{"id":924,"date":"2020-04-17T14:22:36","date_gmt":"2020-04-17T18:22:36","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.mesotheliomahope.com\/?page_id=924"},"modified":"2025-09-12T15:18:50","modified_gmt":"2025-09-12T19:18:50","slug":"occupations","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.mesotheliomahope.com\/occupations\/","title":{"rendered":"Occupational Asbestos Exposure"},"content":{"rendered":"<h2>Risks of Asbestos in the Workplace<\/h2>\n<p>Worksites across the United States relied on products containing <a href=\"\/asbestos\/\">asbestos<\/a> between the 1930s and early 1980s.<\/p>\n<p>As a result, <strong>millions of workers<\/strong> were exposed to this cancer-causing substance, according to the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR). Anyone exposed could develop cancers like <a href=\"\/mesothelioma\/\">mesothelioma<\/a> later in life.<\/p>\n<div class=\"list-callout-wrap columns-2\"><style type=\"text\/css\">.list-callout-wrap{border:1px solid #E6E7EC;border-radius:10px;box-shadow:0 20px 20px rgba(34,34,34,0.03);padding:20px 20px 10px;font-size:16px;margin:30px auto 40px;overflow:hidden}.list-callout-wrap:first-child{margin-top:0}.list-callout-wrap:last-child{margin-bottom:0}.list-callout-wrap .list-callout-heading{color:#100134;font-size:22px}.list-callout-wrap .list-callout-heading span{font-weight:inherit}.entry-content .list-callout-wrap ul{list-style:none;margin:-10px 0 0 0;padding:0}.entry-content .list-callout-wrap ul li{border-bottom:1px solid #C4C4C4;line-height:1.7;margin:0;padding:15px 0 15px 28px;position:relative}.entry-content .list-callout-wrap ul li:before{background-color:#0FAEBF;content:\"\";left:8px;position:absolute;top:24px;height:7px;width:7px;border-radius:7px;border:none}.list-callout-wrap ul li:last-child{border-bottom:none}.list-callout-wrap.alt{border:none;box-shadow:none;padding:0;border-radius:0}.list-callout-wrap.alt .list-callout-heading{background:#F3F2F0;padding:20px;border-radius:4px;font-size:17px;font-weight:normal;display:block;display:flex;align-items:center;color:#100134;position:relative;min-height:80px;margin:0 0 15px}.list-callout-wrap.alt .list-callout-heading:before{font-size:50px;vertical-align:middle;position:absolute;left:20px;top:50%;margin-top:-26px}.list-callout-wrap.alt .list-callout-heading span{padding-left:65px;display:block}.list-callout-wrap.alt ul{padding:0 20px}@media screen and (min-width: 1024px){.list-callout-wrap{padding:25px 25px 10px}.list-callout-wrap .list-callout-heading{font-size:24px}.entry-content .list-callout-wrap ul[class*=\"columns\"]{display:block;display:flex;flex-wrap:wrap}.entry-content .list-callout-wrap.columns-2 ul li,.entry-content .list-callout-wrap.columns-3 ul li{float:left;width:48%}.entry-content .list-callout-wrap.columns-2 ul li:nth-child(2n+1),.entry-content .list-callout-wrap.columns-3 ul li:nth-child(2n+1){clear:both;margin-right:2%}.entry-content .list-callout-wrap.columns-2 ul li:nth-child(2n),.entry-content .list-callout-wrap.columns-3 ul li:nth-child(2n){margin-left:2%}.list-callout-wrap.columns-2 ul li:last-child,.list-callout-wrap.columns-2 ul li:nth-last-child(2),.list-callout-wrap.columns-3 ul li:last-child,.list-callout-wrap.columns-3 ul li:nth-last-child(2){border-bottom:none}}<\/style><h3 class=\"list-callout-heading\"><span>Many jobs put workers in contact with asbestos, including:<\/span><\/h3><ul>\n<li>Construction<\/li>\n<li>Firefighting<\/li>\n<li>Insulation<\/li>\n<li>Plumbing<\/li>\n<li>Shipbuilding<\/li>\n<li>Vehicle maintenance<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"><\/p>\n<\/div><\/span><\/p>\n<p>Manufacturers of asbestos-containing products <strong>hid the health risks from workers<\/strong> for decades to keep profit margins high. They chose health over human safety, letting hardworking Americans get sick.<\/p>\n<h3>Quick Facts on Occupational Asbestos Exposure<\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Exposure rates:<\/strong> 27 million workers were exposed from 1940 to 1979<\/li>\n<li><strong>Related diseases:<\/strong> Mesothelioma, lung cancer, asbestosis, ovarian cancer, and other health issues<\/li>\n<li><strong>Compensation options:<\/strong> Lawsuits, asbestos trust fund claims, and U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) benefits<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Get our <strong>Free Mesothelioma Guide<\/strong> to see how we can help you access treatments and compensation if on-the-job asbestos exposure caused you to get sick.<\/p>\n<div data-vqueid=\"1361\" class=\"widget widget_oscar-vque default image-right has-img\"><style type=\"text\/css\" data-style=\"default\">.widget_oscar-vque.default{margin:60px auto;max-width:315px}.widget_oscar-vque.default:first-child{margin-top:0}.widget_oscar-vque.default:last-child{margin-bottom:0}.widget_oscar-vque.default>a{background:#2F293D;display:block;padding:20px;border-radius:10px;color:#fff;text-decoration:none}.widget_oscar-vque.default img{margin:0 auto 20px;max-width:150px;width:100%}.widget_oscar-vque.default .vque-content{font-size:16px;text-align:center}.widget_oscar-vque.default strong.subheading{display:block;line-height:1;font-size:14px;margin-bottom:5px}.widget_oscar-vque.default strong.heading{font-size:20px;display:block;margin:0 0 25px}.widget_oscar-vque.default ul{font-size:16px;text-align:left;list-style:none;max-width:265px;line-height:1.4;margin:15px auto 25px}.widget_oscar-vque.default ul li{padding-left:28px;margin-bottom:10px}.widget_oscar-vque.default ul li:last-child{margin-bottom:0}.widget_oscar-vque.default ul li:before{font-family:\"mesohope\" !important;font-display:swap;speak:none;font-style:normal;font-weight:normal;font-variant:normal;text-transform:none;line-height:1;-webkit-font-smoothing:antialiased;-moz-osx-font-smoothing:grayscale;content:\"\\e904\";border:none;position:absolute;left:0;top:0;background:#0FAEBF;width:20px;height:20px;border-radius:20px;line-height:20px;text-align:center;font-size:12px}.widget_oscar-vque.default strong.button.arrow{width:100%}@media screen and (min-width: 768px){.widget_oscar-vque.default{max-width:620px}.widget_oscar-vque.default>a{padding:0}.widget_oscar-vque.default>a>div{display:block;display:flex;align-items:center;flex-wrap:wrap;flex-direction:row-reverse}.widget_oscar-vque.default>a>div>div{padding:0 25px 0 0;width:41%}.widget_oscar-vque.default>a .vque-content{width:59%;padding:30px;text-align:left}.widget_oscar-vque.default img{max-width:90%;margin-bottom:0}.widget_oscar-vque.default strong.subheading{font-size:16px}.widget_oscar-vque.default strong.heading{font-size:24px;margin:0 0 16px}.widget_oscar-vque.default ul{max-width:none}.widget_oscar-vque.default strong.button.arrow{width:auto}.widget_oscar-vque.default.image-left>a>div{display:block;position:relative;overflow:hidden}.widget_oscar-vque.default.image-left>a>div img{max-width:100%}.widget_oscar-vque.default.image-left>a>div>div{float:left}.widget_oscar-vque.default.image-left>a>div>div:first-child{width:27%;padding:30px}.widget_oscar-vque.default.image-left>a>div>div.vque-content{width:73%;padding-left:0}}<\/style><a href=\"\/mesothelioma-guide\/\" title=\"Get Your Free 2026 Mesothelioma Guide\" class=\"cte\" data-ce-category=\"In-Content Ads\" data-ce-label=\"Get Your Free 2026 Mesothelioma Guide Ad\" data-desktop-image=\"https:\/\/www.mesotheliomahope.