Which jobs carry the greatest danger from asbestos? This guide explores the occupations with the highest risk of occupational asbestos exposure. From construction sites to shipyards and power plants, thousands of workers remain vulnerable to the toxic effects of asbestos exposure—often without even knowing it.
We’ll uncover how occupational asbestos exposure occurs, which industries face the most risk, and what can be done to protect workers from this ongoing threat.
Why Certain Jobs Face Higher Asbestos Risk
Occupational asbestos exposure is most common in jobs that involve working around older buildings, machinery, or vehicles that still contain asbestos products. Many of these environments also require disturbing asbestos-containing materials—activities like cutting, drilling, or sanding—which can release asbestos fibers into the air.
Without adequate protective equipment or proper occupational safety standards, workers exposed to asbestos are more likely to inhale or ingest these fibers, leading to long-term health hazards such as lung cancer, asbestosis, and other asbestos-related diseases.
1. Construction and Renovation Workers
Why This Job Is High-Risk
The construction industry continues to face high levels of workplace asbestos exposure, especially during demolition or remodeling of older structures. Prior to strict regulations, asbestos was commonly used in building materials due to its fire resistance and durability.
Today, many construction workers still encounter asbestos-containing materials like insulation, cement sheeting, and roofing during upgrades or tear-downs. Disturbing these materials without protective equipment allows airborne asbestos dust to spread quickly.
Common Exposure Sources
• Asbestos insulation in attics, pipes, and HVAC systems
• Cement boards, siding, and roofing tiles
• Floor adhesives and vinyl tiles
• Wallboard joint compounds
• Textured ceiling finishes
Who’s at Risk
• General contractors and laborers
• Electricians and plumbers
• Roofers and drywall installers
• HVAC technicians and renovators
• Demolition crews
2. Shipyard Workers and Naval Personnel
Why This Job Is High-Risk
Shipyard workers and Navy crew members experienced some of the highest levels of occupational exposure to asbestos, particularly before the 1980s. Asbestos insulation was widely used in shipbuilding to control heat and prevent fires.
Repairs, retrofitting, or dismantling old ships disturbs these asbestos-containing products, creating toxic dust clouds. In confined ship compartments, exposure to asbestos increases dramatically. Many asbestos-exposed workers developed asbestos-related diseases decades later.
Common Exposure Sources
• Pipe insulation and boiler linings
• Gaskets, valves, and pump covers
• Wall panels and fireproofing materials
• Engine room components and cabling
Who’s at Risk
• Pipefitters and welders
• Marine electricians
• Insulators and boiler workers
• Mechanics and Navy ship crew
3. Firefighters and First Responders
Why This Job Is High-Risk
Firefighters face invisible dangers every time they respond to emergencies in older buildings. When asbestos-containing materials like insulation, ceiling tiles, or flooring are damaged during a fire or collapse, asbestos fibers are released.
Inhaling asbestos dust during emergency response—often without knowing if asbestos is present—puts firefighters at significant risk. Additionally, contaminated gear can carry asbestos fibers back to fire stations or homes, continuing the risk factors long after a fire is extinguished.
Common Exposure Sources
• Burned insulation or roofing
• Damaged ceiling tiles and drywall
• Soot and dust in debris piles
• Contaminated clothing and equipment
Who’s at Risk
• Firefighters
• EMTs and medics
• Search and rescue personnel
• Cleanup crews and hazardous material teams
4. Power Plant and Industrial Workers
Why This Job Is High-Risk
Power plant workers often experience chronic occupational exposure to asbestos. Heat-generating machinery such as turbines, boilers, and pipes was insulated with asbestos materials for decades.
When servicing or replacing parts in older facilities, workers may disturb degraded asbestos insulation, releasing dangerous asbestos fibers into the workspace. Without proper occupational safety and health controls, exposure levels can exceed safe limits.
Common Exposure Sources
• Pipe wraps, turbine insulation
• Electrical panels and junction boxes
• Boiler linings and seals
• Asbestos gaskets and fireproofing materials
Who’s at Risk
• Mechanical and electrical engineers
• Maintenance crews
• Operators and supervisors
• Industrial electricians and insulators
5. Automotive Mechanics
Why This Job Is High-Risk
Older vehicles—and even some imported ones—may still contain asbestos products in heat-sensitive components like brake pads and clutches. When mechanics grind, sand, or blow out brake systems, asbestos dust can become airborne.
