Research shows the majority of individuals diagnosed with asbestos-related diseases have been exposed to asbestos at work, although exposure in any environment can be harmful.

Asbestos exposure in the workplace dates back centuries when slaves were forced to mine asbestos to make various products such as Egyptian mummification textiles and table cloths used during the time of the Roman Empire.

Modern-day exposure began during the Industrial Revolution. The use of asbestos peaked between the 1950s and 1970s before its harmful effects became widely known.

Even though asbestos is no longer extensively used, many older products still contain the toxic material. Workers who handle asbestos on a daily basis are at risk of developing an asbestos-related disease. Following is a list of individuals who may be at risk of asbestos exposure in the workplace:

Shipyard workers: During and after WWII, the shipyard industry used many asbestos-laden products to build U.S. Navy ships. This not only put shipyard workers at risk, but also the sailors serving on the ships who, day after day, were exposed to asbestos. Shipyard occupations with the highest risk of asbestos exposure include pipefitters, boilermen, steamfitters, plumbers and electricians. Today, the shipyard workers that are at the highest risk of exposure are those repairing older ships made with asbestos-containing materials.

Railroad workers : The railroad industry frequently utilized asbestos due to its durability and resistance to friction. Asbestos can be found in line boilers, fireboxes, steam pipes, railroad brakes and clutches.

Construction and demolition workers: Many building materials have been made using asbestos, such as flooring, ceiling, insulation, shingles and paint or coatings and decorative plaster. Although buildings today are not built with asbestos-containing materials, many older buildings still contain the toxic material, which can be released during the demolition or remodeling process.

Mechanics : Between the 1950s and 1970s, asbestos was used in a variety of automotive products such as brake linings and clutch pads. Asbestos was considered to be an ideal material in the automotive industry because of its resistance to both heat and friction. Mechanics removing old, broken down products containing asbestos are at risk of exposure.

If you were exposed to asbestos in the workplace and have developed symptoms of an asbestos-related disease, seek medical attention as soon as possible. You may also wish to consult with an attorney to learn more about your legal options.