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/07\/guide-image-vertical.png\"><div><div><div class=\"image-fade\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"296\" height=\"290\" src=\"https:\/\/www.mesotheliomahope.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/07\/guide-image-vertical.png\" class=\"attachment-Medium size-Medium wp-post-image\" alt=\"Mesothelioma Guide Images\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.mesotheliomahope.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/07\/guide-image-vertical.png 296w, https:\/\/www.mesotheliomahope.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/07\/guide-image-vertical-55x55.png 55w, https:\/\/www.mesotheliomahope.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/07\/guide-image-vertical-102x100.png 102w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 296px) 100vw, 296px\" \/><\/div><\/div><div class=\"vque-content\"><strong class=\"heading\">Get Your Free 2026 Mesothelioma Guide<\/strong><ul>\n<li>Symptoms &amp; staging<\/li>\n<li>Average prognosis<\/li>\n<li>Life-extending treatments<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong class=\"button arrow\" title=\"Get Your Free Guide\">Get Your Free Guide<\/strong><\/p><\/div><\/div><\/a><\/div>\n<h2>List of Jobs With Asbestos Exposure Risk<\/h2>\n<p>Many jobs put workers in contact with asbestos-containing materials before the health risks were fully understood. View our list of the most common occupations exposed to asbestos below.<\/p>\n<h3>Construction Workers<\/h3>\n<p>The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) estimates that <strong>1.3 million<\/strong> construction and general industry workers were exposed to asbestos from building materials like drywall, roofing, and insulation.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"\/occupations\/construction-workers\/\">Construction workers<\/a> who needed to remove, repair, or demolish asbestos materials were at particular risk of occupational asbestos exposure.<\/p>\n<h3>Firefighters<\/h3>\n<p><a href=\"\/occupations\/firefighters\/\">Firefighters<\/a> risked asbestos exposure when responding to fires in structures built before the early 1980s. Fires could release asbestos fibers in these buildings, and firefighters could breathe them in.<\/p>\n<p>Additionally, before the risks were fully understood, firefighters\u2019 uniforms and gloves contained asbestos since the material resisted heat and fire. Firefighters are <strong>200 times more likely<\/strong> to develop asbestos-related illnesses, according to a 2023 report from the International Association of Fire Fighters.<\/p>\n<h3>Electricians<\/h3>\n<p><a href=\"\/occupations\/electricians\/\">Electricians<\/a> risked exposure to asbestos used in wiring, panels, insulation, and many other products. Asbestos helped prevent electrical fires and improved durability but also put electricians in danger of mesothelioma.<\/p>\n<p>[Call <strong><a href=\"tel:+18666088933\" title=\"Click to call (866) 608-8933\" class=\"in-content-tel-link\" data-ce-category=\"Click to Call\" data-ce-label=\"(866) 608-8933\">(866) 608-8933<\/a><\/strong> if you or someone you love developed mesothelioma and may have been exposed to asbestos in the workplace. We can help you connect with top doctors, explore your treatment options, and pursue financial compensation.<\/p>\n<h3>Factory Workers<\/h3>\n<p>Anyone who worked in factories that produced or used asbestos products could have suffered regular exposure. For example, <a href=\"\/occupations\/factory-workers\/\">factory workers<\/a> may have needed to refine raw asbestos into specific products, releasing fibers into the air as they did so.<\/p>\n<h3>Mechanics<\/h3>\n<p><a href=\"\/occupations\/automotive-workers\/\">Auto mechanics<\/a> were frequently exposed to chrysotile asbestos when servicing brakes, clutches, insulation, and gaskets. This type of asbestos was flexible and heat resistant. <a href=\"\/occupations\/aircraft-mechanics\/\">Aircraft mechanics<\/a> also could have been exposed to asbestos used in plane brakes, insulation, engines, and other components.<\/p>\n<div class=\"blockquote-w-image \"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.mesotheliomahope.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/survivor-image-arthur.png\" alt=\"\" \/><blockquote><p>&#8220;We had done brakes the old-fashioned way. We did a lot of grinding with sandpaper to prepare them. We had asbestos dust everywhere. We didn\u2019t know any better.&#8221;<\/p>\n<footer>&ndash;<cite> Arthur Putt, mechanic and U.S. veteran with mesothelioma<\/cite><\/footer><\/blockquote><style type=\"text\/css\">.blockquote-w-image{position:relative;margin:40px auto}.blockquote-w-image blockquote{background:none;border-left:none;padding:25px;margin-top:0;padding-bottom:0;font-size:inherit;line-height:inherit}.blockquote-w-image blockquote footer cite{font-size:inherit}.blockquote-w-image blockquote p{margin-bottom:0}.blockquote-w-image img{width:100px;border:none;border-radius:100%;box-shadow:none;position:relative;margin:0 auto}.blockquote-w-image.alternative{margin:60px auto}.blockquote-w-image.alternative blockquote{padding:25px 25px 25px 80px;padding-bottom:25px;background-color:#E4F4F6}.blockquote-w-image.alternative img{position:absolute;left:20px;top:25px;z-index:1;width:50px;border:1px solid #fff;box-shadow:0 0 10px rgba(34,34,34,0.2);border-radius:100%}.blockquote-w-image.with-border{background:none;border-left:4px solid #0FAEBF}.blockquote-w-image.with-border blockquote{background:none;border-radius:0;padding:10px 25px}.blockquote-w-image.with-border blockquote footer cite{font-size:inherit}.blockquote-w-image blockquote:before{display:none}@media screen and (min-width: 769px){.blockquote-w-image img{position:absolute;left:0;top:0}.blockquote-w-image blockquote{padding:0 25px 0 125px;min-height:90px}}@media screen and (min-width: 1024px){.blockquote-w-image.alternative blockquote{padding-left:105px}.blockquote-w-image.alternative blockquote footer cite{font-size:16px}.entry-content .blockquote-w-image.alternative img{width:60px;left:25px}}<\/style><\/div>\n<h3>Plumbers and Pipefitters<\/h3>\n<p><a href=\"\/occupations\/plumbers-pipefitters\/\">Plumbers and pipefitters<\/a> could have been exposed to asbestos-containing materials like pipe insulation and cement throughout their careers. As these components were installed, repaired, or renovated, asbestos fibers could be released into the air that these workers breathed in or swallowed.<\/p>\n<h3>Shipyard Workers<\/h3>\n<p><a href=\"\/occupations\/shipyard-workers\/\">Shipyard workers<\/a> suffered occupational exposure because they had to remove, install, or repair asbestos-containing products every day.