A Hidden Hazard: Are Young Blue-Collar Workers Unknowingly Facing Asbestos Exposure?

As AI reshapes the future of work, more young adults are turning to blue-collar jobs, trades like construction, electrical and plumbing. According to recent survey data, 42% of Gen Z respondents (many of them college graduates) are working in or pursuing careers in the skilled trades. These jobs are often considered safer from automation, but they can also come with hidden risks that are easy to overlook.

One of the most serious is asbestos exposure. Asbestos is a toxic mineral once widely used in building materials. Though banned in many uses today, asbestos still lingers in older homes, schools and jobsites. When disturbed, its microscopic fibers become airborne and can be inhaled, causing long-term health problems, including mesothelioma, a rare and aggressive cancer.

Most people assume asbestos is a thing of the past, but new survey data suggests otherwise. We surveyed 380 blue-collar workers, including a majority from the Gen Z (1997–2007) and millennial (1981–1996) generations, to understand what they encounter on jobsites. The findings reveal a troubling gap in training, awareness and safety protections among the newest members of the trades workforce.

Key Takeaways

• 32% of young blue-collar workers report encountering asbestos on the job.

• 88% of Gen Z and millennial tradespeople have cut into suspicious materials on the job without knowing what was in them.

• 38% say that if they were exposed to asbestos on the jobsite, they wouldn’t know what to do next. 

• Younger workers were more likely to have received asbestos training on the job (32%) compared to older workers (23%).

• Just 15% of young workers trust their employer will protect them from asbestos risks.

The Next Generation of Exposure: Are Gen Z and Millennials at Risk?

A growing number of Gen Z and millennial workers are entering the trades, drawn by job security, hands-on work and protection from automation. But many are stepping onto jobsites without realizing they could be walking straight into a serious health hazard: asbestos.

Nearly a third of Gen Z and millennial tradespeople (32%) reported encountering asbestos-like materials at least occasionally on the job. Another 1 in 10 were unsure if they had, a sign of how difficult it can be to recognize asbestos without proper training.

Even more concerning, 88% said they’ve cut into older materials, such as walls, flooring or insulation, without knowing what was inside. These blind encounters significantly increase the risk of exposure, mainly if protective gear isn’t used or required.

When asked what they would do after a possible asbestos exposure, 38% of young workers admitted they wouldn’t know what to do next. This knowledge gap could lead to long-term health consequences and underscores the need for more widespread education and awareness.

Despite knowing the risks of exposure, 37% said they’ve ignored or worked around suspicious materials to keep a project moving. In fast-paced or understaffed environments, safety protocols often take a back seat to deadlines, leaving younger workers, in particular, vulnerable.

What to Do if You’re Exposed to Asbestos

Many young workers are unsure of what to do after potential asbestos exposure, but taking action promptly is crucial.

While a single, brief asbestos encounter may carry a lower risk than long-term exposure, there’s no safe level of asbestos exposure. Following the proper steps can reduce further risk and help protect your health.

If you think you may have been exposed:

• Stop work immediately and leave the area to prevent additional exposure.
  
• Avoid touching your clothing or gear until you can safely remove and seal them in a plastic bag.
  
• Do not shake out or bring contaminated clothing home because asbestos fibers can spread and harm others.
  
• Report the incident to a supervisor and request a medical evaluation to document the exposure.
  
• Follow up with a doctor who can monitor your health over time and provide guidance on next steps.

Knowing how to respond in the moment helps protect not only you, but also your coworkers, loved ones and anyone else who might come into contact with contaminated materials.

The Generational Knowledge Gap

Younger tradespeople often feel confident in their ability to identify asbestos, but confidence doesn’t always equal preparation.

More than half of Gen Z and millennial workers (54%) felt confident in their ability to identify asbestos, compared to 44% of Gen X and baby boomers. However, only 32% of younger workers had received asbestos-specific training on the job, and just 15% fully trusted their employer to protect them from exposure. This gap between self-assurance and formal training is concerning.

While over half of younger (53%) and older (51%) workers believed their employer provided enough asbestos education, the survey results show many still don’t know how to identify hazardous materials or respond after potential exposure. That disconnect could leave a growing number of new workers unknowingly interacting with one of the most dangerous substances still found on jobsites today.

Spot the Warning Signs: When to Be Cautious on the Job

You can’t always tell when asbestos is present in the workplace, but knowing where it’s most likely to hide can help reduce your risk. Many older buildings and structures still contain asbestos in materials that may look harmless until disturbed.

If you’re working on a jobsite and notice any of the following, proceed with caution:

• You’re working in a building constructed before the 1980s, especially during renovation or demolition.
  
• You see older insulation, flooring or ceiling tiles that may contain asbestos.
  
• You encounter damaged or worn materials like pipe coverings, cement products or wallboard joint compounds.
  
• No asbestos labeling or documentation is available, and materials look outdated or fragile.
  
• You’re asked to cut into or remove unknown materials without prior testing or proper safety gear.

When in doubt, stop work and alert your supervisor. Disturbing asbestos-containing materials without proper training and equipment can put you and others at serious risk.

Protecting the Next Generation of Tradespeople

Younger blue-collar workers are entering jobs that offer stability in a rapidly changing workforce. With many Gen Zers seeking careers that can’t be replaced by AI, trade work is becoming increasingly attractive. In fact, 77% said it’s important that their future job is hard to automate.

However, as more young people enter these roles, they may be walking straight into hidden dangers they’re not prepared for. Asbestos exposure remains one of the most serious and persistent threats in aging buildings and outdated materials.

To keep the next generation safe, we need to close the knowledge gap. That means better training, more transparent communication and stronger protections across jobsites. Because when it comes to asbestos, not knowing the risks or how to respond can have lifelong consequences.

Methodology

A total of 380 respondents participated in this survey. Participants were selected based on their employment in manual labor or blue-collar occupations, including fields such as construction, manufacturing, automotive services, utilities and related trades.

Of these respondents, 79% identified as members of Gen Z (1997–2007) or the millennial (1981–1996) generation, while 21% identified as members of Gen X (1965–1980) or the baby boomer (1946–1964) generation. The survey aimed to capture attitudes, behaviors and perspectives within this specific segment of the workforce, ensuring balanced representation across age groups and job types.

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