, and other materials used on these machines also had asbestos.

Mixing Operators – High Risk -Mixing operators work with machines used to mix various ingredients together. These machines would have components, adhesives, and coatings that would enhance durability and heat resistance, exposing their operators to toxic airborne particles. Machine operators, including mixing operatives, may develop mesothelioma as a result of their job duties.

Operating Engineers – High Risk -Operating engineers use various types of heavy equipment to build and maintain roads, dams, pipelines, oil rigs, and chemical plants. They also maintain HVAC systems and boiler rooms. The building materials used at these sites frequently included asbestos, which would be sent into the air as dust, which operating engineers might inhale.

Power Plant Worker – High Risk -Many of the machines in power plants operate at high temperatures or with high levels of friction. To prevent overheating and fire, many machine components were made or insulated with asbestos. Power plant workers would often have to handle these components, risking exposure.

Road Machine Operators – High Risk -Road machine operators use heavy equipment to work on roads. Heavy machinery would often include various asbestos components as well as insulation, posing a risk to operators. Road work itself might have been hazardous as well due to the use of asbestos in asphalt and cement during the decades between 1940 and 1970.

Sheet Metal Workers – High Risk -Much of the equipment used by sheet metal workers had to be protected against high levels of heat, meaning asbestos was frequently used. As sheet metal workers handled these tools, they would be exposed to fibers knocked loose by their use. In addition, metalworkers frequently worked in settings with asbestos insulation and building materials.

Tool and Die Makers – High Risk -Tool and die makers use various methods and machines to work heated metal into usable industrial items. The high heat involved necessitates fireproofing, a need fulfilled by the use of asbestos. The protective gear and tools used by die makers put them at risk of mesothelioma.

Freight and Material Handlers – High Risk -Freight and material handlers would be present at various sites, including shipyards, construction sites, and warehouses, and they handled many materials used there, including asbestos. This put them at risk of inhaling asbestos fibers and developing mesothelioma. Truck drivers, crane operators, and others in the industry would also be at risk.

Ironworkers – High Risk -Ironworkers made and installed metal components in structures using various machines, all of which may have exposed them to asbestos. In addition, many metal components had coatings and finishes that would include asbestos to enhance durability and heat resistance. Similar occupations, such as welders, machinists, and blacksmiths would also be at risk.

Grinding Machine Operators – High Risk -Grinding metals involves high levels of heat and friction, so the equipment used by grinding machine operators would often include asbestos components. The process would produce millions of tiny asbestos particles that could be inhaled by machine operators and others working nearby. Protective clothing used by those in the profession also frequently included asbestos fibers.

Mechanics & Asbestos Exposure

Airplane & Aircraft – Medium Risk -Mechanics working on aircraft were frequently exposed to asbestos during the 1930s to 1970s. Many aircraft components, such as soundproofing, insulation, brakes, etc., contained asbestos, and handling these components caused exposure. As such, those who worked on aircraft during this time would be at risk for mesothelioma.

Assembly Line Workers – High Risk -Many of the components that went into industrial equipment, vehicle parts, and the like contained asbestos. Assembly line workers would have been indirect contact with the material, and it was frequently airborne due to production processes. Machinists, maintenance personnel, supervisors, technicians, and others working in factories would also be exposed.

Auto Parts Manufacturers – High Risk -Many of the vehicle parts (such as brake pads and clutches) produced between 1940 and 1970 contained asbestos. Manufacturers would be exposed to fibers knocked loose as they built these products, and their own tools, protective equipment, and workplace settings would increase the risk of that exposure.

Automotive Body and Glass Technicians – High Risk -Auto body workers used paints and finishes to coat vehicles. These materials often used asbestos to enhance the resilience and flow of paints. Vehicle parts such as brakes and clutches would also include the material. Glass workers, who work with high heat, would have additional exposure due to asbestos insulation used in their equipment.

Diesel Technicians and Mechanics – High Risk -Diesel technicians and mechanics work with diesel engines, performing maintenance and repairs as necessary. Up until 1980, buses, diesel trucks, etc. used various asbestos components, including brake pads, clutches, gaskets, and insulation. Working with these components released toxic fibers, which the technicians would inhale.

Electricians – Medium Risk -Electricians, particularly those who worked on electrical components in vehicles, would be exposed to asbestos through wiring coating and vehicle parts. Insulation in the vehicles and the building materials in the settings where these electricians would work often contained asbestos as well, putting them and others at risk.