<\/p>\n<p>Shipyards operated by the <a href=\"\/veterans\/navy\/\">U.S. Navy<\/a> were particularly dangerous since this military branch used more asbestos than any other branch. Virtually every <a href=\"\/veterans\/navy\/ships\/\">Navy ship<\/a> contained asbestos until the early 1980s.<\/p>\n<p>During World War II alone, 4.5 million shipyard workers were exposed to asbestos, according to <em>The New York Times<\/em>. The asbestos dust in these shipyards was so thick that people couldn\u2019t see across rooms.<\/p>\n<h3>Other Jobs With a Risk of Occupational Asbestos Exposure<\/h3>\n<p>Besides the jobs listed above, many other occupations put workers at risk of asbestos exposure.<\/p>\n<div class=\"link-columns-wrapper\"><style type=\"text\/css\">html body .link-columns-wrapper{font-size:16px;margin:40px 0}html body .link-columns-wrapper:first-child{margin-top:0}html body .link-columns-wrapper .h2{border-bottom:2px solid #e9e9e9;color:inherit;display:block;font-size:18px;line-height:34px;margin:0 0 24px;padding:0 0 15px 40px;position:relative}html body .link-columns-wrapper .h2 i{font-size:26px;left:0;position:absolute;top:0px}html body .link-columns-wrapper:last-child{margin-bottom:0}@media screen and (min-width: 768px){html body .link-columns-wrapper{font-size:16px;margin:40px 0}html body .link-columns-wrapper ul.columns-3{column-count:2}}@media screen and (min-width: 1024px){html body .link-columns-wrapper ul.columns-3{column-count:3}}<\/style><strong class=\"h2\" role=\"heading\"><i class=\"icon-welder\"><\/i>These include:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul class='columns-3'>\n<li>Aerospace workers<\/li>\n<li>Appliance installers<\/li>\n<li>Asbestos plant workers<\/li>\n<li>Blacksmiths<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"\/occupations\/boilermakers\/\">Boilermakers<\/a><\/li>\n<li>Brick and stonemasons<\/li>\n<li>Bulldozer operators<\/li>\n<li>Carpenters<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"\/occupations\/crane-operators\/\">Crane operators<\/a><\/li>\n<li>Deckhands and sailors<\/li>\n<li>Draftsmen<\/li>\n<li>Drill press operators<\/li>\n<li>Drywall tapers<\/li>\n<li>Engineers<\/li>\n<li>First responders<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"\/occupations\/hvac-mechanics\/\">HVAC mechanics<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"\/occupations\/iron-workers\/\">Iron workers<\/a><\/li>\n<li>Miners<\/li>\n<li>Oil refinery workers<\/li>\n<li>Power plant workers<\/li>\n<li>Railroad workers<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"\/occupations\/roofers\/\">Roofers<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"\/occupations\/steel-mill-workers\/\">Steel mill workers<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"\/occupations\/teachers\/\">Teachers<\/a><\/li>\n<li>Textile mill workers<\/li>\n<li>Warehouse workers<\/li>\n<li>Welders<\/li>\n<li>And many more<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><\/div>\n<p>You may have been exposed even if you don&#8217;t see your occupation listed above. Get our <strong>Free Mesothelioma Guide<\/strong> to learn more about high-risk job sites and how we can help determine the source of your exposure.<\/p>\n<div data-vqueid=\"1361\" class=\"widget widget_oscar-vque default image-right has-img\"><style type=\"text\/css\" data-style=\"default\">.widget_oscar-vque.default{margin:60px auto;max-width:315px}.widget_oscar-vque.default:first-child{margin-top:0}.widget_oscar-vque.default:last-child{margin-bottom:0}.widget_oscar-vque.default>a{background:#2F293D;display:block;padding:20px;border-radius:10px;color:#fff;text-decoration:none}.widget_oscar-vque.default img{margin:0 auto 20px;max-width:150px;width:100%}.widget_oscar-vque.default .vque-content{font-size:16px;text-align:center}.widget_oscar-vque.default strong.subheading{display:block;line-height:1;font-size:14px;margin-bottom:5px}.widget_oscar-vque.default strong.heading{font-size:20px;display:block;margin:0 0 25px}.widget_oscar-vque.default ul{font-size:16px;text-align:left;list-style:none;max-width:265px;line-height:1.4;margin:15px auto 25px}.widget_oscar-vque.default ul li{padding-left:28px;margin-bottom:10px}.widget_oscar-vque.default ul li:last-child{margin-bottom:0}.widget_oscar-vque.default ul li:before{font-family:\"mesohope\" !important;font-display:swap;speak:none;font-style:normal;font-weight:normal;font-variant:normal;text-transform:none;line-height:1;-webkit-font-smoothing:antialiased;-moz-osx-font-smoothing:grayscale;content:\"\\e904\";border:none;position:absolute;left:0;top:0;background:#0FAEBF;width:20px;height:20px;border-radius:20px;line-height:20px;text-align:center;font-size:12px}.widget_oscar-vque.default strong.button.arrow{width:100%}@media screen and (min-width: 768px){.widget_oscar-vque.default{max-width:620px}.widget_oscar-vque.default>a{padding:0}.widget_oscar-vque.default>a>div{display:block;display:flex;align-items:center;flex-wrap:wrap;flex-direction:row-reverse}.widget_oscar-vque.default>a>div>div{padding:0 25px 0 0;width:41%}.widget_oscar-vque.default>a .vque-content{width:59%;padding:30px;text-align:left}.widget_oscar-vque.default img{max-width:90%;margin-bottom:0}.widget_oscar-vque.default strong.subheading{font-size:16px}.widget_oscar-vque.default strong.heading{font-size:24px;margin:0 0 16px}.widget_oscar-vque.default ul{max-width:none}.widget_oscar-vque.default strong.button.arrow{width:auto}.widget_oscar-vque.default.image-left>a>div{display:block;position:relative;overflow:hidden}.widget_oscar-vque.default.image-left>a>div img{max-width:100%}.widget_oscar-vque.default.image-left>a>div>div{float:left}.widget_oscar-vque.default.image-left>a>div>div:first-child{width:27%;padding:30px}.widget_oscar-vque.default.image-left>a>div>div.vque-content{width:73%;padding-left:0}}<\/style><a href=\"\/mesothelioma-guide\/\" title=\"Get Your Free 2026 Mesothelioma Guide\" class=\"cte\" data-ce-category=\"In-Content Ads\" data-ce-label=\"Get Your Free 2026 Mesothelioma Guide Ad\" data-desktop-image=\"https:\/\/www.mesotheliomahope.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/07\/guide-image-vertical.png\"><div><div><div class=\"image-fade\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"296\" height=\"290\" src=\"https:\/\/www.mesotheliomahope.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/07\/guide-image-vertical.png\" class=\"attachment-Medium size-Medium wp-post-image\" alt=\"Mesothelioma Guide Images\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.mesotheliomahope.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/07\/guide-image-vertical.png 296w, https:\/\/www.mesotheliomahope.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/07\/guide-image-vertical-55x55.png 55w, https:\/\/www.mesotheliomahope.