Workers: Are You at Risk for Asbestos Exposure?

Workers should note: Being exposed to asbestos 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 any exposure to asbestos.

Are former workers at risk? Former workers are most at risk! Workers may have been exposed to asbestos anywhere in and around a processing plant that processes vermiculite. Vermiculite is processed by expanding it in furnaces. Asbestos fibers are released into the air in the plant throughout the workday, when vermiculite is 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.