What is Asbestos?
Asbestos is a set of naturally occurring silicate minerals which were widely used for commercial purposes for their desirable physical properties. Asbestos contains thin fibrous crystals that, when combined with cement or other construction products, act as flame retardant materials to offer protection in construction projects.
Although the minerals offered contractors and construction companies numerous advantages, scientific research has revealed that long term exposure and inhalation of asbestos can lead to the formation of deadly diseases such as mesothelioma or similar medical ailments. When asbestos particles are inhaled, the filaments stick to the mucus track of the abdomen and lungs. Over time this process manipulates the cell linings of the organs and precipitates cancerous diseases. As a result of their inherently dangerous characteristics asbestos has been stringently regulated for use in construction or commercial projects. If you need legal advice and assistance, contact asbestos lawyers.
Asbestos Jobs
An asbestos job refers to any occupation that places an individual in contact with asbestos. During the Industrial Revolution and for the majority of the 20th century, many construction jobs were intertwined with asbestos-related occupations. Since research has proven the deadly nature of the minerals, asbestos jobs in modern times typically refer to the removal or the observation of asbestos.
Asbestos was a popular construction material up until the early 1980s. The minerals were produced and manufactured for building supply and construction companies. In addition, asbestos jobs also were found in the military, particularly the merchant marine branch. Since this time, due to research and the increased number of mesothelioma cases, asbestos jobs have waned in regards to the manufacturing and production side. In contrast, asbestos removal and abatement jobs have experienced a surge in popularity.
Asbestos abatement or removal jobs refer to the process required to strip a structure of asbestos. When a building is about to undertake a demolition or renovation, it must be surveyed for the presence of asbestos.
When left alone, asbestos-based materials pose no physical threat to human beings. However, when disturbed the particles go airborne offering a direct inhalation threat to those in close proximity. As a result, before a building can be demolished or renovated it must be stripped of all asbestos.
The most popular types of asbestos jobs are asbestos abatement contractors. These individuals must be licensed by the particular state in which they reside to ensure the delivery of a sound and effective removal process. Asbestos abatement contractors physically remove asbestos materials from a building before it is renovated or demolished. An asbestos abatement contractor is a fairly dangerous job, for the toxic materials are constantly disturbed when removed. That being said, all asbestos abatement contractors follow specific protocol which requires these individuals to incorporate sound methods and proper attire.
Other popular forms of asbestos jobs are found on the legal side of asbestos removal or asbestos contact. Asbestos attorneys deal with compensatory lawsuits for those individuals who have developed mesothelioma or similar medical conditions through constant exposure to asbestos-related materials. An asbestos attorney is well-versed in the various state laws which regulate asbestos use.
