On-the-Job Asbestos Exposure
Men weren't the only ones who were exposed to asbestos at work. Women, for example, made up the bulk of employees in laundry facilities where asbestos was ever present. Because asbestos was such a good insulator, its use was commonplace in large commercial dryers and other appliances where heat and fire was a threat. Often, asbestos insulation was torn or damaged, causing airborne fibers to circulate. Those who cleaned the facility were also exposed while sweeping asbestos dust from the floors.
Asbestos was also used in cosmetics and women who worked in factories that manufactured asbestos-containing make-up and powders may have inhaled the mineral on a daily basis. Protective gear was not provided so exposure occurred regularly.
During World War II, women were exposed to asbestos through their work in factories around the country. Because they assumed many of the jobs usually done by the thousands of men who were off fighting the war, exposure was more commonplace during this time period, especially among civilian women who worked in shipyards, steel-producing facilities, and power plants, where asbestos was abundant.
Men weren't the only ones who were exposed to asbestos at work. Women, for example, made up the bulk of employees in laundry facilities where asbestos was ever present. Because asbestos was such a good insulator, its use was commonplace in large commercial dryers and other appliances where heat and fire was a threat. Often, asbestos insulation was torn or damaged, causing airborne fibers to circulate. Those who cleaned the facility were also exposed while sweeping asbestos dust from the floors.
Asbestos was also used in cosmetics and women who worked in factories that manufactured asbestos-containing make-up and powders may have inhaled the mineral on a daily basis. Protective gear was not provided so exposure occurred regularly.
During World War II, women were exposed to asbestos through their work in factories around the country. Because they assumed many of the jobs usually done by the thousands of men who were off fighting the war, exposure was more commonplace during this time period, especially among civilian women who worked in shipyards, steel-producing facilities, and power plants, where asbestos was abundant.
by Mesothelioma & Asbestos Awareness Center
