Workers: Am I at risk for asbestos exposure?

Please note: As workers, being asbestos exposure does not mean that you will develop health problems!

Many things need to be considered when evaluating whether you are at risk for health problems from asbestos exposure. A doctor can help you find out if you have health problems from asbestos exposure.

Former workers are most at risk! Workers may have been exposed to asbestos anywhere in and around the plant. The plant processed vermiculite that contained asbestos. Vermiculite was processed by expanding it in furnaces. Asbestos fibers were released into the air in the plant throughout the workday when vermiculite was processed and handled.

Here are some examples of work activities known to have released fibers into the air:

Unloading vermiculite from rail cars

Moving vermiculite to furnaces

Processing vermiculite, or

Handling waste rock (unexpanded vermiculite) after processing.