Asbestos Exposure of Metal Workers

In the metal industry, workers face daily challenges that go beyond the visible dangers of their trade. Working with specialized equipment to manipulate metal, they often operate in environments characterized by high temperatures and limited ventilation. This setting not only makes their job physically demanding but also exposes them to less obvious hazards, such as asbestos.

Asbestos: A Silent Threat in the Metal Industry

Asbestos, a substance once widely used for its heat-resistant properties, poses a significant risk in metalworking. When metalworkers handle products or use machinery containing asbestos, they inadvertently release and inhale tiny asbestos fibers. This risk is particularly acute when cutting or molding asbestos-containing materials.

Historical Use and Recognition of Risks

Historically, asbestos was a staple in many industrial settings, valued for its protective qualities against heat and fire. Up until the 1980s, many metalworking environments, including factories and workshops, incorporated asbestos in their construction materials and safety equipment. Only later did studies reveal the grave health risks posed by asbestos, establishing a strong link between asbestos exposure and diseases like mesothelioma and lung cancer.

The Dangers of Asbestos in Older Facilities

Many older facilities in the metal industry still contain asbestos, especially in insulation materials. While there is no complete ban on asbestos in the United States, its presence in aging buildings and imported products continues to be a concern. Therefore, metalworkers in older establishments may still face asbestos exposure risks.

Professions at Higher Risk

Specific roles within the metal industry carry a higher risk of asbestos exposure. These include:

• Metal Lathers: Molding and shaping metal can release asbestos fibers, particularly if the equipment or materials contain asbestos.
• Machinists: The heat-intensive processes of molding, cutting, and shaping metal can disturb asbestos in equipment and materials.
• Welders: The use of tools and machinery that generate high heat, including welding rods containing asbestos, poses a significant risk.

Other professions in the metal industry also at risk include boilermakers, blacksmiths, insulators, ironworkers, metal machine workers, pipefitters, sheet metal workers, shipyard workers, smelters, and solderers.

Companies Known for Asbestos Use

Various companies and organizations in the metal industry have historically used asbestos in their machinery, safety gear, and building materials. Some of these include Alcoa Corporation, Babcock & Wilcox, R. Grace & Company, Johns-Manville, and many others. However, this is not an exhaustive list, and the risk of asbestos exposure is not limited to workers in large or well-known companies.

The Ongoing Challenge

Despite increasing awareness, the legacy of asbestos use in the metal industry continues to affect workers, with many facing serious health risks. According to the U.S Bureau of Labor Statistics, there were over 120 thousand sheet metal workers in 2022. Understanding and recognizing the dangers of asbestos exposure is crucial for current and former metalworkers to safeguard their health.