Iron Workers

History and Background

Iron workers are those men and women employed in the construction of industrial, commercial, and large residential buildings. They can also work on projects such as towers, stadiums, and pre-fabricated metal buildings among others. A stereotypical image of an iron worker conjures up the view of a man or woman walking across metal I-Beams hundreds of floors up during the construction of a downtown high-rise. Though this picture is what most people will think of, iron workers also demolish buildings and install and remove heat-insulation materials, they also create re-bar, and maintain buildings and construction equipment (e.g. cranes).

Tasks Putting Iron Workers at Risk for Asbestos Exposure

Any occupation that is located within the field of construction carries with it a risk of asbestos exposure. Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that was widely used in construction because it is extremely strong and heat and fire-resistant. It has become known that asbestos particles are hazardous to your health if they are inhaled (as described below). While its usage has been limited in the past couple of decades, older structures undoubtedly contain it, even today.

Iron workers often worked directly with asbestos. They handled asbestos-slate board, and the heat-insulation products that they installed were often made with asbestos. These pieces of insulation would have to be measured and cut to fit specific locations resulting in dust and particles getting thrown into the air. Also, upon construction most I-Beams were sprayed with asbestos-containing insulation so that they would be able to withstand possible fires and in effect save the building from collapse. Whenever these beams would need to be inspected or maintained, the asbestos insulation would be scraped off and then re-applied afterwards, again putting dangerous particles in the air.

As part of the construction world, iron workers would also be exposed to asbestos because of the work that others were doing. For instance if a worker was cutting asbestos paper, that dust would dissipate throughout the entire structure, exposing everyone located within the room or building, depending on the circumstances.

Mesothelioma in Iron Workers

Iron workers may be at risk of developing mesothelioma and other asbestos-related diseases as a result of on the job asbestos exposure. For many years, the hazards associated with asbestos were kept secret from the public by asbestos companies. As a result, many trade workers, such as those in the iron working trade, were not informed about taking appropriate safety precautions while working with this fire-proofing substance. Prolonged exposure to high quantities of airborne asbestos has been linked to mesothelioma.

Iron workers were not the only individuals unknowingly placed at risk of developing an asbestos disease. Their family members may also have been affected, as asbestos fibers would often be brought home on hair or clothing. When their loved ones hugged them after a long day at work or laundered their work clothes they, too, were at risk of breathing in cancer causing asbestos fibers.

If you were an iron worker and you or any of your family members are experiencing mesothelioma symptoms such as breathing difficulty, chest pain, persistent hacking cough and / or fatigue, it would be wise to seek medical attention. If you would like more information about the disease you may also request our information packet by filling out the form on this page.