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/07\/guide-image-vertical-102x100.png 102w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 296px) 100vw, 296px\" \/><\/div><\/div><div class=\"vque-content\"><strong class=\"heading\">Get Your Free 2026 Mesothelioma Guide<\/strong><ul>\n<li>Symptoms &amp; staging<\/li>\n<li>Average prognosis<\/li>\n<li>Life-extending treatments<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong class=\"button arrow\" title=\"Get Your Free Guide\">Get Your Free Guide<\/strong><\/p><\/div><\/div><\/a><\/div>\n<h3>Secondary Asbestos Exposure and High-Risk Jobs<\/h3>\n<p>Workers who suffered occupational asbestos exposure also put family members at risk. Loved ones suffered <a href=\"\/asbestos\/exposure\/secondary\/\">secondary asbestos exposure<\/a> when workers came home with fibers stuck to their clothing, hair, and skin.<\/p>\n<p>As a result of secondary exposure, many people who never worked directly with asbestos have gone on to develop mesothelioma.<\/p>\n<div class=\"callout-shortcode hope has-img\"><style type=\"text\/css\">.callout-shortcode{background:#EDF8F9;border-radius:0 10px 10px 0;padding:20px 20px 20px 24px;margin:40px 0;max-width:860px;position:relative}.callout-shortcode:before{content:\" \";position:absolute;top:0;bottom:0;width:4px;height:100%;left:0;background:linear-gradient(180deg, #0FAEBF 0%, #EDF8F9 100%)}.callout-shortcode .callout-shortcode-heading{color:#100134;font-size:22px;display:block;margin:0 0 15px}.callout-shortcode:first-child{margin-top:0}.callout-shortcode:last-child{margin-bottom:0}.callout-shortcode .img-wrap{margin-bottom:20px}.callout-shortcode.hope>strong{padding-top:17px;padding-bottom:15px;padding-left:74px}.callout-shortcode.hope .img-wrap{left:22px;position:absolute;top:20px;width:59px}.callout-shortcode.hope .img-wrap:before{background:#fff url(\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/mh-icon-65.png);background-position:center;background-repeat:no-repeat;background-size:70%;border-radius:30px;bottom:-10px;content:\"\";display:block;height:30px;position:absolute;right:-10px;width:30px}@media screen and (min-width: 768px){.callout-shortcode{padding:25px 25px 25px 34px}.callout-shortcode .callout-shortcode-heading{font-size:24px}.callout-shortcode .img-wrap{margin-bottom:0}.callout-shortcode.has-img{min-height:170px;padding-left:175px}.callout-shortcode.has-img .img-wrap{position:absolute;left:29px;top:25px;width:119px}.callout-shortcode.hope.has-img{padding-left:170px}.callout-shortcode.hope>strong{padding:0}.callout-shortcode.hope .img-wrap{width:109px}.callout-shortcode.hope .img-wrap:before{background-size:66%;bottom:-15px;height:42px;width:42px}}<\/style><div class=\"img-wrap\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==\" data-src=\"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/julie-cropped.jpg\" alt=\"Julie Gundlach\" class=\"lazyload\" \/><\/div><strong class=\"callout-shortcode-heading\">Point of Hope<\/strong><div class=\"content\"><p><a href=\"\/blog\/julie-19-year-mesothelioma-survivor\/\">Julie Gundlach<\/a> remembers her father, an electrician, coming home covered in asbestos dust. Julie was diagnosed with mesothelioma due to this secondhand exposure \u2014 just a year after her father\u2019s death from asbestos lung cancer. Thankfully, Julie has lived for nearly 20 years with mesothelioma thanks to surgery and chemotherapy.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<h2>Health Risks of Occupational Asbestos Exposure<\/h2>\n<p>Occupational asbestos exposure can lead to many serious health issues, such as cancer. These illnesses typically form 10-50 years after someone was first exposed.<\/p>\n<p><strong>The most notable <a href=\"\/asbestos\/related-diseases\/\">asbestos-related diseases<\/a> include:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Mesothelioma:<\/strong> This is a rare and aggressive cancer that affects the lining of the lungs, abdomen, heart, or testicles. The only known cause of malignant mesothelioma is asbestos exposure.<\/li>\n<li><strong><a href=\"\/cancer\/lung-cancer\/\">Lung cancer<\/a>:<\/strong> Asbestos fibers that get trapped in the lungs can cause long-term irritation, eventually leading to cancer.<\/li>\n<li><strong><a href=\"\/asbestosis\/\">Asbestosis<\/a>:<\/strong> This chronic condition develops due to lung scarring from asbestos fibers. While not cancerous, it can be fatal over time.<\/li>\n<li><strong><a href=\"\/cancer\/\">Other cancers<\/a>:<\/strong> On-the-job asbestos exposure can put workers at risk of larynx (voice box) cancer, ovarian cancer, colorectal cancer, and stomach cancer.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that over <strong>70% of all work-related cancer deaths<\/strong> can be attributed to occupational asbestos exposure.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"\/about\/contact\/\"><strong>Contact us now<\/strong><\/a> if you developed mesothelioma or another disease that could be related to asbestos in the workplace. We can help you pursue medical care, compensation, and other helpful resources.<\/p>\n<h2>Top Asbestos Exposure Job Sites<\/h2>\n<p>Many worksites used asbestos extensively, putting employees at high risk for mesothelioma and other asbestos-related diseases. View high-risk <a href=\"\/occupations\/work-sites\/\">asbestos worksites<\/a> below.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Construction Sites<\/strong><br \/>\nAsbestos was often used in construction materials such as cement, insulation, and roofing tiles. Workers in the construction industry regularly handled these materials, often without suitable protection.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Chemical Plants<\/strong><br \/>\nChemical plants used asbestos to insulate equipment and protect against fires. Engineers and technicians were at high risk of exposure in these facilities.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Mines<\/strong><br \/>\nAsbestos was mined from rock deposits, so mining could have released fibers into the air. The last U.S. asbestos mine closed in 2002, but miners exposed before this time could still be in danger of developing mesothelioma today.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Shipyards<\/strong><br \/>\nVirtually all shipyards relied on asbestos before the early 1980s, before the health risks were known. Shipyard workers, whether in private shipyards or the U.S. Navy, were frequently exposed to asbestos products like insulation, tiles, and paint.