Let’s face it – we all have to work to maintain our lifestyle and pay bills. Many occupations present the risks of asbestos exposure. Since asbestos is prevalent in both industrial and domestic products, workplace injury from asbestos exposure is an issue many workers face. Plumbers, electricians, and construction workers are prone to this job injury. Firefighters, railroad workers, auto mechanics, machinists, and even soldiers in the armed forces are subject to asbestos exposure.
Mined and used commercially, asbestos has been around since the late 1800’s. Since asbestos is resistant to heat, fire, and chemicals yet don’t conduct electricity, it is widely used in many industries. For example, building and construction asbestos is used for the strengthening of cement, plastics, insulation, roofing, and sound absorption. However, the Environmental Protection Agency banned asbestos-containing products in 1989.