Asbestos Abatement
Asbestos Abatement is the process of safely managing asbestos within a building or area, and is typically taken up by specially trained professionals known as asbestos abatement workers. These workers are exposed to asbestos and its associated occupational health and safety risks when tracing, testing, and removing materials that contain asbestos from buildings and other areas. Generally, asbestos abatement workers are exposed to asbestos and its associated respiratory health risks during the spraying, wetting, encapsulation, and physical removal processes.
The type and extent of asbestos exposure largely depends on the method used for abatement. For example, workers who rely on wetting or hand tools to filter out material are likely to be exposed to asbestos fibers, whereas those who use heavy-duty tools like vacuums and scrubbers may only be exposed to low levels of asbestos dust particles. Similarly, the amount of exposure increases as workers come into contact with larger and more deeply embedded material.
Safety measures are paramount when it comes to asbestos abatement, and workers must adhere to these regulations in order to avoid the health risks associated with asbestos. This includes wearing protective clothing, respiratory equipment, and other necessary safety tools while working. Furthermore, workers are required to dispose of all asbestos-containing material in accordance with applicable regulations in order to minimize the environmental health hazards of asbestos exposure.
In recent years, asbestos abatement has become a more regulated industry due to increased safety standards, the health risks posed by asbestos, and the increased prevalence of litigation against companies that do not properly protect their workers. As such, many countries now require all asbestos abatement workers to hold asbestos abatement certification and proper licensing, making the industry safer.
Types of Asbestos Used in the Industry
The asbestos abatement industry, while focused on the removal and management of asbestos, often encountered and dealt with various types of asbestos fibers during remediation projects. The three most commonly encountered types of asbestos in this industry were:
Chrysotile (White Asbestos): Chrysotile was the most prevalent type of asbestos found in buildings and industrial settings. Its flexibility and widespread use in products such as insulation, roofing materials, and cement made it a frequent target for abatement efforts. Chrysotile’s fine, curly fibers were often woven into materials, making it challenging to remove without proper containment and safety measures.
Amosite (Brown Asbestos): Amosite was commonly found in thermal insulation and fireproofing materials due to its excellent heat resistance and strength. Its straight, needle-like fibers posed a significant inhalation hazard during abatement activities, requiring specialized techniques and equipment to safely manage its removal. Amosite was often encountered in pipe insulation, ceiling tiles, and other high-temperature applications.
Crocidolite (Blue Asbestos): Crocidolite, known for its striking blue color, was the most hazardous type of asbestos due to its thin, brittle fibers that were easily inhaled. It was primarily used in applications requiring chemical resistance, such as in acid storage tanks, cement pipes, and spray-on coatings. Crocidolite was less commonly used than chrysotile and amosite but was still encountered during abatement projects, particularly in older industrial facilities and certain water systems. Its extreme health risks made its removal a priority in abatement operations, requiring meticulous safety protocols to prevent fiber release.
These types of asbestos were widely used in construction and industrial products, making them the primary focus of abatement efforts. The abatement industry developed stringent protocols to safely handle and remove these hazardous materials, ensuring the protection of workers and the surrounding environment.
Learn more about the six minerals that we call asbestos.
Common Types of Asbestos Products in the Industry
The asbestos abatement industry often dealt with a wide range of asbestos-containing products that were commonly used in construction, manufacturing, and industrial applications. These products required careful handling and removal due to the health risks associated with asbestos exposure. Common types of asbestos products encountered in the asbestos abatement industry include:
Asbestos Insulation: Asbestos insulation was extensively used in the past for its excellent thermal resistance and fireproofing properties. It was commonly applied to pipes and boilers, where asbestos-containing pipe lagging and boiler insulation helped prevent heat loss and protect against fire hazards in industrial, commercial, and residential settings. Additionally, asbestos was used in HVAC systems to insulate ducts and other components, improving energy efficiency and fire safety. Another widespread use was in sprayed-on insulation, where asbestos was applied to ceilings, walls, and structural beams for fireproofing and soundproofing purposes.
Asbestos Cement Products: Asbestos cement products were widely used in construction due to their durability, low cost, and resistance to fire and corrosion. Corrugated asbestos-cement sheets were a common choice for roofing in industrial, agricultural, and residential buildings, offering longevity and weather resistance. Asbestos-cement pipes were frequently utilized in water supply, drainage, and gas mains because of their high-pressure tolerance and resistance to corrosion. Additionally, asbestos-cement boards were used for interior and exterior walls, ceilings, and partitions, providing a sturdy and fire-resistant building material.
