Here's how engineers are at risk of occupational asbestos-related diseases

Engineers who worked in the construction industry were often exposed to asbestos, and due to the proximity to asbestos they have had on the job, civil engineers and mechanical engineers are also at risk for asbestos exposure. While an engineer's duty did not necessitate direct contact with asbestos-containing products, they often supervised employees that regularly worked with the toxic material. As per the recent Epidemiology and Health study 2016 report, the incidence of pleural mesothelioma was 67% higher in mechanical engineers and 606% higher in marine engineers as compared to the general population. The study included engineers who worked between the years, 1961 and 2009.

Nature of work engineers perform at their worksite

Typically, an engineer's work would involve solving technical issues through the application of scientific principles. Engineers often involve themselves in guiding construction work and aiding the design of new products as well as streamlining worksite practices.

They also inspected and oversaw workers involved in the installation and dismantling of the asbestos-containing products, which is when they got exposed to dangerous asbestos dust.

Because of the variability in their work, engineers are likely to be exposed to asbestos hazards on their job, both at a desk job and at fieldwork. Civil engineers spent maximum time around construction worksites, carrying out inspections, and directing field technicians. Asbestos was extensively employed in the construction industry throughout the past century and was used in the construction of commercial and residential buildings as well.

Thus, asbestos was found in tiles, partition boards, false ceilings, rainwater pipes, electrical fixtures, cement, and insulating materials. Civil works such as roadwork, bridge, tunnel, and runway projects often released clouds of asbestos dust to which civil engineers got exposed on duty. Concrete mixing as well as cutting and installation of asbestos-protected pipes released asbestos powder that becomes airborne.

Research nuclear engineers were unknowingly exposed to asbestos while working with sodium-cooled reactors as engineers used to be present around the workers when they sawed into the reactors releasing asbestos dust. Marine engineers who worked aboard ships and sea vessels were heavily exposed to asbestos due to the prevalence of asbestos on ships. Mechanical engineers were at risk of being exposed to asbestos between the years 1930 and 1980.

Aeronautical engineers responsible for the research, design, manufacture, and maintenance of aircraft and spacecraft were exposed to high amounts of asbestos as this material was in use in the military as well as civilian aircraft until the late 1980s. Aeronautical engineers specializing in maintenance were exposed to asbestos as they would be in frequent contact with the following types of aircraft:

• Bombers
• Fighter planes
• Missiles
• Helicopters
• Air transport vehicles
• Propeller planes and jets
• Spacecraft

Aeronautical engineers served the US Air Force since 1947 and performed tasks related to the manufacturing and maintenance of military aircraft and missiles. Regardless of the branch of engineering, asbestos exposure in engineers was a result of supervising the installation workers and not direct asbestos handling.

Engineers might develop asbestos-related diseases due to occupational exposure

A study conducted in 2003 analyzed the data collected about nearly 6,000 marine engineers between the years, 1955 and 1988. There was a higher incidence of pleural mesothelioma and other asbestos-related cancers among marine engineers than among the general population.

Marine engineers also developed lung cancer and gastrointestinal cancer, which were attributed to occupational toxic exposure.

In a study that analyzed X-rays of the lungs from over 5000 marine engineers, about 12% of these engineers showed pleural abnormalities as a result of their asbestos exposure. Electrical and mechanical engineers are likely to develop colorectal cancer. The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health conducted a study in the year 1997, which revealed that electrical and mechanical engineers with asbestos exposure history are likely to develop colorectal cancer.

If engineers develop the following benign conditions, they can file an asbestos claim as they are immediately eligible for compensation:

• Lung cancer
• Throat cancer
• Esophageal cancer
• Bronchial cancer
• Gastrointestinal cancer
• Colorectal cancer
• Mesothelioma

Engineers can claim financial compensation for their asbestos-related cancer

If you worked as an engineer and believe that you have been exposed to asbestos at your worksite, or if you have already been diagnosed with asbestos-related cancer, it is necessary to get in touch with an attorney specializing in asbestos-related claims as soon as possible.

If you have developed asbestos-related cancer, you are entitled to financial compensation that can alleviate some financial burden. We will evaluate your case and guide you through the process of filing a claim with appropriate asbestos trust funds. If you served as an engineer in the military, you are eligible to seek compensation from the VA.