Industrial Workers – High Risk -Industrial workers of all kinds, such as assembly line workers, machinists, technicians, maintenance workers, freight handlers, mixing operators, and so forth, would all be exposed to asbestos through building materials, equipment components, protective gear, and raw materials. Even since asbestos was phased out, it remains in many locations.

Shade Tree Mechanics – High Risk -Shade tree mechanics work on their own vehicles in a private setting. Since asbestos was widely used in vehicle parts for decades, this put shade tree mechanics at risk of developing mesothelioma as they worked with or modified those parts. The risk continues today for those who work on vintage vehicles.

Small Engine Mechanics – High Risk -Small engine mechanics work on specific types of engines, such as motor boats, lawn equipment, and motorcycles. The use of asbestos in many engine parts was prevalent throughout 1940 to 1970, and those who did maintenance or repair work on these engines were put at risk of mesothelioma.

Merchant Marines & Asbestos Exposure

Deck Crew – High Risk -Deck crew members on merchant marine ships would be exposed to asbestos in their living quarters and while performing necessary maintenance. The presence of asbestos on these ships led to levels of exposure comparable to shipyard workers, especially given the close quarters and movements involved on these ships.

Stewards – High Risk -Merchant mariner stewards handle food services and keep the ship and living quarters clean. The tight quarters on these ships and the prevalence of asbestos in their construction led to high levels of exposure for stewards and other merchant marines. Asbestos was frequently present in boiler components, insulation, and living spaces.

Engine Crew – High Risk -The engine crew on merchant marine ships probably had the most exposure of anyone on these vessels. They maintained insulation, engine, and boiler parts, all of which used asbestos to prevent fire and enhance durability. The close quarters of these working conditions and the vibrations involved in sea voyages meant high levels of asbestos exposure for these crew members.

Metal Workers & Asbestos Exposure

Assemblers and fabricators – Medium Risk -Fabricators and assemblers would put metal components together, a process that might require sawing, drilling, or welding. Since welding rods and metal finishes often included asbestos, these processes would expose fabricators to airborne fibers. The working environment, being heat heavy, often introduced more asbestos into the air, increasing the risk.

Blacksmiths – Medium Risk -Blacksmiths use a variety of tools to shape and temper metal. Given the high levels of heat involved in this process, their work areas would have asbestos tiles in the floor and ceiling as well as asbestos insulation behind the forge. Blacksmiths would also wear protective equipment and use tools containing the mineral to protect against the heat.

Ironworkers – Medium Risk -Iron workers made and installed structural and architectural components in buildings. Given the high heat often used in their tasks, they used fireproofed gear that contained asbestos. In addition, their workplaces often had asbestos dust from machinery, plaster, cement, and insulation. Iron workers may have also worked as sheet metal workers in aviation, automotive, and shipbuilding industries.

Machinists – Medium Risk -Machinists shape metal pieces into useable parts for various tools, machines, and other equipment. The tools they use would often use asbestos to protect against heat and friction, and their own protective gear would frequently include toxic fibers. Given the high levels of vibration involved in their work, asbestos dust was frequently put into the air.

Metal Machine Workers – Medium Risk -Metal machine workers operate machines that cut, shape, or form metal components at factories. Up until 1980, the machines they used would include asbestos to prevent overheating and protect against the friction involved. This, plus the prevalence of asbestos already present in factory settings, put metal machine workers at risk for mesothelioma.

Sheet Metal Workers – Medium Risk -Sheet metal workers used various pieces of equipment in their trade, many of which were intended to protect them from the high levels of heat used in welding and soldering metal sheet. These items often contained asbestos, thereby putting them in direct contact with toxic fibers. In addition, metal was often coated with asbestos finishes for heat resistance.

Solderers – Medium Risk -Solderers use torches, soldering irons, and other high-heat tools to fuse metal pieces together. In their work, they would use protective gear and tools that included asbestos as a fire retardant. In addition, the metal pieces they worked with would often have asbestos finishing on them. Taken together, the risk of asbestos exposure was fairly high.

Steel Worker – High Risk -Steel workers, whether they be sheet metal workers, welders, cutters, blacksmiths, machinists, etc., would have all been exposed to asbestos between 1940 and 1970. The heat-heavy machines and protective equipment they used, not to mention the building materials in their facilities, would have frequently included asbestos in their components.