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<div class=\"callout-shortcode hope has-img\"><style type=\"text\/css\">.callout-shortcode{background:#EDF8F9;border-radius:0 10px 10px 0;padding:20px 20px 20px 24px;margin:40px 0;max-width:860px;position:relative}.callout-shortcode:before{content:\" \";position:absolute;top:0;bottom:0;width:4px;height:100%;left:0;background:linear-gradient(180deg, #0FAEBF 0%, #EDF8F9 100%)}.callout-shortcode .callout-shortcode-heading{color:#100134;font-size:22px;display:block;margin:0 0 15px}.callout-shortcode:first-child{margin-top:0}.callout-shortcode:last-child{margin-bottom:0}.callout-shortcode .img-wrap{margin-bottom:20px}.callout-shortcode.hope>strong{padding-top:17px;padding-bottom:15px;padding-left:74px}.callout-shortcode.hope .img-wrap{left:22px;position:absolute;top:20px;width:59px}.callout-shortcode.hope .img-wrap:before{background:#fff url(\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/mh-icon-65.png);background-position:center;background-repeat:no-repeat;background-size:70%;border-radius:30px;bottom:-10px;content:\"\";display:block;height:30px;position:absolute;right:-10px;width:30px}@media screen and (min-width: 768px){.callout-shortcode{padding:25px 25px 25px 34px}.callout-shortcode .callout-shortcode-heading{font-size:24px}.callout-shortcode .img-wrap{margin-bottom:0}.callout-shortcode.has-img{min-height:170px;padding-left:175px}.callout-shortcode.has-img .img-wrap{position:absolute;left:29px;top:25px;width:119px}.callout-shortcode.hope.has-img{padding-left:170px}.callout-shortcode.hope>strong{padding:0}.callout-shortcode.hope .img-wrap{width:109px}.callout-shortcode.hope .img-wrap:before{background-size:66%;bottom:-15px;height:42px;width:42px}}<\/style><div class=\"img-wrap\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==\" data-src=\"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/john-stahl-hope-img.png\" alt=\"John Stahl\" class=\"lazyload\" \/><\/div><strong class=\"callout-shortcode-heading\">Point of Hope<\/strong><div class=\"content\"><p><a href=\"\/blog\/mesothelioma-survivor-builds-a-future\/\">John Stahl<\/a> was diagnosed with stage 4 mesothelioma decades after working with drywall, gaskets, and other products on construction sites. He\u2019s still living today, more than 5 years after his diagnosis, thanks to treatment.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<h3>Other Worksites<\/h3>\n<p>Thousands of work sites across America put workers at risk of occupational asbestos exposure.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Other sites where asbestos exposure was a concern include:<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/p>\n<ul class='columns-2'>\n<li>Aluminum plants<\/li>\n<li>Automobile assembly plants<\/li>\n<li>Demolition sites<\/li>\n<li>Factories<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"\/veterans\/military-bases\/\">Military bases<\/a><\/li>\n<li>Oil refineries<\/li>\n<li>Power plants<\/li>\n<li>Schools<\/li>\n<li>Steel mills<\/li>\n<li>Textile mills<\/li>\n<li>And many more<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>\n<p>The average person wouldn&#8217;t know that asbestos in the workplace could lead to mesothelioma or other illnesses decades later. <a href=\"\/asbestos\/companies\/\">Asbestos companies<\/a> not only understood the risks but hid them, putting their profit margins ahead of human life.<\/p>\n<p>Get our <strong>Free Mesothelioma Guide<\/strong> to explore your medical and financial options if you were diagnosed with cancer after working on a job site that used asbestos.<\/p>\n<div data-vqueid=\"1361\" class=\"widget widget_oscar-vque default image-right has-img\"><style type=\"text\/css\" data-style=\"default\">.widget_oscar-vque.default{margin:60px auto;max-width:315px}.widget_oscar-vque.default:first-child{margin-top:0}.widget_oscar-vque.default:last-child{margin-bottom:0}.widget_oscar-vque.default>a{background:#2F293D;display:block;padding:20px;border-radius:10px;color:#fff;text-decoration:none}.widget_oscar-vque.default img{margin:0 auto 20px;max-width:150px;width:100%}.widget_oscar-vque.default .vque-content{font-size:16px;text-align:center}.widget_oscar-vque.default strong.subheading{display:block;line-height:1;font-size:14px;margin-bottom:5px}.widget_oscar-vque.default strong.heading{font-size:20px;display:block;margin:0 0 25px}.widget_oscar-vque.default ul{font-size:16px;text-align:left;list-style:none;max-width:265px;line-height:1.4;margin:15px auto 25px}.widget_oscar-vque.default ul li{padding-left:28px;margin-bottom:10px}.widget_oscar-vque.default ul li:last-child{margin-bottom:0}.widget_oscar-vque.default ul li:before{font-family:\"mesohope\" !important;font-display:swap;speak:none;font-style:normal;font-weight:normal;font-variant:normal;text-transform:none;line-height:1;-webkit-font-smoothing:antialiased;-moz-osx-font-smoothing:grayscale;content:\"\\e904\";border:none;position:absolute;left:0;top:0;background:#0FAEBF;width:20px;height:20px;border-radius:20px;line-height:20px;text-align:center;font-size:12px}.widget_oscar-vque.default strong.button.arrow{width:100%}@media screen and (min-width: 768px){.widget_oscar-vque.default{max-width:620px}.widget_oscar-vque.default>a{padding:0}.widget_oscar-vque.default>a>div{display:block;display:flex;align-items:center;flex-wrap:wrap;flex-direction:row-reverse}.widget_oscar-vque.default>a>div>div{padding:0 25px 0 0;width:41%}.widget_oscar-vque.default>a .vque-content{width:59%;padding:30px;text-align:left}.widget_oscar-vque.default img{max-width:90%;margin-bottom:0}.widget_oscar-vque.default strong.subheading{font-size:16px}.widget_oscar-vque.default strong.heading{font-size:24px;margin:0 0 16px}.widget_oscar-vque.default ul{max-width:none}.widget_oscar-vque.default strong.button.arrow{width:auto}.widget_oscar-vque.default.image-left>a>div{display:block;position:relative;overflow:hidden}.widget_oscar-vque.default.image-left>a>div img{max-width:100%}.widget_oscar-vque.default.image-left>a>div>div{float:left}.widget_oscar-vque.default.image-left>a>div>div:first-child{width:27%;padding:30px}.widget_oscar-vque.default.image-left>a>div>div.vque-content{width:73%;padding-left:0}}<\/style><a href=\"\/mesothelioma-guide\/\" title=\"Get Your Free 2026 Mesothelioma Guide\" class=\"cte\" data-ce-category=\"In-Content Ads\" data-ce-label=\"Get Your Free 2026 Mesothelioma Guide Ad\" data-desktop-image=\"https:\/\/www.mesotheliomahope.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/07\/guide-image-vertical.png\"><div><div><div class=\"image-fade\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"296\" height=\"290\" src=\"https:\/\/www.mesotheliomahope.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/07\/guide-image-vertical.png\" class=\"attachment-Medium size-Medium wp-post-image\" alt=\"Mesothelioma Guide Images\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.mesotheliomahope.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/07\/guide-image-vertical.png 296w, https:\/\/www.mesotheliomahope.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/07\/guide-image-vertical-55x55.png 55w, https:\/\/www.mesotheliomahope.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/07\/guide-image-vertical-102x100.png 102w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 296px) 100vw, 296px\" \/><\/div><\/div><div class=\"vque-content\"><strong class=\"heading\">Get Your Free 2026 Mesothelioma Guide<\/strong><ul>\n<li>Symptoms &amp; staging<\/li>\n<li>Average prognosis<\/li>\n<li>Life-extending treatments<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong class=\"button arrow\" title=\"Get Your Free Guide\">Get Your Free Guide<\/strong><\/p><\/div><\/div><\/a><\/div>\n<h2>Compensation for Workplace Asbestos Exposure<\/h2>\n<p>If you or a loved one developed mesothelioma from working with or around asbestos-containing products, you may qualify for compensation to cover medical bills and other expenses.