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Occupational Exposure Index

From WikiMesothelioma — Mesothelioma Knowledge Base
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Occupational Exposure Index

Complete database of occupations with documented asbestos exposure risk, compensation eligibility, and case-building resources.

This index covers more than 300 occupations with verified asbestos exposure histories. Workers in these occupations—or their surviving family members—may be eligible for compensation through asbestos trust funds, lawsuits, and veterans benefits.

Total documented occupations: 300+ Extreme risk occupations: 15+ Average latency period: 20-50 years

How to Use This Index

  1. Find your occupation in the categories below
  2. Click through to the detailed occupation profile
  3. Document your exposure using the guidance provided
  4. Understand your legal options for compensation recovery

Even occupations listed as "moderate risk" have produced successful claims worth hundreds of thousands of dollars when exposure is properly documented.

Extreme Risk Occupations

Workers in these occupations faced the highest asbestos exposure levels and have the strongest statistical association with mesothelioma.

Occupation PMR/SMR Primary Exposure Source
Insulation Workers 46.0x mortality Direct insulation handling
Asbestos Miners 25-40x mortality Raw asbestos extraction
Boilermakers 8-12x mortality Boiler insulation, gaskets
Laggers 10-15x mortality Pipe and vessel insulation

Very High Risk Occupations

Significant documented exposure with strong litigation history and established compensation pathways.

Occupation Primary Exposure Source
Plumbers and Pipefitters Pipe insulation, gaskets, joint compound
Marine Engineering Workers Ship engine rooms, vessel construction
Chemical Plant Workers Process insulation, heat exchangers
Power Plant Workers Turbine insulation, boiler systems
Shipyard Workers Ship construction and repair
Navy Veterans Vessel service, shipyard duty
Steamfitters Steam pipe insulation systems
HVAC Technicians Duct insulation, equipment repair

High Risk Occupations

Well-documented exposure patterns with successful litigation history across multiple jurisdictions.

Occupation Primary Exposure Source
Steel Mill Workers Furnace insulation, ladles, heat shields
Oil Refinery Workers Process equipment insulation
Carpenters Cutting, sanding asbestos materials
Roofers Asbestos shingles, felt, coatings
Demolition Workers Building teardown, renovation
Electricians Wire insulation, electrical panels
Millwrights Industrial equipment installation
Sheet Metal Workers Ductwork, insulation contact
Welders Heat protection, welding blankets
Machinists Brake linings, gasket cutting

Moderate-High Risk Occupations

Documented exposure with varying intensity depending on specific work conditions and era.

Occupation Primary Exposure Source
Construction Workers (General) Multiple building materials
Automotive Mechanics Brakes, clutches, gaskets
Railroad Workers Locomotive insulation, brake shoes
Firefighters Building fires, collapse debris
Plasterers Joint compound, texturing
Drywall Installers Joint compound, sanding
Painters Surface preparation, textured coatings
Tile Setters Adhesives, backing materials
Laborers General construction support

Industry-Specific Categories

Manufacturing and Industrial

Utilities and Infrastructure

Transportation

Building Trades

Secondary Exposure

Family members of workers in high-risk occupations also face mesothelioma risk from take-home asbestos fibers on clothing and equipment.

→ View Secondary Exposure Guide

Complete Alphabetical List

→ Complete Alphabetical Occupations List Full listing of all 300+ documented occupations with exposure verification.

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