Tinsmiths – Medium Risk -Tinsmiths used various tools to pound tin into shapes used in various products. Tin was often combined with asbestos to increase heat and electricity resistance, and as tinsmiths worked with the material, they became exposed to toxic fibers. In addition, many of their tools and protective gear included asbestos, further increasing exposure.

Tool and Die Makers – Medium Risk -Tool and die makers shape tools and machine parts through forging, stamping, and bending heated metal. Since the job involves high levels of heat, tool makers used to use protective gear and tools made with asbestos. The impacts and processes involved in this line of work frequently put asbestos dust into the air, risking inhalation.

Welder – Medium Risk -Between 1940 and 1970, welders frequently wore gloves, coveralls, and masks that contained asbestos. While the mineral provided heat resistance and prevented sparks from arc welding from starting fires, it also led to health problems for welders working in a variety of settings. In addition, welding rods would contain small amounts of asbestos to enhance heat resistance.

Boatswain’s Mate – High Risk -Boatswain’s mates oversee the training of the crew and maintenance of the deck. Their duties often exposed them to the asbestos present on tiling and paint on their vessels. When repairs were needed on equipment, asbestos would be sent into the air as particles, which they’d inhale, putting them at risk of mesothelioma.

Boilermaker, Boilerman, Boiler Tender / Water Tender – High Risk -Boiler workers in the Navy were frequently exposed to asbestos while constructing, tending, and operating these machines on their vessels. Navy manuals even called for asbestos products explicitly, and the process of using these products frequently released fibers into the air. Even those who did not work within the boiler room on ships would be at risk.

Damage Controlman – High Risk -Damage controlmen had the task of keeping a ship’s systems stable and functional during an attack or accident. This meant working with the engine and boiler systems of the ship, both of which used asbestos components. Damage to these components would release asbestos fibers into the tight quarters where these personnel worked, putting them at high risk.

Electrician’s Mate – High Risk -The electrician’s mate on Navy ships keeps electrical systems in good repair, and their work frequently brought them into contact with various asbestos products on board their vessels. Many electrical components as well as piping and conduits contained asbestos, and fibers from these items would frequently be airborne.

Engineman – High Risk -Enginemen work on the ship’s engines and temperature control systems. Engine components such as valves, packing, gaskets, pipes, and so forth all contained asbestos, putting those working with these components at high risk of exposure. Others on board Navy ships prior to 1980 would also be exposed.

Fireman – High Risk -Firemen tended the ship’s engine and boiler room, keeping it running as needed. They worked alongside enginemen and boilermen, and frequently handled many of the same engine and boiler components. These components contained asbestos, and fibers were frequently airborne in the close quarters where these personnel worked.

Gunner’s Mate – High Risk -Gunner’s mates oversaw the ship’s guns, and they were frequently exposed to asbestos through room insulation, linings on explosives, and their own protective gear. These items contained asbestos to counteract fire, but the result was to expose gunner’s mates to their toxic fibers. Alongside others on Navy vessels, they are at high risk of developing mesothelioma.

Hull Maintenance Technician – High Risk -Hull maintenance technicians maintain the metal work, plumbing, and sanitation systems on vessels, all of which might contain asbestos. Related to Navy pipefitters, shipfitters, boilermen, and other maintenance occupations aboard these ships. The tasks of maintaining these parts of a ship would expose hull maintenance technicians to loose asbestos fibers, putting them at risk of mesothelioma.

Instrumentman – High Risk -Instrumentmen maintained and calibrated the various instruments aboard Navy vessels. Since many of these instruments contained asbestos components, their tasks frequently risked exposure. Machinist mates had similar duties, and instrumentmen actually took over some of their responsibilities when they were established in the 1940s.

Machinist’s Mate – High Risk -Machinist’s mates maintained the various mechanical inner workings of Navy ships. They maintained the propulsion system, engine room, boiler, turbines, valves, pumps, temperature control, and various machinery, all of which contained asbestos. The close working quarters on these ships had poor ventilation, making exposure very likely.

Pipefitters – High Risk -Pipefitters handle the insulation of both ship and base piping and equipment. Up until 1980, the insulation used aboard Navy vessels almost always contained asbestos, putting pipefitters, shipfitters, machinists, firemen, enginemen, and others who worked below deck at high risk of asbestos exposure.