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Notable <a href=\"\/legal\/compensation\/\">mesothelioma compensation<\/a> options include:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong><a href=\"\/legal\/lawsuit\/\">Mesothelioma lawsuits<\/a>:<\/strong> These lawsuits pay out <strong>$1 million or more on average.<\/strong> Our legal partners can file a lawsuit for you. Former employers are typically not sued. Instead, these lawsuits are filed against the companies that made asbestos-containing products.<\/li>\n<li><strong><a href=\"\/legal\/asbestos-trust-funds\/\">Asbestos trust funds<\/a>:<\/strong> Set up by bankrupt asbestos manufacturers to avoid lawsuits, these trusts contain <strong>over $30 billion today.<\/strong> You may qualify to get some of this compensation without going to court.<\/li>\n<li><strong><a href=\"\/veterans\/va-benefits\/\">VA benefits<\/a>:<\/strong> Veterans with mesothelioma may qualify for <strong>$4,158.17\u00a0a month<\/strong> in disability compensation and inexpensive or free cancer treatments through the VA health care system.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Get a <strong>Free Case Review<\/strong> to explore your compensation options after a mesothelioma diagnosis.<\/p>\n<div id=\"23978\" class=\"one-off-23978 widget widget_oscar-vque one-off\" data-vqueid=\"23978\"><style type=\"text\/css\" data-style=\"one-off\">.one-off-23978{margin:60px auto}.one-off-23978 a{box-shadow:0 20px 20px 0 rgba(0,0,0,.03);background:linear-gradient(180deg,#0FAEBF 0,rgba(129,208,217,0) 100%);border:1px solid rgba(230,231,236,1);display:block;text-decoration:none;color:#000;max-width:370px;margin:0 auto}.one-off-23978 a>div{background:#fff;margin-left:3px}.one-off-23978 .vque-content{padding:20px 20px 25px}.one-off-23978 .heading{font-size:20px;line-height:23px;display:block;letter-spacing:-1px;text-align:center;max-width:260px;margin:0 auto 20px}.one-off-23978 ul{font-size:16px;text-align:left;list-style:none;max-width:210px;line-height:1.4;margin:15px auto 20px}.one-off-23978 ul li{padding-left:28px;margin-bottom:10px}.one-off-23978 ul li:last-child{margin-bottom:0}.one-off-23978 ul li:before{font-family:\"mesohope\"!important;font-display:swap;speak:none;font-style:normal;font-weight:normal;font-variant:normal;text-transform:none;line-height:1;content:\"\\e904\";color:#fff;border:0;position:absolute;left:0;top:0;background:#0FAEBF;width:20px;height:20px;border-radius:20px;line-height:20px;text-align:center;font-size:12px}.one-off-23978 .button{display:block;text-align:center;padding:10px 17px;max-width:245px;margin:0 auto}.one-off-23978 .image-wrap{background:rgba(15,174,191,1);color:#fff;padding:0 30px;display:flex;align-items:center;justify-content:center}.one-off-23978 img.shc-logo{max-width:168px;margin:0 auto 15px}.one-off-23978 img.rep{max-width:70px;transform:scale(-1,1);margin-right:15px}.one-off-23978 img.mh-logo{display:none}.one-off-23978 .name{font-size:13px;line-height:15px;margin-bottom:9px}.one-off-23978 .name strong{font-size:15px;line-height:17px;display:block}.one-off-23978 .description{font-size:12px;line-height:14px;max-width:165px}@media screen and (min-width:768px){.one-off-23978 a{max-width:530px;padding-right:210px;position:relative;min-height:260px}.one-off-23978 .vque-content{padding:25px 30px}.one-off-23978 .heading{text-align:left}.one-off-23978 ul{margin:15px 0 20px}.one-off-23978 .button{display:inline-block}.one-off-23978 .image-wrap{display:inline-block;position:absolute;right:0;top:0;bottom:0;max-width:210px;padding:25px 23px 0}.one-off-23978 img.shc-logo{max-width:180px;margin:0 0 15px}.one-off-23978 img.rep{width:180px;margin:0 auto;transform:none;position:absolute;bottom:0;max-width:unset}.one-off-23978 img.mh-logo{display:block;bottom:45px;position:absolute}}<\/style><a href=\"\/simmons-hanly-conroy\/\" title=\"Get a Free Mesothelioma Case Review\" class=\"cte\" data-ce-category=\"In-Content Ads\" data-ce-label=\"Get a Free Mesothelioma Case Review Ad\"><div>\r\n    <div class=\"vque-content\">\r\n    <img decoding=\"async\"  src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==\" data-src=\"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/logo-simmonsfirm-color.png\" alt=\"Simmons Hanly Conroy\" class=\"lazyload shc-logo\" >\r\n        <strong class=\"heading\">Get a Free Mesothelioma Case Review<\/strong>\r\n        <ul>\r\n            <li>Over $30 billion available<\/li>\r\n            <li>No cost to file a claim<\/li>\r\n            <li>Avoid going to court<\/li>\r\n        <\/ul>\r\n        <p><strong class=\"button arrow\" title=\"Get a Free Case Review\">Get a Free Case Review<\/strong><\/p>\r\n    <\/div>\r\n    <div class=\"image-wrap\">\r\n        <img decoding=\"async\"  src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==\" data-src=\"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/shara-fisher-ad.png\" alt=\"Shara Fisher\" class=\"lazyload rep\" >\r\n        <span><div class=\"name\"><strong>Shara Fisher<\/strong> Senior Paralegal<\/div><div class=\"description\"><strong>17+ years<\/strong> providing legal help to mesothelioma victims<\/div><\/span>\r\n         <img decoding=\"async\"  src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==\" data-src=\"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/MH-logo.png\" alt=\"Mesothelioma Hope Logo\" class=\"lazyload mh-logo\" >\r\n    <\/div>\r\n<\/div><\/a><\/div>\n<h3>Examples of Compensation Secured for Workers With Mesothelioma<\/h3>\n<p>The <a href=\"\/legal\/mesothelioma-lawyer\/\">mesothelioma lawyers<\/a> we partner with have recovered over <strong>$10.7 billion<\/strong> for patients and loved ones impacted by this cancer and other asbestos-related diseases.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Some of their most notable results include:<\/strong><\/p>\n<div class=\"amounts-wrap no-top-margin\">\n<ul>\n<li><strong>$40.1 million<\/strong> <span>for a Washington Navy veteran<\/span><\/li>\n<li><strong>$34 million<\/strong> <span>for a California mechanic and veteran<\/span><\/li>\n<li><strong>$7 million<\/strong> <span>for a California wire installer<\/span><\/li>\n<li><strong>$10 million<\/strong> <span>for a Louisiana longshoreman<\/span><\/li>\n<li><strong>$8 million<\/strong> <span>for a Texas pipefitter and plumber<\/span><\/li>\n<li><strong>$1.88 million<\/strong> <span>for a New York laborer<\/span><\/li>\n<li><strong>$6.8 million<\/strong> <span>for a Florida mechanic<\/span><\/li>\n<li><strong>$2.7 million<\/strong> <span>for an Arizona Navy veteran<\/span><\/li>\n<li><strong>$4 million<\/strong> <span>for an Illinois union laborer<\/span><\/li>\n<li><strong>$60 million<\/strong> <span>for a California laborer<\/span><\/li>\n<li><strong>$250 million<\/strong> <span>for an Indiana steelworker (largest asbestos payout ever)<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<style type=\"text\/css\">.amounts-wrap{margin:0 0 40px;max-width:775px;font-size:16px}.amounts-wrap.no-top-margin{margin:0 0 40px}.amounts-wrap ul{list-style:none;margin:0}.amounts-wrap ul li{background:#E5F4F6F6;border-radius:5px;display:block;display:flex;overflow:hidden;padding:10px;line-height:21px;margin-bottom:8px;align-items:center}.amounts-wrap ul li:last-child{margin-bottom:0}.amounts-wrap ul li strong{background:#C7E8EC;font-size:16px;margin:-10px 0 -10px -10px;min-width:125px;padding:20px 10px 20px 15px;position:relative}.amounts-wrap ul li strong:after{background:#C7E8EC;clip-path:polygon(0% 0%, 100% 50%, 0% 100%);content:\"\";display:block;height:100%;position:absolute;right:-14px;top:0;width:14px}.amounts-wrap ul li span{padding:0 0 0 25px}@media screen and (min-width: 768px){.amounts-wrap ul li{padding:2px 10px}.amounts-wrap ul li span{padding:8px 0 8px 25px}}<\/style><\/div>\n<p>In October 2024, a Virginia jury ordered asbestos product manufacturer John Crane to pay <strong>$3.5 million<\/strong> to the widow of a millwright who passed away after developing mesothelioma.