Occupational Exposure Index

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

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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.

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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	Profile
Insulation Workers	46.0x mortality	Direct insulation handling	View Profile|-	Asbestos Miners	25-40x mortality	Raw asbestos extraction	View Profile|-	Boilermakers	8-12x mortality	Boiler insulation, gaskets	View Profile|-	Laggers	10-15x mortality	Pipe and vessel insulation	View Profile|} Very High Risk Occupations Significant documented exposure with strong litigation history and established compensation pathways. Occupation Primary Exposure Source Profile Plumbers and Pipefitters Pipe insulation, gaskets, joint compound View Profile|- Marine Engineering Workers Ship engine rooms, vessel construction View Profile|- Chemical Plant Workers Process insulation, heat exchangers View Profile|- Power Plant Workers Turbine insulation, boiler systems View Profile|- Shipyard Workers Ship construction and repair View Shipyard Database Navy Veterans Vessel service, shipyard duty View Veterans Guide Steamfitters Steam pipe insulation systems View Profile|- HVAC Technicians Duct insulation, equipment repair View Profile|} High Risk Occupations Well-documented exposure patterns with successful litigation history across multiple jurisdictions. Occupation Primary Exposure Source Profile Steel Mill Workers Furnace insulation, ladles, heat shields View Profile|- Oil Refinery Workers Process equipment insulation View Profile|- Carpenters Cutting, sanding asbestos materials View Profile|- Roofers Asbestos shingles, felt, coatings View Profile|- Demolition Workers Building teardown, renovation View Profile|- Electricians Wire insulation, electrical panels View Profile|- Millwrights Industrial equipment installation View Profile|- Sheet Metal Workers Ductwork, insulation contact View Profile|- Welders Heat protection, welding blankets View Profile|- Machinists Brake linings, gasket cutting View Profile|} Moderate-High Risk Occupations Documented exposure with varying intensity depending on specific work conditions and era. Occupation Primary Exposure Source Profile Construction Workers (General) Multiple building materials View Profile|- Automotive Mechanics Brakes, clutches, gaskets View Profile|- Railroad Workers Locomotive insulation, brake shoes View Profile|- Firefighters Building fires, collapse debris View Profile|- Plasterers Joint compound, texturing View Profile|- Drywall Installers Joint compound, sanding View Profile|- Painters Surface preparation, textured coatings View Profile|- Tile Setters Adhesives, backing materials View Profile|- Laborers General construction support View Profile|} Industry-Specific Categories Manufacturing and Industrial Factory Workers* Foundry Workers* Glass Manufacturing* Paper Mill Workers* Textile Mill Workers* Rubber Manufacturing Utilities and Infrastructure Utility Workers* Telephone Company Workers* Water Treatment Workers Transportation Longshoremen* Merchant Marines* Aircraft Mechanics* Bus Mechanics Building Trades Bricklayers* Cement Masons* Ironworkers* Glaziers 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. Related Resources Shipyard Exposure Index — Facility-specific shipyard documentation Veterans Benefits — Military service exposure compensation Evidence Preservation — Documenting your work history Choosing a Mesothelioma Attorney — Legal representation guidance