Shipfitter – High Risk -Shipfitters install and repair piping aboard Navy ships, putting them in contact with the high levels of asbestos used in pipelines, valves, and pumps. Their tasks would have disturbed asbestos fibers, sending them airborne where they, pipefitters, machinist mates, hull maintenance technicians, boilermen, and so forth would inhale them.

Sonarman, Sonar Technician – High Risk -Navy sonar technicians worked on both ships and submarines, and they operated the sonar and underwater fire control systems aboard these vessels. They worked in close quarters where asbestos was used in numerous components. Airborne fiber counts were high, putting them at risk of inhalation and later development of mesothelioma.

Storekeeper – High Risk -Various supplies used aboard Navy ships contained asbestos, and storekeepers would have handled these supplies on a regular basis. Even items that didn’t contain asbestos would have been kept in locations (aboard the ship and at shipyards) that had high levels of the material present. This, plus the close quarters environments of these vessels, put them at risk of mesothelioma.

Utilitiesman – High Risk -Utilitiesmen have a wide range of duties aboard Navy vessels, including working with heating and cooling systems, plumbing, water distribution, refrigeration, fuel storage, etc. Many of these systems included asbestos components and insulation, putting utilitiesmen and other crew members at high risk of exposure through inhalation.

Oil Refinery Work & Asbestos Exposure

Boilermakers and Boiler Operators – High Risk -Boilermakers and boiler operators working in oil refineries would be at risk of mesothelioma due to the variety of asbestos products used to insulate heated components. Boiler operators’ duties frequently caused asbestos fibers to be released from the various insulation products they handled. States with high oil refinery employment include Texas, Louisiana, California, Oklahoma, and Pennsylvania.

Construction Workers – High Risk -Oil refineries used asbestos in many of their construction materials, including tiles, insulation, and walls. Construction workers building oil refineries would be exposed to these materials as well as the other tools and equipment used on site, such as duct tape and protective welding screens. Alongside construction workers, electricians, pipefitters, metal workers, and welders would have been exposed to friable asbestos materials.

Electricians – Medium Risk -Electricians in oil refineries in the 1940s to 1970s needed to access various areas that utilized asbestos in order to work on electrical systems. Alongside construction workers, pipefitters, insulators, and others, electricians would have been exposed to airborne fibers over the course of their work, putting them at risk of mesothelioma.

Machinists – Medium Risk -Machine parts used in oil refineries often needed to be resistant to the intense heat involved in the refining process. This mean the use of asbestos. For machinists, who grind metal parts into shape, this meant fairly high levels of exposure to airborne particles as they carried out their duties. They may also have used protective clothing containing toxic fibers.

Maintenance Workers – Medium Risk -Maintenance workers at oil refineries are tasked with keeping machines and systems in working order. Prior to 1980, this meant accessing areas containing high levels of asbestos and handling many asbestos products. This put oil refinery maintenance workers at risk as they worked with broken or worn equipment.

Mechanics – Medium Risk -The heavy machines used in oil refineries need regular servicing, and mechanics would handle needed repairs. Given that many of these machines utilized asbestos components to prevent overheating, fire, and explosions, mechanics would be in frequent contact with dangerous fibers, which were sent airborne as components wore out or broke.

Metal/Iron Workers – Medium Risk -Metal and iron workers would build and install metal components in machines and structures, often using asbestos parts and equipment to fulfill their duties. Asbestos use was high at many oil refineries, making the task of grinding, shaping, and welding metal parts (which often included the material) dangerous for these workers.

Pipefitters – Medium Risk -Pipefitters install and maintain insulation and pipe components at oil refineries, and before 1980, these materials frequently included asbestos. Cutting, shaping, removing, and installing asbestos insulation would send millions of tiny fibers into the air where pipefitters would inhale them. Maintenance workers, boiler workers, and others who worked with piping would also be affected.

Shipbuilders – Medium Risk -Ship building between 1940 and 1970 frequently called for numerous asbestos products, including pipe joints, gaskets, valves, insulation, paints, cements, and so on. The tools and equipment used in shipbuilding also often included asbestos, putting shipbuilders at risk. Building and maintaining ships in the oil industry exposed workers to fibers, leading to mesothelioma later on.

Welder – Medium Risk -Welders in oil refineries fused metal sheets together with the use of asbestos-based welding rods. They also used aprons, gloves, coveralls, and masks containing asbestos fibers to protect them from the heat. Together with the hazards already present in oil refineries, welders in these settings had a decent chance of exposure.