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"\/about\/contact\/\">Contact us now<\/a> to learn whether you or a loved one can file for mesothelioma compensation.<\/p>\n<h2>Asbestos in the Workplace Today<\/h2>\n<p>Asbestos is no longer used in new materials on work sites, given the health risks. However, asbestos-containing products put in place before the health risks were fully understood are still in use today.<\/p>\n<p>Without proper precautions, workers could disturb these materials while on the job and go on to develop cancers like mesothelioma later in life.<\/p>\n<p>In 2024, the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) claimed a Chicago contractor failed to warn workers about asbestos risks on a demolition project. OSHA is seeking to fine the contractor nearly $450,000.<\/p>\n<h2>Laws on Occupational Asbestos Use<\/h2>\n<p>Because of the significant risks associated with asbestos in the workplace, the U.S. government has passed many laws to protect workers.<\/p>\n<p><strong>These include:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Asbestos Ban and Phaseout Rule (1989):<\/strong> This rule partially banned asbestos products and prohibited new uses of asbestos after 1989.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Asbestos National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants (NESHAP):<\/strong> Administered by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), this requires safe practices for handling asbestos during demolitions and renovations to prevent air contamination.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act (AHERA):<\/strong> AHERA mandates that schools inspect for asbestos, develop management plans, and address any hazards.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>In March 2024, the EPA officially\u00a0<a href=\"\/legal\/legislation\/asbestos-bans\/\">banned chrysotile asbestos<\/a> \u2014 the last and most commonly used type of asbestos in the United States. However, the ban does not cover asbestos already present in buildings, products, or infrastructure, and the EPA is now reconsidering the rule.<\/p>\n<p>In addition to federal bans and restrictions, OSHA sets strict standards for asbestos exposure. These include permissible exposure limits, mandatory use of protective equipment, and required training for workers who may encounter asbestos on the job.<\/p>\n<h2>We\u2019re Here to Help Occupational Asbestos Exposure Victims<\/h2>\n<p>Hardworking Americans like you don\u2019t deserve to be fighting mesothelioma simply from doing your job. We\u2019re committed to assisting you and your family through this trying time.<\/p>\n<p><strong>By working with Mesothelioma Hope, you can access:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>The best doctors and cancer treatment centers<\/li>\n<li>Top asbestos lawyers who can explain your compensation options<\/li>\n<li>Other resources to help you navigate life with mesothelioma<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Call <a href=\"tel:+18666088933\" title=\"Click to call (866) 608-8933\" class=\"in-content-tel-link\" data-ce-category=\"Click to Call\" data-ce-label=\"(866) 608-8933\">(866) 608-8933<\/a> now or get our <a href=\"\/mesothelioma-guide\/\">Free Mesothelioma Guide<\/a> for personalized support.<\/p>\n<div class=\"faq-wrap\"><h2 class=\"faq-wrap-heading\">Asbestos in the Workplace FAQs<\/h2><div class=\"faq\" data-faq=\"1\"><h3 class=\"faq-heading\">What is occupational asbestos exposure?<\/h3><div><p>Occupational asbestos exposure happens when employees or military service members are exposed to this toxic material on the job.<\/p>\n<p>Before the health risks were publicly known, millions of people were exposed to asbestos in the workplace. Asbestos-containing products were used in many jobs, including construction work, shipbuilding, and plumbing since they were very durable and inexpensive.<\/p>\n<p>However, anyone exposed to asbestos could develop mesothelioma or other health issues 10-50 years later. Workers often faced long-term asbestos exposure, which increased their chances of getting sick.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><div class=\"faq\" data-faq=\"2\"><h3 class=\"faq-heading\">What to do if you have been exposed to asbestos at work?<\/h3><div><p><strong>Make sure to notify your employer<\/strong> if you\u2019ve been exposed to asbestos at work. Strict laws are in place to help prevent exposure to asbestos on the job.<\/p>\n<p>You should also make sure to get regular health screening for possible asbestos-related diseases. This is especially helpful if you were exposed to asbestos long ago, as it takes decades for mesothelioma to form.<\/p>\n<p>If you\u2019re now facing mesothelioma or another illness after workplace asbestos exposure, <a href=\"\/about\/contact\/\">contact us<\/a> for personalized medical guidance, financial assistance, and support resources to make your life easier.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><div class=\"faq\" data-faq=\"3\"><h3 class=\"faq-heading\">Where can asbestos be found in the workplace?<\/h3><div><p>Asbestos could be found in a variety of products throughout American workplaces prior to the 1980s.<\/p>\n<p><strong><a href=\"\/products\/\">Asbestos-containing products<\/a> used on job sites included:<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/p>\n<ul class='columns-2'>\n<li>Boilers<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"\/products\/cement\/\">Cement<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"\/products\/drywall\/\">Drywall<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"\/products\/heating-ducts\/\">Ductwork<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"\/products\/electrical-wiring\/\">Electrical wires<\/a><\/li>\n<li>Gaskets<\/li>\n<li>Insulation<\/li>\n<li>Plaster<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"\/products\/roofing\/\">Roofing<\/a><\/li>\n<li>Rope<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"\/products\/paint\/\">Paint<\/a><\/li>\n<li>Tiles<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>\n<p>Anyone who worked with or around these materials could develop mesothelioma and other illnesses later in life. Modern-day workers must also use caution as asbestos-containing products could still be present in older job sites and buildings.