Asbestos & Mesothelioma Law Blog
Asbestos exposure is often associated with people who used to work in the blue-collar industry, such as the construction, manufacturing, and mining industries. Indeed, before the dangers of asbestos became widely known and its use became heavily regulated, many people in these industries were exposed to this hazardous substance. However, many more people suffered asbestos exposure through nontraditional exposure. Many workers who never directly handled asbestos-contaminated materials or products have developed mesothelioma and other illnesses as a result of nontraditional asbestos exposure.
While regulations have curbed most uses of asbestos, this dangerous substance remains in older buildings, materials, and equipment, posing hidden risks to workers in unexpected jobs. Understanding the jobs at risk of nontraditional asbestos exposure can help prevent future exposure and promote early detection of mesothelioma and other asbestos-related illnesses. Below, we share five jobs at risk of nontraditional asbestos exposure.
- Teachers and School Staff
The first category of workers at risk of nontraditional asbestos exposure is teachers and other school staff, such as administrative staff. Many schools built before the dangers of asbestos became widely known contain asbestos in insulation, floor tiles, ceiling tiles, and chalkboards. Teachers and other staff in old schools may unknowingly suffer asbestos exposure when asbestos-containing materials wear down or are disturbed.
- Engineers
Engineers can suffer asbestos exposure when working in or inspecting buildings, work sites, or industrial plants. Asbestos-contaminated materials such as floor tiles, insulation, or pipe coverings can release dangerous microscopic fibers into the air, putting anyone close to them at risk, especially during maintenance or renovations. Repeated exposure over time can result in serious health conditions like mesothelioma.
- Clerical Workers
Clerical workers in offices in older buildings where asbestos-contaminated materials were used are at a high risk of suffering asbestos exposure. Over time, these materials deteriorate or are disturbed, releasing asbestos fibers into the air, posing a threat to these workers. Clerical workers may unknowingly inhale these fibers over time, increasing the risk of developing serious diseases like mesothelioma.
- Actors, Musicians, and Producers
Actors and musicians like Leonard Bernstein, Warren Zevon, and Steve McQueen all died from mesothelioma. People working in the entertainment industry suffered asbestos exposure through stage sets, soundproofing materials, theater insulation, and even props. Actors, musicians, and producers could inhale airborne asbestos fibers during rehearsals, performances, or filming. Actors, musicians, and producers are still at risk of asbestos exposure, though the risk is lower. Anyone working in older or poorly maintained venues should be cautious.
- Lab Technicians
Laboratory technicians are not commonly associated with asbestos exposure, but the reality is that they, too, face hidden risks. Asbestos was once quite popular in lab settings due to its properties. For lab technicians, asbestos exposure may occur by handling old asbestos-contaminated equipment, countertops, fume hoods, deteriorating asbestos in floor tiles, ceiling panels, other building infrastructure, and even protective gear.
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If you or a loved one were diagnosed with mesothelioma, contact our office to speak to one of our experienced nationwide mesothelioma attorneys about your situation. Our office can help investigate your case and determine if compensation can be sought from negligent parties to help pay for your medical treatment and to help you live a more comfortable life.