Railroad Workers & Asbestos Exposure

General Maintenance Workers – Medium Risk -Maintenance work on engines and rolling stock inherently exposed workers to asbestos. The material, which helped with fireproofing and insulating various parts of rolling stock, strengthening steel components, and protecting building materials from corrosion and heat. Many older buildings and rolling stock still contain asbestos, potentially exposing workers today.

Inspectors – Medium Risk -Inspectors, also called yardmasters, oversaw workers in railyards. While they may not necessarily have had as much contact with asbestos as other workers, they were still surrounded by it. Since the asbestos used in such prevalence at railyards would almost inevitably be present in the air, they would have likely inhaled it at some point.

Locomotive Engineers – Medium Risk -The duties of locomotive engineers involved maintaining fuel-burning engines, a hot and heavy task. To protect against fire and corrosion, fireboxes, boilers, and engines on locomotives used asbestos, exposing engineers to fibers on a daily basis. While operating locomotives, engineers were at risk of inhaling airborne fibers.

Locomotive Firers – Medium Risk -Also called assistant engineers, locomotive firers would help keep engines running. The high heat involved in steam locomotives would warrant the use of fireproof gear, and many components housing train engines and fuels would need fire resistance as well. To achieve this, these components all would have included asbestos between the ’40s and ’70s.

Machinists – Medium Risk -Railroad machinists made metal parts for use in locomotives, rolling stock, and other items used in the industry. To improve strength and heat resistance, these components frequently used asbestos. The process of creating these metal parts often involved filing and grinding, putting high amounts of asbestos dust into the air where machinists would inhale it.

Rail Yard Engineers – Medium Risk -Rail yard engineers drive locomotives around the rail yard, frequently exposing them to asbestos. Rolling stock of all kinds used asbestos in brake pads, firebox housing, boiler insulation, valves, gaskets, paint, sealing, hoses, sound-deadening materials, and so forth. This placed rail yard engineers in constant contact with asbestos products, often risking inhalation of airborne fibers.

Railroad Brake, Switch and Signal Operators – Medium Risk -Railyards had many operators to manage switches, brakes, and signals. Given how many of these items contained asbestos, and given how friable asbestos is by nature, these activities would expose workers to airborne fibers. Many older railroad assets are still in use, and workers at railyards are still being exposed.

Railroad Conductors and Yardmasters – Medium Risk -Railroad conductors and yardmasters inspect cars and oversee the railyard. The evaluate whether repairs are needed and direct workers in either removing defective cars from trains or making necessary fixes. Given how prevalent asbestos was during the 1940s to 1970s, particularly at railyards, they would have been exposed to asbestos dust.

Shipyard Workers & Asbestos Exposure

Ship Building and Repair – High Risk -Asbestos was a key component of ship pipes, boilers, and incinerators, and those who built or repaird ships would often be exposed to it. Even when working on components that might not contain asbestos, there was still a high risk of inhalation due to fibers that would inevitably be floating in the cramped spaces on a daily basis.

Carpenters – High Risk -Carpenters at shipyards would build cabinetry, furniture, and other components for boats. Since boats often used asbestos-based materials in their construction, anyone on board a vessel would be at risk of asbestos exposure. This would include carpenters as well as those who were in more direct contact with the material.

Caulkers – High Risk -Caulkers on shipyards had the task of sealing small gaps in the metal hulls of vessels. While one of the dangers comes simply from their welding tools, being in close proximity with shipbuilding components would put them at some risk for mesothelioma since many parts used asbestos.

Crane operators – High Risk -Shipyards during the 1940s to the 1970s used many asbestos products in the construction and maintenance of ships. Fibers from these products would often be flake off and become airborned. Crane operators at shipyards would therefore be at risk of exposure to asbestos fibers during the course of their daily duties.

Draftsmen – High Risk -Draftsmen drew up construction plans for shipyards. While they themselves didn’t handle asbestos products, they would still be exposed to it every time they visited a worksite. They often worked inside of ships while drawing up plans for hulls and internal systems, making the risk of exposure extremely high.

Electricians – High Risk -Electricians working on ships would handle asbestos products on a daily basis, and the cramped quarters on most vessels would make the risk of mesothelioma very high. Asbestos was used in many ship components, and was often used on wiring as an insulator.

Engine fitters – High Risk -Many of the heated components in ship engines used to contain asbestos to prevent overheating. Engine fitters would maintain this equipment, putting them in direct contact with asbestos fibers. In addition, the working conditions on most ships usually included countless asbestos fibers in the air, making the odds of contamination very high.

