Those who worked as structural metal craftsmen prior to the 1980s are probably aware that many of the products these workers manufactured were sprayed with insulation as part of the manufacturing process. What some structural metal craftsmen may not realize is the insulation used in the industrial setting often was comprised, in large part, of asbestos. Structural metal craftsmen built and repaired structures that were made of sheet metal and iron. Studies have shown that sheet metal workers have high levels of asbestos exposure. One study indicates that approximately 70 percent of career sheet metal workers have some type of asbestos-related health condition.

Asbestos was widely used for a variety of reasons. As a naturally occurring mineral, it was easy and inexpensive to purchase, and it had outstanding insulation abilities. In addition, asbestos is highly flame retardant, a fact that made it extremely popular in the industrial setting. While asbestos-containing products were widely used in the building process, they were also used in the industrial construction process. Because of the widespread use of asbestos in insulation, and because the insulation was often sprayed onto products, it was very easy to inhale asbestos particles during the process.

In addition to the insulation that was sprayed onto various components the sheet metal workers manufactured, many of the other materials used on a daily basis by the sheet metal workers contained asbestos. Paints and polishing compounds had asbestos added to their formulas to prevent rust and extend the life of the paint. Protective clothing that the sheet metal craftsmen wore often were woven from asbestos cloth. Asbestos cloth not only protected against heat and flame, but it was also extremely durable.

Asbestos was widely used in the industrial setting until 1978. At this time, public knowledge of the dangers of asbestos exposure became widely known, and the EPA halted its use in insulation, paint and other materials. Though asbestos use is widely banned today, structural metal craftsmen who worked with sheet metal and iron prior to 1978 are at risk of asbestos-related diseases.

If you worked as a structural metal craftsman during the time that asbestos use was common, you should consider speaking with your doctor about screening tests to check for asbestosis and mesothelioma. There are a variety of tests your doctor can perform to test lung function and determine the level of asbestos in your body. How aggressive your doctor wants to be in this testing is determined by personal preference as well as your general health. Although mesothelioma is notoriously difficult to diagnose in the early stages, working with your doctor to develop a proactive plan increases your chances of catching either disease in the earliest stage possible. For additional information about mesothelioma, associated symptoms and treatment options, please click here and Asbestos.com will send you a complimentary comprehensive packet.

Asbestos-related diseases are slow to develop and the patient is often not diagnosed until decades after the initial asbestos exposure.

Asbestos Exposure

Exposure to asbestos can cause several severe health problems. Asbestosis is a chronic inflammation of the lungs. A person suffering from asbestosis suffers from shortness of breath. There is no cure for asbestosis, the best treatment that doctors can provide is oxygen, which eases the symptoms of asbestosis.

Mesothelioma is another asbestos-related illness. It is a rare and aggressive form of cancer that affects the membrane surrounding several body cavities known as the mesothelium. Treatment for mesothelioma typically involves surgery, radiation or chemotherapy or a combination of several treatment options. Doctors must also take into consideration the condition of the patient when developing a treatment protocol. Because mesothelioma is an aggressive asbestos cancer, the patient is often very weak by the time a diagnosis is made. Patients that are extremely ill from the cancer itself may not be strong enough to undergo the rigors of an aggressive treatment protocol. This combination of factors contribute to a poor prognosis for many patients.

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