Occupational asbestos exposure in auto shops is often underestimated, but repeated exposure in enclosed garages puts mechanics at high risk for lung disease and other asbestos-related illnesses.
Common Exposure Sources
• Brake pads, shoes, and linings
• Clutch facings and gaskets
• Heat shields and mufflers
• Exhaust system parts
Who’s at Risk
• Auto technicians
• Transmission and brake specialists
• Classic car restorers
• Tire and alignment mechanics
6. Railroad Workers
Why This Job Is High-Risk
Asbestos was used extensively in the railroad industry to protect components from heat and friction. Locomotives and passenger cars often included asbestos insulation in engines, brakes, and interior panels.
Trackside maintenance workers and repair crews are particularly vulnerable. Handling or replacing asbestos components without protective gear leads to direct exposure to asbestos fibers.
Common Exposure Sources
• Steam engines and locomotive insulation
• Brake shoes and linings
• Floor and wall panels
• Gaskets and boiler equipment
Who’s at Risk
• Railroad engineers and conductors
• Brake system repair staff
• Depot maintenance teams
• Trackside mechanics
7. Miners (Asbestos, Talc, Vermiculite)
Why This Job Is High-Risk
Asbestos miners historically faced extreme levels of occupational asbestos exposure, but even those in talc or vermiculite mines were at risk. Some deposits are naturally contaminated with chrysotile asbestos—one of the most dangerous forms.
Drilling and crushing ore releases toxic substances like asbestos fibers, especially in poorly ventilated mines. Many miners developed asbestos-related diseases later in life due to years of occupational exposure to asbestos.
Common Exposure Sources
• Asbestos-laced talc or vermiculite
• Chrysotile asbestos ore
• Dust from drilling, crushing, and blasting
Who’s at Risk
• Asbestos workers and miners
• Equipment operators and transporters
• Underground drillers and loaders
Long-Term Health Risks of Asbestos Exposure
Even brief exposure to asbestos fibers can be hazardous. Workers exposed over months or years are especially vulnerable to developing asbestos-related diseases, including
• Malignant mesothelioma
• Lung cancer
• Asbestosis
• Other asbestos-related diseases such as pleural thickening or lung disease
The health risks extend beyond direct workers—family members of asbestos-exposed workers may also develop asbestos-related illnesses due to secondhand exposure from contaminated clothing.
Protecting Workers: Prevention and Safety
Preventing occupational asbestos exposure begins with proper occupational safety and health procedures. Employers must identify asbestos-containing products in older buildings or equipment and ensure workers use protective equipment when needed.
Key strategies to protect workers include
• Conducting air monitoring and risk assessments
• Using HEPA filters and ventilation systems
• Wearing certified respirators and disposable suits
• Providing asbestos safety training
• Following OSHA or local occupational safety regulations
Understanding how much asbestos may be present in a job site or building is crucial. The risk factors depend on material age, condition, and how much asbestos is disturbed.
Final Thoughts
Occupational asbestos exposure remains a serious issue in the U.S. and worldwide. Construction workers, shipyard workers, miners, and firefighters are just a few examples of those still at risk. Exposure to asbestos—even decades ago—can result in severe asbestos-related diseases today.
Whether you’re in the construction industry or a legacy manufacturing field, knowing the health hazards and taking steps to protect yourself is essential. Be aware of where asbestos-containing materials and asbestos insulation may be hiding, and always prioritize occupational health and safety.
Worried About Asbestos Exposure from Your Job?
Have you or a loved one been exposed to asbestos while working in a high-risk trade like construction, shipbuilding, firefighting, or industrial maintenance? If you’re now facing serious health risks such as lung cancer, asbestos-related diseases, or other long-term illnesses caused by occupational asbestos exposure, don’t wait to seek help.
Contact us today to learn how you can protect your rights, explore compensation options, and get the support you need. Whether you’re still on the job or already suffering the effects of workplace asbestos exposure, early action is critical to protecting your health and future.