Many jobs still involve working with asbestos. Job site exposure to asbestos has been reduced significantly because EPA, OSHA and other regulatory agencies set strict requirements for work practices that affect the environment or employees.
Workers commonly exposed to asbestos in decades past have a higher risk of developing an asbestos-related disease than workers entering the same industries today.
Two other high-risk areas are the construction industry and the automotive industry, particularly working with brake linings. Both industries use asbestos extensively.
Asbestos Exposure from Other Sources
The most common non-employee exposure to asbestos is to family members who worked with asbestos, especially prior to current safety regulations. Another very common exposure site is the community. Fibers escaped asbestos mines and manufacturing plants sites rained out over communities, exposing everyone living nearby.
Common community exposure sites include buildings constructed during the late 1800s and early 1900s, such as government buildings, office buildings, older homes, schools and hospitals.
The risk of non-industrial asbestos exposure is highest for people who renovate buildings. Exposure to deteriorating walls, flooring, countertops, ceiling tiles, insulation, etc. can, be deadly. Experts recommend sealing these areas to prevent fibers from becoming airborne until you can hire a professional to make the repairs.
The experienced asbestos lawyers of Brown | Kiely, LLP, invite you to please contact them for more information about asbestos exposure liability in Baltimore, Maryland and Washington, D.C.
