Any exposure to asbestos can be harmful to one's health; however, studies show that individuals who are exposed to large amounts of asbestos for long periods of time are at a higher risk of developing diseases like mesothelioma, asbestosis and lung cancer. Individuals who have the highest risk are those who work in asbestos-filled environments.
When broken down into fibers, asbestos can be inhaled and become embedded in the lining of the lungs, stomach or heart. After a period of time, the toxic fibers begin to accumulate and cause severe irritation, which can eventually lead to the development of serious, potentially fatal illnesses.
Who is at risk of workplace exposure?
Asbestos is only harmful to one's health if it is broken down or disturbed. Thus, individuals who work with asbestos-containing material that is broken down or disturbed in any way are at the highest risk . Following is a list of individuals who may be at risk of workplace exposure:
Laws against workplace exposure
The dangers of asbestos were revealed in the 1970s. Since then, federal and state governments have established laws and regulations surrounding workplace exposure. The Occupational and Safety Health Administration (OSHA) is a federal agency in charge of enforcing the workplace exposure laws.
The laws require that all employers of individuals who are subject to asbestos exposure in the workplace must provide employees with the appropriate respiratory equipment and protective gear. They must also have on-site facilities where the employees can shower and change into fresh clothing before they leave the jobsite. This is to prevent the workers from transporting the microscopic fibers home on their clothing or person.
Workplace exposure laws also require employers to provide their workers with sufficient training on how to safely handle the toxic asbestos fibers. If you are concerned about workplace exposure to asbestos, contact us today to learn more about your rights and options.