From the Guidelines
Occupations at highest risk for asbestos exposure include construction workers, shipyard workers, miners, insulation installers, demolition workers, plumbers, electricians, automotive mechanics, firefighters, and industrial workers in asbestos manufacturing plants. These workers face elevated exposure risk because asbestos was widely used in building materials, insulation, shipbuilding, automotive parts, and industrial applications before its health hazards were fully recognized 1. Workers who handle older buildings during renovation or demolition are particularly vulnerable as they may disturb previously installed asbestos-containing materials. The danger stems from asbestos fibers being microscopic and easily inhaled, where they can lodge in lung tissue and cause serious diseases like mesothelioma, asbestosis, and lung cancer.
Some key occupations at risk include:
- Construction workers
- Shipyard workers
- Miners
- Insulation installers
- Demolition workers
- Plumbers
- Electricians
- Automotive mechanics (particularly brake specialists)
- Firefighters
- Industrial workers in asbestos manufacturing plants
These conditions typically develop after long latency periods of 20-50 years following exposure, making historical occupational exposure particularly relevant for diagnosis 1. Secondary exposure can affect family members of these workers through contaminated clothing brought home. The use of asbestos has declined substantially in recent years, but its legacy continues to pose a risk to workers in certain occupations, including building and facility maintenance, asbestos abatement operations, and renovation and demolition of structures containing asbestos 1.
From the Research
Occupations at High Risk for Asbestos Exposure
The following occupations are at highest risk for asbestos exposure:
- Construction workers, particularly those involved in demolition, renovation, and maintenance of buildings containing asbestos-containing materials (ACM) 2
- Shipyard workers, including those involved in shipbuilding, repair, and maintenance 3
- Insulators, pipefitters, boilermakers, and other skilled craftsmen who worked with asbestos-containing materials in various settings, including nonshipyard and shipyard environments 4
- Maintenance workers, including school maintenance employees and public building maintenance workers, who may be exposed to asbestos during routine maintenance and repair activities 5
- Manufacturing workers, particularly those involved in the production of asbestos-containing products 6
Industries with High Asbestos Exposure
The following industries have been identified as having high asbestos exposure:
- Construction industry, including building construction, renovation, and demolition 2
- Shipbuilding and repair industry, including naval shipyards 3
- Manufacturing industry, including production of asbestos-containing products 6
- Education industry, including schools and universities with asbestos-containing buildings 5
Factors Contributing to Asbestos Exposure
The following factors contribute to asbestos exposure:
- Duration of exposure: Workers with longer reported exposures (≥140 hours) had increased rates of lung cancer, mesothelioma, asbestosis, and other asbestos-related diseases 2
- Intensity of exposure: Workers with higher intensity exposures, such as those involved in asbestos mining, milling, and spraying, are at higher risk for asbestos-related diseases 3, 4
- Type of asbestos: Amphibole asbestos is more potent than chrysotile asbestos in causing asbestos-related diseases 6