Louisiana Maintenance Workers & Asbestos

Over many decades, maintenance workers in Louisiana have experienced health risks due to asbestos exposure. From the 1900s to the 1970s, asbestos was used heavily in various industries due to its insulating and fire-resistant properties. However, upon extensive research, researchers have discovered that inhaling or ingesting asbestos by any means can cause severe health problems.

While the EPA banned asbestos in 1989, many older buildings and infrastructure in Louisiana still contain asbestos-containing materials. Maintenance workers, who are often tasked with maintaining and repairing such structures, are specifically at risk of asbestos exposure.

This page discusses common asbestos-containing materials, maintenance jobs that pose a significant risk of asbestos exposure, and the health risks linked to asbestos exposure.

Common Materials Containing Asbestos

Louisiana's maintenance workers, particularly those in industrial settings such as chemical plants, construction sites, and demolition sites, face significant health and safety risks due to exposure to hazardous substances and demanding work environments.

Some of the most common sources of asbestos exposure to Louisiana maintenance workers include:

• Insulation Materials: Asbestos was used extensively in pipes, boilers, tanks, and walls due to its heat resistance and durability. Maintenance workers performing repairs or upgrades to these systems can easily disturb asbestos-containing materials and release dangerous fibers into the air.
• Ceiling Tiles and Flooring: Many older buildings in Louisiana still have asbestos-containing ceiling tiles and flooring. During routine repairs, maintenance workers can inadvertently break or disturb these materials, leading to the release of airborne asbestos fibers.
• HVAC Systems: Asbestos was used in ductwork, insulation around pipes, and around heating systems. Maintenance workers who service or replace these systems may expose themselves to asbestos if the materials are disturbed.
• Pipes and Gaskets: Asbestos was used in gaskets, packing materials, and pipe insulation. Removing or replacing these materials can expose maintenance workers to harmful asbestos fibers.

Key Activities That Cause Asbestos Exposure in Louisiana Maintenance Workers

Renovating or demolishing older buildings often disturbs asbestos-containing materials like walls, ceilings, and flooring, releasing dangerous fibers into the air. This exposure poses significant health risks if safety measures aren't properly implemented. Similarly, repair and replacement tasks, such as fixing plumbing, heating, or electrical systems, frequently involve handling materials that contain asbestos. Removing old pipe insulation or damaged floor tiles can release asbestos fibers, endangering workers during the process.

Maintenance of HVAC systems is another activity that can disturb asbestos fibers. Cleaning ducts and air filters, if not done with the necessary precautions, exposes workers to the risk of inhaling hazardous particles. Routine maintenance tasks, including fixing leaks, repairing roofs, or replacing tiles, can also inadvertently disturb asbestos-containing materials. Without proper safety measures, these everyday activities pose a serious risk of asbestos exposure, highlighting the importance of following strict safety protocols.

Health Risks of Asbestos Exposure for Louisiana Maintenance Workers

Asbestos exposure can have severe health consequences, particularly for Louisiana maintenance workers who are repeatedly exposed over long periods.

Asbestosis is a chronic lung disease caused by inhaling asbestos fibers, which leads to inflammation and scarring of lung tissue. These deadly fibers are the sole cause of mesothelioma, a rare but aggressive cancer that affects the lining of the lungs, heart, and abdomen. Additionally, Louisiana maintenance workers face an increased risk of lung cancer, particularly if they smoke.

The health risks of asbestos exposure for these workers extend beyond asbestosis and mesothelioma. Conditions such as pleural plaques and pleural effusions are also linked to this hazardous mineral. Pleural plaques are non-cancerous growths on the lungs and chest lining that can cause breathing difficulties over time. Pleural effusions occur when excess fluid accumulates between the layers of the pleura, the thin membranes surrounding the lungs, leading to chest pain and breathing difficulties. Both conditions are commonly associated with asbestos exposure or asbestos-related diseases.

These diseases often take years or even decades to develop, which makes them difficult to detect early. Maintenance workers who have worked with older materials or in older buildings may not experience symptoms until 10 years after their initial exposure. They are more common after 20 years or longer.

How Much Asbestos Exposure Is Safe for Louisiana Maintenance Workers?

OSHA has established a permissible exposure limit of 0.1 asbestos fibers per cubic centimeter of air over an 8-hour workday. However, this standard does not imply safety. Even minimal asbestos exposure can be harmful for maintenance workers or anyone else, as there is no truly safe level of asbestos exposure.

Do Louisiana Maintenance Workers Still Face Asbestos Risks Today?

Yes, maintenance workers in Louisiana continue to face asbestos exposure risks. Many older structures still harbor asbestos-containing materials from before the 1980s ban, such as insulation, floor tiles, and pipe coatings. Even some newer materials may contain asbestos.

The danger is heightened when safety procedures are not properly implemented during maintenance, repairs, or renovations. Without adequate precautions, these activities can release asbestos fibers into the air, putting workers at risk.

Between 1997 and 2017, there were 927 mesothelioma deaths and about 3708 non-mesothelioma lung cancer deaths in Louisiana. These statistics underline the critical need for precautions when working with asbestos to prevent severe health problems.