Electricians - Mesothelioma Risks

While working in both residential and commercial buildings, electricians install, repair and maintain wiring and electrical systems. During renovations and new projects, electricians are often involved in the early stages of construction. This factor sometimes places them in a situation where asbestos exposure is a risk.

For many electricians, the risk for electrocution is their primary concern while on the job. Whether laying new cable on private property or through an empty lot, preexisting lines, utility pipe and heavy machinery all make work dangerous. After a big storm, repairing snapped wiring and fallen telephone poles can be very dangerous.

In addition to the hazards already associated with using large construction equipment and power tools, electrical cable installers perform tasks involving older wiring. Though modern wires are insulated with Teflon, polyethylene, PVC and other safe substances, previous uses were often covered in felted asbestos insulation or asbestos tape.

Concerns for Asbestos Exposure

Although old wiring and breaker boxes are major sources of concern for electricians, there are other places where electricians can be exposed to asbestos. Asbestos is still present in many modern power lines, as is evidenced by recent patient occurrences. According to Alberta’s Workers’ Compensation Board (2003), a 62-year old telephone lineman with four decades of job-related exposure developed mesothelioma cancer in 2003. Telephone repairmen faced asbestos exposure risks because the material was utilized around wiring for insulation purposes and was a poor conductor of electricity.

In a survey of materials sprayed on the ceilings of 127 buildings throughout the United States, asbestos was found in 50 percent of the buildings. During renovation activities, the average asbestos fiber concentration in breathing zones exceeded acceptable exposure levels and electricians were among those studied in the survey.

Older residences can also contain thermal asbestos insulation. Such insulation was often used between the walls and in the attics of homes. Although this insulation is less dangerous if in good condition, any disturbance can result in airborne asbestos fibers. Even minor operations such as drilling, sanding and removing drywall can expose electricians to asbestos if the toxic mineral is present.

Throughout much of the 20th century, electricians who worked in shipbuilding may have faced to most hazardous environments for asbestos exposure. At the time, the use of asbestos-containing insulation was mandatory for a variety of purposes. In addition to walls, pipes, boilers and engines being insulated with asbestos, wiring and electrical systems on board ships also contained asbestos to reduce the risk of fires.

Resources for Electricians

Former electricians may still be at risk for developing mesothelioma and other serious health conditions as a result of being exposed to asbestos. While there are no immediate side effects of asbestos exposure, health complications can arise up to 50 years later. In addition to mesothelioma, other illnesses caused by asbestos include asbestosis and lung cancer. Symptoms of all three of these conditions typically affect lung function and include coughing or shortness of breath.

If you feel asbestos exposure may have occurred during your career as an electrician, annual health screenings should be conducted to check for an asbestos-related disease. If you have already been diagnosed, we offer a free informational packet to electricians looking to learn more about asbestos exposure and their financial assistance options for treatment.