What are the Real Risks for Asbestos Abatement Workers?

Traditionally, risk for those working with asbestos was associated with exposure to this mineral and, in addition, smoking. Over the years, as the health risks associated with use of the minerals were realized exposures have been drastically reduced. The current exposure levels for those in the asbestos industry, especially the asbestos abatement industry in the United States, are now very low and constitute little, if any, risk to health. Risk for this population has dramatically changed from exposure to asbestos to other activities, which appear to be more socio-economic. This brief report provides preliminary results on smoking, body mass index and risk taking activity of a group of asbestos abatement workers that attended a refresher training class. These findings suggest that this population is at risk from obesity, smoking and risk taking activities and not asbestos exposure.