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January 2019

Industrial electrician working on a machine

High-Risk Jobs and Asbestos Exposure

By Asbestos in the home, Asbestos InformationNo Comments

Asbestos exposure happens most in industrial settings. Many occupations run the risk of asbestos exposure. Asbestos Abatement Services wants you to be prepared. We have several industries, where asbestos exposure is frequent. Asbestos fibers have been used in many goods over the years, and can still, contain trace amounts of asbestos fibers.
• Construction Workers
Construction workers are the most common place for asbestos exposure. Asbestos fibers were used in building materials such as ceilings, pipes, floors, adhesive compounds, and for fireproofing.
• Auto Mechanics
Asbestos is used in gaskets, brake innings, and even clutches. Mechanics are exposed on a daily basis.
• Railroad Workers
Many trains used asbestos fibers in insulation, brake linings, and areas that needing fire-proofing.
• Electricians
Electricians work around wires, insulation, materials used for fireproofing, and adhesives. These items contained asbestos. Asbestos was a durable and cheap alternative that was fire retardant.
• Shipbuilders
Asbestos was delivered using ships, and many ships were build using asbestos-containing materials. Asbestos was also commonly used in the building and repair of vessels.
• Insulation Installers
Insulation is the number one place that asbestos is found. Asbestos is fireproof, and its overall effectiveness and durability made it perfect for insulation. Insulation installers were exposed to high amounts of asbestos.
• Drywall Contractors
Drywall is known to contain asbestos fibers, as does the adhesives. Drywall contained high levels of asbestos.
• Teachers
Teachers are an odd professional to have asbestos exposure, but older schools were built using asbestos fibers. Remodeled or damaged areas cause exposure to teachers.
• Firefighters
Firefighters have been known to wear suits containing asbestos, as asbestos fibers are fire retardant. They also risked exposure by fighting fires in older buildings.
Above are some of the more common industries that were exposed to asbestos. Asbestos exposure is still happening in many industries as asbestos is still legal in the United States.

January 25, 2019
Elderly Woman Outdoors

Asbestos Exposure and Women

By Asbestos Related Illness InfoNo Comments

Most people diagnosed with an asbestos-related illness is usually male. However, we are now seeing more and more women being diagnosed as well. The reason more men are diagnosed with asbestos-related illnesses such as asbestosis and mesothelioma are that men worked in industries where asbestos was commonly used. Asbestos is known to stay dormant in your body for decades after you are initially exposed. Construction workers, railroads, shipyards, and other blue-collar jobs were predominantly male. Meaning men were exposed daily to asbestos for years at a time without them ever knowing the dangers of asbestos exposure. Decades later they were diagnosed with illnesses from asbestos exposure.

Asbestos can easily float through the air and attach to clothing and other items. This made it easy for men to bring asbestos fibers into their homes. They brought it in on lunch boxes, shoes, and clothing exposing their wives and family to asbestos. Women and children were exposed daily but in small doses. This caused a delay in symptoms for a lot of women and children.

Today, we see more women being diagnosed with asbestos-related illnesses either through secondary exposure or through their jobs. Many women work in blue-collar jobs and are being exposed to asbestos. Asbestos-containing material is also used in schools, hospitals, and other buildings, making it easier for women to be exposed.

If you believe you have been exposed or have symptoms of  exposure see a doctor. It is important to check your home for asbestos and ensure you have not been exposed. Asbestos is a silent killer and takes years to become active in your system. This particular mineral could be doing major damages to your body without your knowledge. If you have been exposed, a doctor will be able to treat your symptoms and make sure you don’t become sicker.

January 18, 2019
Asbestos roof shingles

Asbestos Facts- 5 Things You Should Know!

By Asbestos InformationNo Comments

Asbestos is on social media, in commercials, and billboards, but what do you know about asbestos? Most people understand that it is dangerous and can cause illnesses, but that is as far as their knowledge goes on the deadly fiber. Below Asbestos Abatement Services will discuss five little-known facts about asbestos.

Asbestos Has Not Been Banned

It is shocking that asbestos has not been banned in the United States. Many states have laws to control asbestos, but it can still be imported into the United States. Asbestos is still used for fireproofing, insulation, roofing, and even automobile parts. It is known to be a carcinogen and is still being used.

Thousands Die Each Year from Asbestos Exposure

Thousands are diagnosed with asbestos-related illnesses each year, and thousands die from it. Asbestos exposure can happen decades before any symptoms occur. This makes it very difficult to know exactly when you were exposed to asbestos. T0 protect yourself, have your home tested for asbestos before any remodels occur.

Your Insulation Likely Still Contains Asbestos

Asbestos is the perfect fiber for insulation, and it is still being used as such. Even your newer home likely contains asbestos fibers in the insulation.

Many Professions are at Risk!

Shipyards, railroads, and construction workers are most likely to have been exposed to asbestos. However, we are seeing business professionals, teachers, and even military personnel being diagnosed with asbestos-related illnesses.

Most Occupational Cancers are from Asbestos Exposure

Mesothelioma is only caused by asbestos exposure. This type of cancer is mostly seen in firefighters, miners, construction workers and the elderly. Other types of cancers are also caused by asbestos exposure and are seen mostly in blue collar jobs.
The above are just a few facts about the dangerous fiber known as asbestos. You should have your home tested for asbestos and see a doctor if you believe you have been exposed to asbestos.

January 11, 2019
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