Asbestos Floor Tiles: Asbestos floor tiles were a popular choice in residential, commercial, and industrial buildings due to their strength, durability, and fireproofing properties. Vinyl-asbestos tiles (VAT) were made by combining asbestos fibers with vinyl, resulting in a tough and heat-resistant flooring material. These tiles were commonly found in schools, hospitals, offices, and homes, often installed with asbestos-containing adhesives or mastics. The material’s resilience and ease of maintenance made it a widespread flooring option for high-traffic areas.
Asbestos Gaskets and Seals: Asbestos gaskets and seals were widely used in industrial machinery and equipment, providing heat resistance and durability under high-pressure conditions. These gaskets were essential components in engines, boilers, and pumps, creating airtight seals that could withstand extreme temperatures and pressures. In the chemical and oil industries, asbestos seals were used in pipelines and storage tanks to resist chemical corrosion and maintain secure connections, making them a crucial element in industrial safety and efficiency.
Asbestos Textiles: Asbestos textiles were manufactured for use in high-temperature and fireproofing applications. Fireproof blankets, commonly found in industrial settings such as welding shops, were designed to protect workers and equipment from sparks and flames. Protective gear, including asbestos gloves, aprons, and suits, was used by workers in foundries, firefighting, and shipbuilding to shield against extreme heat and fire. Beyond protective clothing, asbestos textiles were also used in conveyor belts, ropes, and insulation wraps for machinery, offering durability and heat resistance in demanding environments.
Companies That Manufactured Asbestos Products
Several companies were prominent manufacturers of asbestos-containing products, many of which are now subject to abatement efforts. These include:
Johns-Manville Corporation: A leading producer of asbestos insulation, cement products, and textiles.
Raybestos-Manhattan, Inc.: Known for manufacturing asbestos brake linings, gaskets, and other industrial products.
Keasbey & Mattison Co.: Produced asbestos insulation, cement products, and other construction materials.
Turner & Newall, Ltd.: A major manufacturer of asbestos cement products and insulation materials.
Philip Carey Manufacturing Co.: Specialized in asbestos insulation and cement products for industrial and construction use.
The asbestos abatement industry plays a critical role in safely removing and managing these hazardous materials, ensuring compliance with modern safety standards and protecting public health.
Asbestos abatement workers performed a number of tasks that could expose them to asbestos. Some commonly-performed tasks include:
Asbestos Removal: This is the primary task in the asbestos abatement industry. Workers are directly involved in the removal of asbestos-containing materials from buildings and structures, which can release asbestos fibers into the air.
Building and Structure Inspections: Before abatement can occur, workers must inspect buildings and structures for the presence of asbestos. This can involve taking samples of suspected asbestos-containing materials, which can disturb the material and release fibers.
Demolition Work: If asbestos-containing materials are not properly removed before demolition, workers can be exposed to asbestos during the demolition process.
Repair and Maintenance: Workers repairing or maintaining asbestos-containing materials can disturb the material and release asbestos fibers.
Waste Handling: Workers involved in the disposal of asbestos waste can be exposed to asbestos fibers if the waste is not properly contained.
Cleanup Activities: After asbestos removal, workers must clean up the work area, which can involve sweeping and vacuuming up asbestos dust and debris.
Protective Equipment Decontamination: Workers must decontaminate their protective clothing and equipment after asbestos work, which can release trapped asbestos fibers.
Air Monitoring: Workers involved in air monitoring for asbestos can be exposed to asbestos fibers in the air.
Asbestos Abatement Workers are at Risk of Developing Asbestos-Related Diseases
Asbestos abatement workers operate in environments where the risk of asbestos exposure is significant, a legacy from a time when asbestos was a common material used in construction and insulation. Although the material’s fire-resistant and insulating properties once made it indispensable, we now understand the severe health risks it poses to those who remove, handle, and dispose of these asbestos-containing materials.
As awareness of these hazards has grown, so has the understanding of the specific occupational diseases linked to asbestos. Asbestos exposure has been medically proven to cause the following cancers and respiratory diseases:
Mesothelioma – Asbestos abatement workers, often working in confined spaces with poor ventilation, were frequently exposed to asbestos-containing materials. This rare and aggressive cancer is almost exclusively linked to such asbestos exposure.
Lung Cancer – Asbestos used in building insulation and fireproofing could become airborne during abatement activities, which workers could then inhale. The asbestos industry’s early knowledge of the risk, yet failure to protect workers, significantly increased the incidence of lung cancer in this occupation.
