Painters
Painters
Painters who have worked before 1980s are among those likely to suffer from hazards of asbestos exposure at some point in their life. Not only house painters, but painters who have done artistic jobs also are at risk of developing asbestos related diseases.
Painters and Asbestos Exposure
In the past, asbestos was used as paint filler. Asbestos has been an element in textured as well as fireproof paints. Additionally, asbestos was widespread in locations and situations where painters used to work. Before 1980’s, hazards of asbestos were not fully known and it was widely used in many of the products that painters worked with and around, mainly for the reason that asbestos is having excellent heat resistant and fireproofing properties.
Following are the main Asbestos Products used by painters:
• Paints
• Protective Coatings
• Spackling and taping compounds
• Wallboard
• Wall coverings
• Lumber
• Roofing
• Shingles
• Asbestos cement siding
Painters who have worked in vessels have the maximum chance to develop asbestos related health issues. Ships constructed before 1980s, asbestos was applied in abundance below decks. Asbestos insulation was used in almost all parts of ship construction.
According to a study published by the International Association for Cancer Research, the risk of cancer in painters was 20% more than that in public. The chance for lung cancer was found 40% more in painters.