Plumbers
A plumber is a craftsman who installs or repairs piping systems, plumbing fixtures and equipment such as water heaters. Mostly they work on residential projects. Plumbers have to work with other construction crews to decide the details of a particular installation using blueprints.
Plumbers may also be asked to design pipe systems for a project, using their expertise and understanding.
Plumbers & Asbestos Exposure
Asbestos was used for decades as a common material for insulation for pipe and pipe systems due to its fire-resistant and heat-resistant properties.
It is almost certain that most pipes installed before the 1970s contain asbestos.
Plumbers should have regularly exposed to asbestos during installation, maintenance and replacement of these pipes. If asbestos was disturbed during the plumbing work, tiny fibers would be released into the air and plumbers or any construction crew could inhale them. Therefore, plumbers are at the risk of developing asbestos-related diseases such as mesothelioma later in their life.
Plumbers often drill or cut holes in a wall or ceiling during a repair or installation. Almost all building constructed before 1980s contain asbestos as it was one of the most popular building materials that days.
Asbestos can be disturbed during cutting or drilling and dangerous particles can become airborne. Plumbers are at the potential risk of exposure to these particles.
Before 1980s, hazards of asbestos were not known and innumerous plumbers came into contact with the carcinogen without adopting proper safety precautions and apparatus. All plumbers must be aware of this fact.