Throat Cancer – Asbestos abatement workers were exposed to asbestos fibers that could be ingested or inhaled, leading to laryngeal and pharyngeal cancers. This risk was heightened by the lack of proper respiratory protective equipment in many industrial settings.
Stomach Cancer – The ingestion of asbestos fibers, which could occur when abatement workers ate in contaminated areas or failed to properly decontaminate before meals, has been linked to an increased risk of stomach cancer.
Colon Cancer – Also referred to as colorectal cancer, this type of cancer can be caused by the ingestion of asbestos fibers. Asbestos abatement workers could have been exposed to these fibers during the removal or handling of asbestos-containing materials.
Asbestosis – This breathing disease, characterized by fibrous scarring of the lungs, is caused by the inhalation of asbestos fibers. Abatement workers who handled asbestos without adequate protection are at a particularly high risk for developing asbestosis.
Asbestos abatement workers who worked in an occupation that exposed them to asbestos and developed one of the above diseases may be eligible for compensation.
Asbestos Exposure in the Asbestos Abatement Industry
The asbestos abatement industry is dedicated to the safe removal, containment, and disposal of asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) from buildings, industrial sites, and other structures. Ironically, while the goal of this industry is to mitigate asbestos hazards, workers in this field face significant risks of exposure due to the nature of their tasks. These tasks often involve disturbing asbestos materials, which can release hazardous fibers into the air.
Key tasks that exposed asbestos abatement workers to asbestos included:
Inspection and Assessment of Asbestos Materials: Workers conducted surveys and inspections to identify asbestos-containing materials in buildings and facilities. This often required close contact with deteriorating or damaged ACMs, increasing the risk of fiber release.
Preparation of Containment Areas: Before removal, workers set up containment zones using plastic sheeting, negative air pressure systems, and decontamination units to prevent asbestos fibers from spreading. This preparation often involved handling asbestos-contaminated surfaces.
Removal of Asbestos-Containing Materials: The core task of abatement workers involved removing asbestos insulation, tiles, roofing, pipe lagging, and other ACMs. Cutting, scraping, or breaking these materials released asbestos fibers into the air, posing a direct inhalation risk.
Encapsulation and Enclosure: In some cases, workers applied sealants or built barriers to encapsulate or enclose asbestos materials rather than removing them. These tasks required handling ACMs and could disturb fibers if not performed carefully.
Demolition of Asbestos-Containing Structures: During demolition, workers dismantled walls, ceilings, and other structures containing asbestos. This process often generated significant amounts of asbestos dust, even with proper precautions.
Cleaning and Decontamination: After removal, workers vacuumed and wiped down surfaces using specialized equipment to eliminate residual asbestos fibers. Improper handling of contaminated tools or materials during this process could lead to exposure.
Transport and Disposal of Asbestos Waste: Workers packaged asbestos waste in sealed, labeled containers for transport to approved disposal sites. Handling these materials, especially if packaging was damaged, posed a risk of exposure.
Despite strict safety protocols, the risk of take-home exposure to family members of asbestos abatement workers remains a concern. Asbestos fibers can cling to workers’ clothing, shoes, and equipment, potentially contaminating vehicles and homes. Family members may be exposed when handling or laundering contaminated clothing or through contact with other items brought home from the worksite. This secondary exposure has been linked to serious health conditions, including mesothelioma and other asbestos-related diseases. To mitigate this risk, abatement workers are required to follow strict decontamination procedures, including changing clothes, showering, and properly storing work gear before leaving the job site.
Our Law Office Assists Asbestos Abatement Workers Who Develop Asbestos-Related Diseases
Workers who develop an asbestos-related disease are often eligible for compensation. Our office can help your family recover compensation in several ways:
Asbestos Trust Claims: Asbestos abatement workers who have developed an asbestos-related disease may be eligible to file a claim with one of the approximately 50 active asbestos trusts. These trusts have been established by companies that manufactured, sold, or used asbestos products and are now responsible for settling claims on behalf of affected individuals without the need to file a lawsuit.
Asbestos Lawsuits: Companies that produced, sold, or used asbestos-containing products can often be held liable in court. Asbestos abatement workers who were exposed to asbestos without adequate protection or warning about its health risks may be able to file a lawsuit against these companies. The compensation from these lawsuits can help cover medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages related to the asbestos-related disease.
Asbestos Disability Claims: Asbestos abatement workers who have developed an asbestos-related disease and meet certain conditions may be eligible to file a disability claim with the Social Security Administration. Military veterans who were exposed to asbestos during their service may also be eligible to file a disability claim with the Veterans Administration. These claims can provide financial assistance to individuals who are unable to work due to their illness.
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