Asbestos Exposure On The Job

Asbestos Exposure On The Job

Asbestos Exposure On The Job - Asbestos exposure on the job is the most common cause of mesothelioma and other asbestos related disease. Although any exposure to asbestos is harmful, workers in direct contact with asbestos fibers over a prolonged period of time are among the group at highest risk for developing serious illnesses.

Degrees Of Exposure

Airborne fibers can be either inhaled or ingested into the body while working in an asbestos contaminated area. The severity of the worker’s exposure is determined by several factors:

• Length of exposure time
• Worker's breathing rate
• Concentration of asbestos fibers in the air
• Climate conditions
• Protective and preventative precautions taken

Protecting Workers

Since 1972 the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has been creating guidelines for employers to follow in order to protect workers from developing  mesothelioma and other asbestos related diseases such as asbestosis and lung cancer. OSHA regulations set strict regulations covering the following aspects of asbestos exposure:

• Acceptable levels of asbestos in the working environment
• Proper ways to test and monitor levels of asbestos in the working environment
• Required protective gear for exposed workers
• Mandatory disease screening for workers
• Proper asbestos protocol and procedures

Direct And Indirect Exposure

Workers can be exposed to dangerous levels of asbestos directly or indirectly. Direct exposure indicates that the victim comes in contact with asbestos through mining, manufacturing, processing, handling or removal of the hazardous material.Indirect exposure to asbestos may occur as a result of asbestos fibers traveling through air ducts, the decomposition of asbestos building materials, and other secondary means.

Workers At Risk

Workers in a wide variety of industries are at risk for exposure to asbestos. Learn more about the specific trades that have the highest rates of exposure and instances of mesothelioma.

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