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What Occupations Have the Highest Risk of Mesothelioma Diagnosis?

August 2, 2025

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Mesothelioma is a rare, aggressive form of cancer linked almost exclusively to asbestos exposure. The disease takes decades to develop, so individuals may not experience symptoms until many years after being exposed. Certain professions show more instances of mesothelioma diagnoses due to higher exposure rates.

Why Are Certain Workers More Likely To Be Diagnosed With Mesothelioma?

Occupational exposure to asbestos is the leading cause of mesothelioma. Certain job sites and industries historically used asbestos-containing materials in construction, insulation, and manufacturing. Individuals who handled these materials or worked in areas where asbestos fibers were present had a much higher likelihood of inhaling or ingesting them. Once in the body, these fibers can lodge in the lungs or abdomen, gradually leading to cancer.

Many of those workers were unaware of the risks or lacked protective measures. Even after asbestos use declined, the lingering presence of the material in older buildings and equipment has continued to place workers at risk. Some job roles involved direct handling of asbestos, while others were exposed through environmental contamination in the workplace.

Which Occupations Are Linked To Higher Rates Of Mesothelioma?

These six occupations are linked to mesothelioma:

1. Construction workers face one high risk due to their frequent interaction with insulation, roofing shingles, floor tiles, and other building materials that once contained asbestos. Demolition, remodeling, and renovation tasks may disturb asbestos fibers, releasing them into the air.
2. Shipyard workers represent a significant portion of mesothelioma cases. Ships built throughout much of the 20th century heavily relied on asbestos for insulation, fireproofing, and mechanical components. Those who worked in boiler rooms, engine rooms, and around piping systems experienced frequent exposure.
3. Industrial workers, including those in power plants, refineries, and factories, frequently encountered asbestos through machinery, gaskets, valves, and insulation. Equipment maintenance, repair, and installation tasks commonly stirred up asbestos dust.
4. Military veterans, particularly those who served in the Navy, often worked in enclosed spaces filled with asbestos-containing materials. Naval ships were constructed with a high concentration of asbestos products.
5. Firefighters and first responders may also face exposure risks. Burning buildings and emergency response scenes may release asbestos fibers, especially in older structures. These workers may unknowingly inhale airborne fibers during rescue operations.
6. Auto mechanics working with brake pads, clutches, and gaskets have also been linked to mesothelioma cases. Many of these components historically included asbestos, especially before the 1990s. Repair work could release fibers into the air during cleaning or replacement.

Is Secondary Asbestos Exposure a Risk for Family Members?

Secondary or take-home exposure has been documented among families of workers exposed to asbestos. Workers who carried asbestos fibers home on their clothing, skin, or hair inadvertently exposed those in their household. Spouses and children who laundered contaminated work clothes or shared close contact were put at risk. This type of exposure, though indirect, can still lead to mesothelioma decades later.

Are Modern Workers Still at Risk of Asbestos Exposure?

Despite the decline in asbestos use, modern workers in construction, renovation, and demolition may still be exposed. Many older buildings and structures retain asbestos-containing materials that were never removed. Without proper identification and handling, disturbing these materials during building maintenance or demolition can lead to inhalation of airborne fibers.

Additionally, certain imported products and equipment may still contain trace amounts of asbestos. Workers in industries dealing with international manufacturing or materials should remain cautious, especially when dealing with older or foreign-made equipment.

Take Legal Action With the Knowledgeable Philadelphia Mesothelioma Lawyers at Brookman, Rosenberg, Brown & Sandler

If you or a loved one was diagnosed with mesothelioma after occupational asbestos exposure, our compassionate Philadelphia mesothelioma lawyers at Brookman, Rosenberg, Brown & Sandler have decades of experience advocating for clients impacted by asbestos-related illnesses. For a free consultation, call us at 215-569-4000 or contact us online. Located in Philadelphia, we serve clients in Delaware County, Chester County, Philadelphia County, Pennsylvania, and New Jersey.