Fitter – High Risk -The tasks of fitters at shipyards involved assembling various components, including piping, engines, and other parts. Many of these parts contained asbestos to prevent fire and overheating, but handling those components would frequently put toxic fibers into the air. Shipyard fitters would frequently breathe those in, leading to mesothelioma.

Foremen – High Risk -Shipyard foremen would oversee workers during their various tasks. The job involved long hours on site where asbestos was frequently used in various components. The construction, maintenance, and use of various ship components would release asbestos fibers into the air, putting everyone, including foremen, at risk.

Heavy Equipment Operators – High Risk -Cranes, lifts, and building equipment would often include asbestos-based components. In addition, shipyards had very high concentration levels of asbestos fibers in the air, exposing everyone on site, including heavy equipment operators, to potential health problems down the road.

Insulators – High Risk -Shipyards employed insulators to work on boiler systems and piping, often exposing them to asbestos fibers. Given the close quarters of most ship boiler rooms, the odds of someone inhaling asbestos fibers were high, especially given that many of an insulator’s tasks would have involved breaking or cutting asbestos insulation.

Laborer – High Risk -General laborers at shipyards would perform various tasks, including painting, electrical work, pipefitting, steelfitting, heavy lifting, and so on. Many of the materials they handled, such as insulation, gaskets, etc., contained asbestos, which acted as a fire retardant. This put them at risk of inhalation of toxic fibers, leading to cancer later on.

Lagger – High Risk -Shipyard laggers placed insulation on a ship’s pipes. Since many of these pipes carried fluids and gases at high temperatures, the insulation used in lagging frequently contained high levels of asbestos to prevent heat loss. Since laggers handled these materials as part of their occupation, they were at risk of exposure.

Longshoremen – High Risk -Longshoremen load and unload ships, and as such would have been exposed to the various asbestos-containing items present at docks and shipyards. These items included insulation products, fireproofing materials, and raw asbestos. This, plus the fact that the ships themselves included various components that used asbestos, put longshorement at risk.

Machinists – High Risk -Shipyards employed machinists to build and maintain machine parts for their vessels. Many of these parts were expected to endure high levels of heat, therefore requireing some measure of fireproofing. This was provided by the use of asbestos. Machinists who handled these materials would be at high risk of mesothelioma due to asbestos exposure.

Painters – High Risk -Shipyard painters would paint the hulls and components of vessels. Often, paints themselves contained asbestos, which was used to give the paint better flow and temperature resistance. In addition to the dangerous levels of the mineral already present at shipyards at the time, this put painters at risk of exposure.

Pipe Coverers – High Risk -Pipe coverers would use numerous asbestos products to insulate pipes, boilers, and other heated components of a ship. The act of shaping these materials and applying them frequently exposed them to asbestos fibers, especially since these jobs were done in tight atmospheres.

Pipefitters – High Risk -Pipefitters played a crucial role at shipyards by assembling the various types of pipe used in ships. Many of these pipes would be exposed to high temperatures, therefore requiring heat insulation. This came in the form of asbestos cements and insulation, and pipefitters would have been exposed to toxic fibers by handling these materials.

Sheet Metal Workers – High Risk -Sheet metal workers shaped, cut, welded, drilled, and soldered metal sheets to build many components for ships. The equipment they used often contained asbestos to act as a heat insulator, and given that the shipyards where they worked already had high asbestos concentrations, they were at high risk of exposure.

Shipwright – High Risk -Shipwrights build ships, and between 1940 and 1970, ships called for many asbestos-based products. Insulation, gaskets, cements, and products were used to fireproof boiler rooms, furnaces, and other components. The high levels of asbestos present at these sites placed shipwrights at high risk.

Sprayer – High Risk -Sprayers would use high-pressure machinery to spray paint the hulls of ships. Paints between 1940 and 1970 frequently contained asbestos, putting all those involved in painting ships at risk of mesothelioma. In addition, shipyards during that time used many other asbestos products, further driving up the risk of exposure.

Welder – High Risk -Welding building materials for ships together requires heat-resistant equipment. Gloves, masks, and coveralls contained asbestos fibers, and welding rods often contained a few fibers to increase the resilience of each weld. Together with the risks already present on shipyards, welders in these settings were likely to develop mesothelioma.