In regards to dangerous levels of exposure to asbestos, construction workers are at the greatest risk. Over 1.3 million construction workers are exposed to asbestos on the job each year. The families of asbestos construction workers can also be at risk for the adverse health consequences associated with asbestos if the worker carries any fibers on his person. Because the risk of dangerous exposure is particularly high for asbestos construction workers, the government has created a body of regulations intended to protect asbestos construction workers from harmful health risks associated with the materials involved in asbestos construction.

Exposure to asbestos can occur when repairs, demolition, alteration or maintenance of a structure containing asbestos construction materials is performed. Houses that were built before the year 1980 are more likely to have dangerous materials in them.

Materials containing asbestos can be found in:

• Insulation
• Roofing
• Floors
• Vinyl Tiles
• Children’s Toys

Attempts to Regulate Asbestos Exposure
When asbestos construction work is done, there are a number of regulations that an employer must abide by to ensure that workers are not exposed to hazardous levels of asbestos. Most asbestos construction worksites must be monitored daily for levels of asbestos in the work environment.

Regulated areas are controlled zones that protect asbestos construction workers by mandating that all safety precautions are followed (i.e. the use of protective respiratory and clothing equipment). Employers must also provide decontamination areas for asbestos construction workers. In asbestos construction where an employee is exposed to greater amounts of asbestos, employers are required to provide routine medical examinations for workers.

Exposure can lead to Cancer
Asbestos is only harmful when its fibers become airborne and are inhaled or ingested. If an asbestos construction worker is exposed to more than 0.1 fibers per cubic centimeter during an eight hour day or 1 fiber per cubic centimeter in a thirty minute period, they run the risk of developing asbestosis, mesothelioma, or other related cancers. Asbestosis is non-cancerous, but it is a progressive disease where scar tissue builds up in the lungs which can lead to disability or death. Mesothelioma is a deadly cancer that affects the tissues surrounding internal organs, particularly the lungs and the organs of the abdominal cavity. Asbestos construction workers may develop these problems but not present any symptoms for up to forty years.

Exposure to asbestos can trigger some of the following symptoms:

• Shortness of breath
• Chest pain
• Chronic cough
• Nausea
• Weight loss
• Fluid build up (around affected areas of body)

As an asbestos construction worker it is important to be protected against the harmful effects of asbestos exposure. If regulations are not obeyed in an asbestos construction worksite, workers can be seriously injured as a result of their employer's negligence. If you have been injured as a result of asbestos construction work, you have the legal right to seek compensation for your injuries. To learn more about asbestos construction, please Contact an Asbestos Attorney familiar with mesothelioma injury and asbestos law.

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