Non-asbestos Risks of Asbestos Abatement Workers

Abstract

A survey of personal risks for asbestos abatement workers was undertaken in 2008. Information collected included age, race, smoking status, body mass index, illegal drug use, and drunk driving convictions. These results suggest that asbestos abatement workers, on average, are slightly overweight and have one the highest rates of smoking, DUI (alcohol abuse), and drug use in an identifiable occupational population. As such, these data, although small in number, support the suggestion that this occupational group consists of high-risk takers and as a result of these habits are at great risk for disease, injury, and subsequent death. Based on the information presented here, risk from asbestos exposure is minimal and in comparison to personal risks carries little concern as a practical hazard. Emphasis needs to be applied to personal habits in this population rather than asbestos exposure in that a practical approach is needed for the real risks faced by these workers.

Keywords

Asbestos Smoking BMI Driving under the influence (DUI)Risk

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