Occupational Exposure to Asbestos
Asbestos exposure is said to be the number one cause of Mesothelioma cancer. Many industrial and construction sites have been linked to occupational asbestos exposure. These job sites have been connected to exposing workers to asbestos fibers and are a leading contributor to Mesothelioma cancer. Learn more about occupational exposure to asbestos by reading below.
Asbestos Exposure by Inhalation and Second Hand Exposure
What is asbestos and why is it so deadly? When asbestos is disturbed, the fibers pose serious health risks once inhaled. Some of these fibers do not clear as easily as others. These fibers, known as Amphibole fibers, can stay in the lining of the chest and lungs and can result in Mesothelioma cancer. Mesothelioma can be caused by the inhalation and digestion of asbestos fibers. Workers who were exposed to high levels of asbestos are more likely to develop Mesothelioma cancer.
Second hand asbestos exposure can also be the cause of this deadly disease. Family members of victims of asbestos exposure can get Mesothelioma cancer.
Occupations at High Risk for Asbestos Exposure
People most exposed to asbestos include:
- Auto mechanics
- Pipe fitters
- Welders
- Railroad workers
- Power plant workers
- Chemical plant workers
- Navy yard workers
- Insulation installers
- Construction workers
- Electricians
- Demolition workers
- Plumbers Boilermakers
Occupational Asbestos Exposure Risks
Many people who have worked with asbestos products and materials developed Mesothelioma decades later as a result of exposure to asbestos fibers at work. Asbestos was heavily used in a wide range of construction materials and industrial products. So far, occupational exposure to asbestos is the leading cause of Mesothelioma cancer.
Exposure to Asbestos Fibers: Increased Risks
The risk of developing Mesothelioma increases with the length of time and amount of asbestos exposure that a person sustains. Individuals that are exposed to high levels of asbestos and at an early age, have a greater risk of developing Mesothelioma cancer than those who have not been exposed to asbestos for long periods of time. Keep in mind that Mesothelioma can take a long time before symptoms appear. Therefore, individuals that have been exposed to asbestos twenty years ago may now start to show some signs and symptoms of Mesothelioma cancer. In most cases, it takes about twenty to fifty years from the initial exposure of asbestos before symptoms appear.
Occupational Exposure to Asbestos and Mesothelioma Cancer: Precautions and Care
If you or a loved one has been exposed to asbestos at any of these asbestos exposure risk sites listed above, you must let your doctors know immediately so that you can receive regular screenings for signs of Mesothelioma cancer. The sooner the cancer is detected, the better. There are more treatment options available when the cancer is detected at an early stage so get the help you need.