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><div class=\"faq\" data-faq=\"4\"><h3 class=\"faq-heading\">Is one-time asbestos exposure okay?<\/h3><div><p>According to the American Cancer Society (ACS), there is no safe level of occupational exposure to asbestos. <strong>Even a single exposure can lead to cancer. <\/strong>That said, the more asbestos a worker is exposed to, the higher their risk of diseases like mesothelioma and lung cancer.<\/p>\n<p>Call <strong><a href=\"tel:+18666088933\" title=\"Click to call (866) 608-8933\" class=\"in-content-tel-link\" data-ce-category=\"Click to Call\" data-ce-label=\"(866) 608-8933\">(866) 608-8933<\/a><\/strong> for help if you\u2019ve developed mesothelioma after workplace asbestos exposure. We can help you access treatments and compensation.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><div class=\"faq\" data-faq=\"5\"><h3 class=\"faq-heading\">How to report asbestos in the workplace?<\/h3><div><p>You can report concerns about asbestos in the workplace to your state\u2019s branch of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) or the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA).<\/p>\n<p>Federal and state laws protect workers from the health risks of asbestos exposure. If you\u2019ve been exposed, it\u2019s in your best interest to report it to keep yourself and your coworkers safe.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><script type=\"application\/ld+json\">{\"@context\": \"https:\/\/schema.org\",\"@type\": \"FAQPage\",\"mainEntity\": [{\"@type\": \"Question\",\"name\": \"What is occupational asbestos exposure?\",\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\": \"Answer\",\"text\": \"&lt;p&gt;Occupational asbestos exposure happens when employees or military service members are exposed to this toxic material on the job.&lt;\/p&gt;\n&lt;p&gt;Before the health risks were publicly known, millions of people were exposed to asbestos in the workplace. Asbestos-containing products were used in many jobs, including construction work, shipbuilding, and plumbing since they were very durable and inexpensive.&lt;\/p&gt;\n&lt;p&gt;However, anyone exposed to asbestos could develop mesothelioma or other health issues 10-50 years later. 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This is especially helpful if you were exposed to asbestos long ago, as it takes decades for mesothelioma to form.&lt;\/p&gt;\n&lt;p&gt;If you\u2019re now facing mesothelioma or another illness after workplace asbestos exposure, contact us for personalized medical guidance, financial assistance, and support resources to make your life easier.&lt;\/p&gt;\n\"}},{\"@type\": \"Question\",\"name\": \"Where can asbestos be found in the workplace?\",\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\": \"Answer\",\"text\": \"&lt;p&gt;Asbestos could be found in a variety of products throughout American workplaces prior to the 1980s.&lt;\/p&gt;\n&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Asbestos-containing products used on job sites included:&lt;\/strong&gt;&lt;\/p&gt;\n&lt;\/p&gt;\n&lt;ul class='columns-2'&gt;\n&lt;li&gt;Boilers&lt;\/li&gt;\n&lt;li&gt;Cement&lt;\/li&gt;\n&lt;li&gt;Drywall&lt;\/li&gt;\n&lt;li&gt;Ductwork&lt;\/li&gt;\n&lt;li&gt;Electrical wires&lt;\/li&gt;\n&lt;li&gt;Gaskets&lt;\/li&gt;\n&lt;li&gt;Insulation&lt;\/li&gt;\n&lt;li&gt;Plaster&lt;\/li&gt;\n&lt;li&gt;Roofing&lt;\/li&gt;\n&lt;li&gt;Rope&lt;\/li&gt;\n&lt;li&gt;Paint&lt;\/li&gt;\n&lt;li&gt;Tiles&lt;\/li&gt;\n&lt;\/ul&gt;\n&lt;p&gt;\n&lt;p&gt;Anyone who worked with or around these materials could develop mesothelioma and other illnesses later in life. 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If you\u2019ve been exposed, it\u2019s in your best interest to report it to keep yourself and your coworkers safe.&lt;\/p&gt;\n\"}}]}<\/script><style type=\"text\/css\">.faq-wrap{background:#E4F4F6;padding:20px 15px;margin:40px -15px}.faq-wrap:first-child{margin-top:0}.faq-wrap:last-child{margin-bottom:0}.faq-wrap .faq{background:#fff;padding:15px;border-radius:10px;box-shadow:0px 20px 20px rgba(0,0,0,0.03);margin:15px 0 0 0}.faq-wrap .faq:first-child{margin-top:0}.faq-wrap .faq .faq-heading{color:#100134;font-size:21px;margin-bottom:15px}.faq-wrap .faq p{margin-bottom:20px;line-height:1.5}.faq-wrap .faq p:last-child{margin-bottom:0}.faq-wrap .faq .learn-more{color:#248AFF;display:block;padding-right:17px;text-align:right;position:relative;line-height:1}.faq-wrap .faq .learn-more:visited{color:#248AFF}.faq-wrap .faq .learn-more:visited:hover,.faq-wrap .faq .learn-more:hover{color:#34d}.faq-wrap .faq .learn-more:after{font-family:\"mesohope\" !important;speak:none;font-style:normal;font-weight:normal;font-variant:normal;text-transform:none;line-height:1;-webkit-font-smoothing:antialiased;-moz-osx-font-smoothing:grayscale;content:\"\\e905\";position:absolute;right:0;top:3px}h2.faq-wrap-heading{margin-bottom:25px}@media screen and (min-width: 768px){.faq-wrap{padding:25px 15px}}@media screen and (min-width: 1024px){.faq-wrap{border-radius:10px;margin-left:auto;margin-right:auto;padding:25px}.faq-wrap .faq{padding:25px}.faq-heading{font-size:24px}}<\/style><\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Risks of Asbestos in the Workplace Worksites across the United States relied on products containing asbestos between the 1930s and early 1980s. As a result, millions of workers were exposed to this cancer-causing substance, according to the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR). Anyone exposed could develop cancers like mesothelioma later in life.&hellip;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":35,"featured_media":21050,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-924","page","type-page","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.mesotheliomahope.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/924","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.mesotheliomahope.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.mesotheliomahope.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.mesotheliomahope.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/35"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.mesotheliomahope.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=924"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.mesotheliomahope.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/924\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.mesotheliomahope.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/21050"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.mesotheliomahope.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=924"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}