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Asbestos

Asbestos is by far the most common cause of mesothelioma. Asbestos is a combination of several minerals held together by silky strands of fibers. These fireproof fibers do not burn, and do not conduct heat or electricity. Because asbestos does not conduct heat well and is resistant to melting or burning, asbestos was used widely in all types of construction products up to the mid-1970s. Other products made with asbestos, such as insulation materials and automotive clutches and brakes, were designed principally to contain heat and sound.

Asbestos Chrysotile

The three most common forms of asbestos are chrysotile, amosite, and crocidolite. Chrysotile or white asbestos accounts for approximately 90-95% of the asbestos used in US production of asbestos products and is the only significant member of the serpentine group of minerals.

Direct exposure to asbestos

The risks of developing mesothelioma increase with the intensity and duration of asbestos exposure. Most persons who develop mesothelioma were directly exposed to asbestos at their jobs for long periods of time, however, there are plenty of examples from exposure at the home. Following are a list of some of the higher risk jobs.


Occupations

Pipe Fitters - Plumbers - Painters Insulators - Telephone Linemen - Aerospace - Plasters - Electricians - Crane Operators - Home Improvement Contractors - Floor Coverers - Pot Tenders Welders - Paper Mill Workers - Heavy Equipment Mechanics - Custodians - Demolition Crews - Winding Operatives - Tile Setters - Excavating machine operators - Schools - Building Inspectors - Hospital Workers - Glass Factory Worker - Warehouse Worker - Bulldozer Operator - Aircraft Mechanic - Packing/Gasket Manufacturing Workers - Manufacturing Inspectors - Tinsmiths - Steam Fitters - Building Engineers - Loading Docks - Mixing Operatives - Teachers - Protective Clothing - Manufacturing Rubber - Worker Insurance Adjusters and Investigators - Sculptors - Technicians - Job and Die setters - Building Managers- Sawyers - Weavers - Navy Veterans

Detailed Occupational Exposure Information

Secondary exposure to asbestos

Although much less common, family members of persons working at high-risk jobs may also have been exposed to asbestos. Generally, this exposure occurs when the person with direct exposure bring home asbestos fibers on his work clothes.

Although unlikely as well, persons working in buildings constructed before the mid-1970s, such as school buildings and hospitals, may be at risk if asbestos fibers from the insulation become airborne. Because much of the asbestos in these buildings has been removed or remediated, the risks today are much lower.

Compensation from the Asbestos Industry

For decades, many of the manufacturers of asbestos and asbestos-containing products were aware of the hazards of asbestos, such as the development of mesothelioma, but failed to warn workers or the public of these dangers. As a result, most persons who develop mesothelioma are entitled to compensation from the asbestos industry for their injuries.

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