The asbestos dust rose into the atmosphere when the ash was removed via a suction hose. At the end of the shift, the maintenance crew would sweep the place releasing more toxic dust into the air. Steelworkers also wore heat-resistant clothing, which was usually made from asbestos cloth.
Throughout steel mills, steam lines were located. These steam and pipelines were also insulated with asbestos-coating. This insulation needed to be cut down to fit individual pipes because it would come pre-formed. This was another activity that produced dangerous amounts of asbestos dust.
These people working in steel factories were at a high risk of developing asbestos-related diseases. The symptoms of illnesses like mesothelioma, lung cancer, or asbestosis fail to show up immediately. A long period of 10 to 40 years will pass until symptoms begin to surface.
Relevant job titles
- burner
- caster
- compact operator
- flame cutter
- forgeman
- furnace operator
- galvanizer
- hot top maker
- metal pourer
- blacksmith
- smelter
- gear machinist
- mechanical technician
- press operator
- slitter assistant
- slitter operator
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