Pipefitters who install plumbing for buildings made before 1989 are at significant risk of asbestos exposure. Pipefitters are necessary for the repair, maintenance and renovation of pipes within every building in the United States, but working on older pipes has led to thousands of pipefitters contracting mesothelioma. How Asbestos Affects Pipefitters Before the use of asbestos in construction materials was banned by the EPA, it could be found in … [Read more...]
Shipyards Contain Asbestos
Shipyard work was at its peak within the last century due to increased international trade and demand for military ships. This means thousands of workers have also been exposed to asbestos, as it commonly used as sealant and insulation. Before 1989, workers in shipyards were regularly exposed to asbestos, but even today workers may run into asbestos that was left behind or forgotten. About Asbestos Asbestos is a soft metal that forms naturally … [Read more...]
Asbestos In Oil Refineries
Asbestos was built into nearly every aspect of American infrastructure, and oil refineries are no exception. Working in an oil refinery is an extremely dangerous job, and at one point asbestos was thought to make it more safe. Asbestos has a unique ability to refract heat, it was used in construction materials for fireproofing and in safety equipment like gloves and aprons to protect against fire. Even though the EPA banned the use of asbestos in … [Read more...]
Asbestos Spreads Through Demolition
Asbestos is still found in many old buildings across the United States. Demolition companies are required by law to hire a specialist who will determine the amount of asbestos in an building, and report his findings to the state government. If asbestos is found in an area, an abatement procedure must take place to ensure safety to people who live and work near the area. Asbestos abatement is a complicated and timely process, but is also necessary to … [Read more...]
Bricklayers Risk Asbestos Exposure
Asbestos was used in nearly every form of construction before 1980. Due to asbestos’ ability to resist immense amounts of heat, it could be used in bricks so they wouldn’t crack despite exposure to extremely high temperatures, and would prevent mortar from damage. Asbestos was also used in concrete and electrical insulation. When these materials are sawed, cut or grinded down, the asbestos fibers are released into the air and pose serious danger to … [Read more...]