The Dangers of Asbestos
For many electricians, the risk for electrocution is their primary concern while on the job, but there is something else they should be on the lookout for – asbestos. Many think that asbestos danger is a thing of the past but they’re wrong.
Although old wiring and breaker boxes are major sources of asbestos concern for electricians, there are other places electricians can be exposed to asbestos. Asbestos is still present in many modern power lines. Telephone repairmen face asbestos exposure risks because the material was utilized around wiring for insulation purposes and was a poor conductor of electricity.
Also, in a survey of materials sprayed on the ceilings of 127 buildings throughout the United States alone, asbestos was found in 50 percent of them. During renovation activities, the average asbestos fiber concentration in breathing zones exceeded acceptable exposure levels and electricians were among those studied in the survey.
Throughout much of the 20th century, electricians who worked in shipbuilding may have faced the most hazardous environments for asbestos exposure. At the time, the use of asbestos-containing insulation was mandatory for a variety of purposes. In addition to walls, pipes, boilers and engines being insulated with asbestos, wiring and electrical systems on board ships also contained asbestos to reduce the risk of fires.
Former electricians may still be at risk for developing mesothelioma cancer and other serious health conditions as a result of being exposed to asbestos. While there are no immediate side effects of asbestos exposure, health complications can arise up to 50 years later. Although it can take a long time to develop finding mesothelioma as soon as possible is very important because of the low survival rate for mesothelioma. In addition to mesothelioma, other illnesses that can be caused by asbestos exposure include asbestosis and lung cancer. Common symptoms for all three of these conditions include coughing, shortness of breath, or some impairment to lung function.
If you feel you may have been exposed to asbestos, annual health screenings should be conducted to check for an asbestos-related disease. If you have already been diagnosed, we offer a free informational packet to electricians looking to learn more about asbestos exposure and their financial assistance options for treatment.
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