Asbestos Exposure
Construction workers may be exposed to asbestos during demolition or remodeling of older buildings built before 1980. Most of these buildings contain asbestos insulation, or other asbestos containing products. Asbestos is well-recognized as a health hazard and is highly regulated.
What is the most common exposure to asbestos?
The air pathway (inhalation of contaminated air) is the most important route of exposure to asbestos and the route that most commonly leads to illness. Ingestion is a less common exposure pathway, but exposure can occur after swallowing of material cleared from the lungs.
Which activity has the biggest risk of asbestos exposure?
In most cases, asbestosis symptoms take 20 to 30 years to present from the time someone is initially exposed to asbestos. The latency period depends on the duration and intensity of exposure.
What is the typical period between exposure of asbestos and potential illness?
You can be at risk of asbestos exposure when microscopic asbestos fibers in products, automotive parts and building and industrial materials become airborne. The toxic mineral dust can remain in the air for hours, placing anyone nearby in danger of inhaling or ingesting it.