Electricians are trained professionals who install, connect, repair and maintain wiring and electrical systems in commercial and residential construction. Electricians can be involved with construction from the earliest stages of building or may be responsible for replacing outdated electrical systems in homes and commercial buildings that were previously built.

Throughout the history of a building, electricians are among the groups of professionals who are most likely to be involved in upgrading and renovations. Because the electrical industry has changed considerably over time, electricians are often called upon to upgrade wiring, install new electrical outlets, repair damaged wiring and otherwise maintain and improve the electrical wiring and systems in buildings of all ages. Besides residential work, electricians may also work in aviation or shipbuilding, both fields where electrical equipment is vital to proper operation.

As they work, electricians are exposed to many hazards, including the risk of electrocution and the chance of exposure to deadly chemicals and substances like asbestos.

Asbestos Exposure

Because electricians often work in buildings that were constructed during the years in which the construction industry made heavy use of asbestos-containing products, there is a high risk of exposure to asbestos. Electrical insulation products are not the only source of asbestos exposure for electricians, however.

Wiring is most often concealed in and behind walls, which means that in order to reach wiring that needs repairs, electricians must often cut holes in walls and dig through asbestos-containing drywall and insulation. If the building in which they are working was built before 1980, electricians face the risk of inhaling asbestos dust as they work.

Asbestos exposure carries with it the risk of developing serious lung diseases, including mesothelioma, a rare cancer with no known cure. Certain professions are more inclined to develop the disease than others. Electricians may be exposed to asbestos during the course of their work when carrying out tasks such as:

Cutting through old drywall that contains asbestos
Working in attics, cellars and other closed spaces with asbestos insulation
Removing and replacing asbestos insulation on old wiring
Rewiring or replacing outdated electrical systems

Some of the asbestos-related products that electricians might come into contact with include:

Acoustical plaster
Decorative plaster
Ceiling tiles
Electrical panel partitions
Electrical ducts
Electric wiring insulation
Textured paints
Cement siding
Cement wallboard
Drywall
Drywall compound
Sheetrock
Thermal paper products
Electrical cloth

Prior to the asbestos warnings of the 1970s, electricians rarely protected themselves against asbestos exposure. Today's electrician, however, understands that he or she faces serious dangers when exposed to this toxic mineral. Part of their professional training includes the importance of exercising safety precautions when working near asbestos, including wearing a ventilator or face mask to avoid inhaling asbestos dust.

If you or a loved one have been exposed to asbestos and have developed an asbestos-related disease as a result, you may have legal options for compensation. Many have received financial assistance to help pay for medical expenses and lost income. For more information, please fill out the request form on this page to receive a free informational packet.

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