Iron Workers
Picture the men (and women) who've built towering skyscrapers, tall bridges, and large ships, and you've probably pictured an iron worker. Throughout the decades of the 20th century, brave iron workers have assumed tasks that many others wouldn't dare to do. They've hung hundreds of feet above hard pavement or churning water to complete their duties or worked long hours at the nation's shipyards welding frames for battle ships and submarines. Their work is exhausting yet many find it exhilarating and exciting.
Iron Workers and Asbestos
Because asbestos was long used in the construction industry, iron workers were often confronted with the dangerous mineral in many forms and in many places. Direct exposure, however, probably occurred during the handling of iron beams that were sprayed with asbestos-containing material - a common practice in days gone by. The beams were sprayed in order to make them heat and fire resistant, thus making it difficult for them to burn in a fire. These beams were often damaged or otherwise manipulated during installation or repair, and asbestos fibers were released into the air and inhaled by nearby workers.
Iron workers may have also come in contact with other insulating materials while on the job. Prior to the 1970s, most insulation contained asbestos. Furthermore, iron workers often toiled within close proximity of other workers who used asbestos-containing products. In this way, they may have suffered a sort of "secondary" exposure.
Iron workers were also ever present in the nation's shipyards, especially just before, during, and after World War II. As the country stepped up its war effort, more and more ships were built and myriad iron workers were hired to keep up with the demand. Many iron workers were exposed to dangerous asbestos during this time period and were diagnosed with asbestos diseases decades later. The 1980s and 1990s saw a sharp rise in mesothelioma among iron workers as the disease often lays dormant for 40 to 50 years.
During the height of skyscraper and ship building, the dangers of asbestos were known by some but the information was not shared with the nation's iron workers and many other laborers who worked with the toxic mineral. Because of that, most iron workers worked without protective gear, making asbestos inhalation a common occurrence. Today, iron workers who are employed to make repairs on old ships, bridges, or large commercial buildings should be especially aware of the potential presence of asbestos and always wear a mask or respirator.
