Asbestos exposure can happen in more ways than most people realize. For much of the 20th century, asbestos was used in thousands of products and building materials across the United States — from insulation and floor tiles to ship components and industrial machinery. Many workers and their families were never warned about the dangers.
At Savinis, Kane, & Gallucci, LLC, we’ve spent decades helping victims of asbestos-related diseases trace where and how their exposure occurred. Understanding the most common exposure sources and the groups most at risk is a key step toward justice and recovery.
Common Sources of Asbestos Exposure
The risk of exposure depends on how asbestos-containing materials were used and handled. When these materials are cut, drilled, or disturbed, they can release microscopic fibers into the air. Once inhaled, these fibers can stay in the body for decades, eventually causing disease.
Even people who never directly worked with asbestos may still face danger through Secondary Asbestos Exposure — also known as “take-home exposure.” This occurs when workers unknowingly bring fibers home on their clothing, shoes, or tools, exposing family members in the process.
You can read more about how asbestos may still be present in residential environments and consumer products on our Household Exposures page.
Who Is Most at Risk?
Certain industries and occupations have historically been associated with the highest rates of asbestos exposure. These include construction, shipbuilding, power generation, and manufacturing.
Learn more about who faces the greatest dangers here: Who’s At Risk for Asbestos Exposure?
If you’re unsure whether you were ever exposed, visit What If I’m Unsure of My Asbestos Exposure? to understand how an attorney can help investigate your history and possible sources of contamination.
Because asbestos-related diseases often take decades to develop, even people exposed long ago may still be at risk today. For more details, see
What If My Exposure Is From Decades Ago?.
Occupational and Military Exposure
U.S. Navy Veterans
Asbestos was used extensively in ships, submarines, and naval bases. Veterans who served aboard U.S. Navy vessels were often surrounded by asbestos insulation in pipes, boilers, and engine rooms. Learn more about this history and your legal rights on our U.S. Navy Exposure page.
Industrial Workers
Factories, steel mills, and refineries all relied on asbestos for heat resistance and fireproofing. These workers handled raw asbestos or products lined with asbestos every day. Explore the risks in depth at Industrial Worker Exposure.
Shipyard Workers
Shipyard workers — including welders, machinists, and insulators — faced some of the highest exposure levels due to enclosed working spaces and heavy asbestos use. Visit Shipyard Worker Exposure for more information.
Pipe Fitters and Steamfitters
These trades often involved cutting, sealing, and replacing asbestos-insulated pipes. Over time, this work created dangerous airborne dust. See Pipe Fitter & Steamfitter Exposure to learn more.
Contractors and Construction Workers
Home builders, electricians, roofers, and plumbers frequently encountered asbestos materials on the job. Find details on how these exposures occur at Contractor Exposure.
Union Workers
Many union workers in industrial and construction trades were heavily exposed before the risks were fully understood. Visit Union Worker Exposure for information about workers’ rights and compensation.
Pennsylvania Industries and Asbestos
Pennsylvania has a long history of industrial manufacturing, steel production, and shipbuilding — all sectors that relied heavily on asbestos materials. Our firm has represented countless workers from across the state’s factories, plants, and job sites who later developed serious illnesses linked to asbestos exposure. Learn more on our Pennsylvania Industries page.
Protecting Those Exposed to Asbestos
If you believe you were exposed to asbestos — whether through your job, military service, or a family member — you may still have legal options. Our attorneys can investigate your work history, identify responsible companies, and pursue compensation through claims, lawsuits, or asbestos trust funds.
Call 412-903-9620 today or contact us online for a free consultation. We’re here to help you understand your rights and take the next step toward justice.