Other Jobsites Overview

While asbestos and asbestos-caused diseases are most closely associated with the shipbuilding industry, the fact remains that there are a number of other jobs that put individuals at risk for contracting diseases such as asbestosis and mesothelioma. Because asbestos was so widely used for the first three-quarters of the 20th century and was continuously lauded for its heat-resistant properties, many industries viewed it as a helpful mineral and found many applications for its use.

For many workers, exposure to asbestos was an everyday occurrence and rarely given a second thought. During the first half of the century, asbestos companies successfully kept the dangers of asbestos under wraps, so no one viewed exposure as a problem. However, as word got out that the fibers from the mineral could cause serious and fatal lung-related diseases and workers started questioning why they or their colleagues were getting sick, the hazards of the toxic mineral became apparent to those working in a variety of fields and occupations.

Auto Plants

Cars generate heat, which can cause fires. That's why - for decades - automobile manufacturers employed widespread use of asbestos. Auto makers do not deny the use of asbestos. They readily admit that it was used in brakes, clutches, firewalls, and several other parts, but they do often deny its toxicity. While many automobile manufacturers have gone to court to defend their use of the hazardous mineral, the fact remains that laborers in the auto industry of yesteryear were likely exposed to asbestos.

Chemical Plants

Historically, chemical plants have been some of the world's worst polluters. Of course, chemicals are obviously a hazard, but these plants also used asbestos in their daily operations. This was largely because the mineral had heightened resistance to chemical degradation and could also be called on for its heat- and fire-resistant properties. Employees at chemical plants may have found asbestos on work surfaces, wrapped around pipes, or even in their protective gear, including gloves and face masks.

Grand Central Station

Enter New York's Grand Central Station and what you'll most likely notice is the stunning Beaux Arts architecture. However, a hazardous secret once lurked underneath all the fancy plaster work and marble at this busy transportation hub. Asbestos was used extensively during the construction of Grand Central Station and the mineral and its dangerous fibers remained present for many decades. As renovations were made, workers were constantly exposed to asbestos dust and many later developed asbestos-related diseases.

World Trade Center Site

No one will ever forget the horror that unfolded at New York's World Trade Center on September 11, 2001. For those who were there or watched on television, the memories are ingrained forever. Because many floors of the towers were insulated with asbestos, when the towers fell asbestos was released into the air. Surviving building occupants, first responders, and those who lived in the area may have been immediately exposed to the dangerous mineral. Some have already developed asbestos-related diseases.

Iraq War

Asbestos has been widely used in a number of foreign countries, and often the use of the mineral continued long after bans were suggested in the United States. For that reason, many of the homes and commercial buildings that have been destroyed by acts of war in Iraq and other war zones may have contained asbestos insulation. That means soldiers may have been exposed to the toxic material and in 20 - 40 years may develop some sort of asbestos disease due to inhalation of the dangerous dust.

Hurricanes and Other Natural Disasters

Hurricanes, earthquakes, tornados, floods, and other natural disasters can all destroy buildings. Just consider the horrendous aftermath of tragedies like Hurricane Katrina. When these structures are destroyed, all the materials used in their construction - such as asbestos - are released and asbestos fibers may become airborne. Anyone remaining in the vicinity, as well as those performing rehab work on these homes, offices, factories, or schools, may be exposed to asbestos when working on the structures, especially if they were built before the asbestos warnings of the late 1970s.