Asbestos Exposure of Engineers
Engineers, across various industries, have faced potential exposure to asbestos during their professional endeavors. Asbestos, a prevalent additive in industries like automotive, construction, power, metalworks, and manufacturing, has placed engineers at an elevated risk of developing asbestos-related diseases, particularly mesothelioma cancer.
Engineers work across a wide spectrum of industries, which can lead to occupational asbestos exposure. This exposure can occur in various ways, including through construction products, machine parts, and industrial worksites. As per data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, in 2022, there were over three hundred thousand civil engineers in the United States. Engineers play pivotal roles in guiding construction, designing products, optimizing workplace practices, and enhancing safety across industries. This extensive involvement can expose engineers to various hazards, including asbestos.
Asbestos Use and Its Dangers
Asbestos was widely used during the 20th century until the 1980s due to its exceptional strength and fire-resistant properties. It was incorporated into numerous products. However, asbestos is also highly hazardous. Engineers who inadvertently inhale or ingest asbestos fibers face significant health risks, including the development of diseases like asbestosis or mesothelioma.
Asbestos Products That Pose Risks for Engineers
Engineers may have encountered asbestos in a wide array of products, including asbestos cement, insulation, ceiling and floor tiles, construction materials, electrical equipment, flame-resistant materials, gaskets, industrial products, joint compounds, piping, machinery, and roofing materials. The specific exposure can vary based on the engineering field. For instance, civil engineers are more likely to encounter asbestos in construction materials, such as insulation, tiling, piping, and electrical equipment. Additionally, even personal protective equipment designed to safeguard against heat and fire, such as fire-resistant clothing and blankets, historically contained asbestos.
Many asbestos companies manufactured and distributed these products, amplifying the potential reach of asbestos exposure for engineers. Legal assistance may be necessary to determine liability in cases of asbestos exposure.
Common Locations of Asbestos Exposure in Engineering
Asbestos was valued for its tensile strength, heat resistance, and chemical durability, making it prevalent in various settings. Engineers may have encountered asbestos during inspections, overseeing workers handling asbestos products, or through older buildings and machinery. Deteriorating asbestos products can release asbestos dust into the air, consisting of tiny, airborne fibers that pose health hazards when inhaled.
Engineers and At-Risk Trades
Engineers across multiple industries face asbestos exposure risks. At-risk trades within the engineering industry encompass aerospace engineers, biomedical engineers, chemical engineers, civil engineers, electrical engineers, health and safety engineers, heating engineers, industrial engineers, marine engineers, mechanical engineers, nuclear engineers, operating engineers, petroleum engineers, stationary engineers, waste engineers, and water engineers. Furthermore, individuals coming into contact with engineers exposed to asbestos may also be at risk of secondary asbestos exposure, potentially affecting their loved ones and families.
Mesothelioma Risk for Engineers
Research highlights that engineers, irrespective of their specialization, may be susceptible to asbestos exposure, leading to an increased incidence of mesothelioma. Mechanical engineers, in particular, have demonstrated a significantly elevated proportionate mortality ratio (PMR) compared to the general population.
Apart from mesothelioma, asbestos exposure may contribute to other asbestos-related cancers among engineers, such as stomach, lung, and bladder cancers. Federal agencies have implemented regulations to address heightened exposure risks in industrial, manufacturing, and construction industries, aiming to prevent occupational asbestos exposure among engineers and other workers. Engineers are protected by Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) standards, similar to all U.S. workers.
Compensation for Engineers Exposed To Asbestos
Engineers who faced asbestos exposure during their work and subsequently developed asbestos-related diseases have legal avenues to seek compensation. Many opt for legal action to secure compensation that can cover medical expenses and lost wages. Mesothelioma compensation can provide essential financial support to affected engineers.