5 Occupations Most Affected by Mesothelioma

Here are five occupations largely affected by mesothelioma--a disease that develops 20 to 40 years after exposure to a toxic substance known as asbestos.

Mesothelioma is a disease that develops 20 to 40 years after exposure to a toxic substance known as asbestos. This mineral was a readily available material and used by many companies up until the 1980s.

However, many industries continued using this substance for much of the 20th century despite knowledge of the dangers it posed to their employees. Unfortunately, most workers were unaware of the effects asbestos exposure would have on their bodies decades later.

Today, despite regulations, commercial use of asbestos is not banned in the United States. Additionally, there are many instances of legacy asbestos, where workers today interact with buildings and other structures that were built with untenable asbestos.

Here are five occupations largely affected by mesothelioma.

Workers interacted with asbestos on a daily basis as it was used for insulation, specifically for railroad equipment and locomotive parts. Boilers, engines, pipes and electrical panels were covered with this toxic substance. This use left repairmen, train operators, conductors or yardmasters in danger of inhaling asbestos fibers for prolonged periods of time.

After the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) limited the use of asbestos-made products, some railroad companies continued to use asbestos and hid the dangers from their employees. Many companies have filed for bankruptcy and had to establish trust funds to pay for their negligence. Workers diagnosed with mesothelioma today can file a mesothelioma claim and receive compensation from a variety of asbestos trust funds.

2. ShipbuildersLarge commercial and naval vessels were built with asbestos because of its fire-retardant and insulating properties. The United States Navy, specifically, used this substance to build many of their ships until the latter half of the 20th century. Asbestos was mostly used to increase durability in materials like gaskets, insulation and some filters. Shipbuilders also used asbestos to insulate the pipes in these vessels. Boats built for recreational use also may have included this toxic substance. Asbestos was used in electrical wire insulation, caulking and sealants. Shipbuilders were at risk for inhaling these fibers when the substance loosened, or broke apart, and became airborne.

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5 Occupations Most Affected by Mesothelioma - Occupational Health and Safety