Legacy Knowledge Center · Exposure Pathway

Occupational Asbestos Exposure

Could my work have exposed me to asbestos?

Exposure arising from work tasks or nearby disturbance of asbestos-containing materials.

Evidence status: Well Supported

A lead is not proof. A listed occupation, industry, product, company or work setting does not establish that asbestos exposure occurred in any individual case. The purpose of these relationships is to identify areas that may deserve careful historical investigation.

Common scenarios

Installationrepairmaintenancedemolitionbystander work

Related occupations

Pipefittersboilermakerselectriciansinsulatorsmechanics

Related industries

Constructionpowershipbuildingrefineriesmanufacturing

Related products

Insulationgasketspackingjoint compoundfireproofing

Related facilities

Industrial facilitiescommercial buildingsships

Memory prompts

What did you do each day? Who worked nearby? Were there shutdowns?

Evidence sources to look for

Employment recordsunion recordsfacility recordswitnesses

Related Legacy knowledge

Occupation

Pipefitter

Installs, maintains, and repairs piping systems.

Occupation

Boilermaker

Builds, repairs, and maintains boilers and pressure vessels.

Occupation

Electrician

Installs and maintains electrical systems in buildings and industrial facilities.

Industry

Power Generation

Electric generating facilities historically used heat-resistant insulation and sealing materials.

Industry

Shipbuilding and Ship Repair

Ship construction and overhaul historically involved extensive thermal insulation and machinery maintenance.

Product / Material

Pipe Insulation

Insulation historically placed around steam and process piping.

Exposure Pathway

Household (Take-Home) Exposure

Exposure to fibers carried home from work on clothing, shoes, tools, or vehicles.

Sources and source transparency

Asbestos and Health: Frequently Asked Questions — Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry
Protect Your Family from Exposures to Asbestos — U.S. Environmental Protection Agency

Humpleby & Strauss separates documented facts, reported history, possible relationships and matters that still require investigation. General information cannot determine exposure, causation, liability or legal eligibility in an individual matter.