Maybe you’ve never considered your risk of exposure to asbestos, lead, or mold. Maybe you have, but it doesn’t feel like a threat. After all, you’re not a remediation professional. Maybe you sit in an office all day. Perhaps your home DIY projects don’t involve demo, just a scraper and a fresh coat of paint. But your risk of exposure to airborne toxins is higher than you think.
At Clean Environmental Group, we’re committed to informing every construction worker, office professional, and historical Atlanta homeowner about the best ways to safeguard their health. Learn who has the highest risk of exposure to asbestos, mold, and lead and how to reduce your chances of exposure.
The Risk of Asbestos Exposure at Work
According to the World Health Organization, roughly 120 million people are exposed to asbestos annually. Are you at increased risk? People with these jobs have a higher risk of asbestos exposure:
- Construction workers
- Automotive manufacturers
- Mechanics
- Manufacturing and industrial workers
- Shipyard Workers
- Firefighters
- Factory workers
- Electricians
- Hairdressers
- Teachers and school faculty
- Engineers
- Building Inspectors
- Oil refinery workers
- Plumbers
- HVAC workers
- Carpenters
- Railroad workers
If you suspect unsafe working conditions, reach out to your supervisor about potential dangers immediately.
Workers at Risk of Lead Exposure
The CDC has an extensive list of jobs that put workers at a high risk of exposure to lead. It includes logical occupations such as lead miners and refiners, construction workers, and plumbers, but also includes unlikely candidates such as artists and painters, plastic manufacturers, and police officers, who may be exposed to lead in the materials they work with daily.
Occupational Risks of Mold Exposure
People who work in old buildings or with raw materials have a higher risk of asbestos and lead poisoning, but the same cannot be said of mold exposure. Any building can grow mold, and a failure to properly eradicate the problem can lead to allergies, asthma attacks, lung inflammation, and other health problems. Workplaces should monitor moisture levels to prevent mold growth in the workplace. These basic steps will reduce the risk of mold exposure:
- Keep HVAC systems well maintained
- Regularly inspect the building for moisture buildup
- Listen to employees’ health concerns
- Develop a system for ensuring professional mold remediation
- Discuss symptoms and healthcare options with employees
Airborne Toxins Risks for Homeowners
You don’t need to take a sledgehammer to drywall to kick up mold, asbestos, or lead dust in your home. Simple DIY projects may expose you to these dangerous particles. In fact, many historic homes contain asbestos particles, mold, or lead dust simply from the passage of time and deterioration of materials. If you’re planning a renovation project, always test for airborne toxins before getting started.
Clean Environmental Group complies with all federal and state safety standards, following rigorous procedures to ensure the health of our employees and the people on-site. If you need remediation services in Atlanta, call today.