People at Risk
Industrial Workers: Asbestos Product Manufacturing
All workers in industries where asbestos fiber was incorporated
into the company's products, such as manufacturers of insulation,
roofing, building materials, etc., prior to adequate safety controls
were at risk of developing asbestos disease. This includes those
not in direct contact with production such as secretaries and
executives in adjoining offices, and spouses and family members
of workers who wore asbestos laden work clothes home unaware
that it could pose a risk.
Utility Workers
Workers involved in the operation and maintenance of utility
powerhouses, and other facilities and equipment of electric and
gas utilities were exposed to asbestos products. Utility powerhouses
in particular involved miles of steam piping which were insulated
with asbestos products, as well as boilers many stories high
which, together with feedwater heaters, pumps, conveyors, condensers,
turbine-generators, and auxiliary equipment, were also assembled
with and insulated with asbestos products.
Everyone working in such facilities risked significant asbestos
exposure because of ongoing repairs, maintenance, overhaul, and
conversion, not to mention being present during the construction
of new units.
The asbestos dust and fiber from the asbestos products used
to insulate, assemble, seal, and line all this piping and equipment
was readily carried through the plant by drafts, convection created
by the hot equipment, and the fact that only metal grating and
not solid flooring separated the elevations of these huge structures.
Utility workers involved in maintenance of sub-stations, underground
cable and steam lines also risked exposure to asbestos products.
Shipyard Workers
People who worked in shipyards during World War II or in the
post-war years were at risk of asbestos exposure. The new construction,
overhaul, and repair of Navy, Merchant and other ships caused
friable asbestos products to be present in the confined spaces,
and engine and boiler rooms of ships resulting in asbestos exposure
to all trades working in these areas.
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