Drill Press Operators

Drill press operators were machinists who fabricated metal or other material by drilling or pressing holes into the material. Drill press operators worked in industrial occupations and in factories. They were often given a set of specifications on paper, and their job was to build a tool or part that would meet those requirements. There were a variety of ways that drill press operators were exposed to asbestos through their career. Asbestos exposure could occur during the actual process of pressing tools or equipment, because of the clothing the drill press operator wore, or due to the working environment.

When fabricating metal, asbestos was often used as an insulation or lining for the part being designed. The drill press operator often connected the metal to the asbestos lining with rivets or other metal attachments. Of course this manipulation caused asbestos fibers to be released into the air. Once the asbestos was released into the air, anyone in the area was at risk of exposure. In addition to the asbestos that the drill press operator was exposed to when assembling products, many of the finishes that were used at the time also included asbestos as a key ingredient. Paints, polishes and sealants all contained asbestos until the material fell out of favor in the late 1970s. Asbestos was used in these materials because it increased the lifespan of the coatings. The asbestos also had the added benefit of rust proofing the compound, as well as providing insulation from noise, heat and fire.

Another way that drill press operators were exposed to asbestos was through the protective clothing that the drill press operator wore. Because the work of the drill press operator generated heat and sparks, it was necessary for the worker to wear protective clothing and gloves to protect themselves from the heat and flame. Asbestos board was also installed on the work surface to make a more comfortable work environment for the drill press operator. The asbestos board protected the worker from the heat, while allowing the part that was being manufactured to remain on a stable surface. The motion of metal on metal often produced sparks, and asbestos shields were considered a safety feature.

Asbestos-containing products were used in both the commercial and industrial setting. At the height of it's use, asbestos was contained in over 3,000 items. Drill press operators were exposed to many of them. Everything from the paint to the insulation to the protective clothes that they wore contained asbestos, all in the name of safety. By 1978, the problems with asbestos became widely known. Drill press operators, as well as others in industrial industries were shocked to later learn that many businesses and industry leaders were aware of the problems associated with asbestos, and had known about these problems for many years. Although there is a paper trail that points to the mid 1950s as the time when the connection between asbestos exposure and mesothelioma and asbestosis was solidified, it is widely accepted that many knew of a problem with asbestos as early as 1930.

If you worked as a drill press operators during the time that asbestos was still in wide use, notify your doctor about the chance that you have been exposed to asbestos. There are a variety of tests that your doctor can perform to check your respiratory health. Lung function tests and chest x-rays provide a clear look at your current health, and a lung wash can help determine the level of asbestos in your body.

Your doctor will work with you when deciding how aggressively he wants to be in the testing. The decision will be determined by a number of factors, including personal preference as well as your general health. Mesothelioma is a difficult asbestos cancer to diagnose in the early stages, and working with your doctor to develop a plan will help to increase your odds of an early diagnosis.

Asbestos Exposure

Exposure to asbestos has been proven to cause severe health problems. Asbestosis, a chronic inflammation of the lungs, has no cure. Someone with asbestosis suffers from a progressive shortness of breath. The disease results in respiratory failure. With no cure, asbestosis is managed by treating the symptoms as much as possible. Doctors can provide oxygen, which makes it easier for the patient to breath and may allow them mobility for a while longer.

Mesothelioma is the other disease that occurs in people that have been exposed to asbestos. Mesothelioma is an aggressive and hard to treat form of cancer. Mesothelioma spreads quickly, invading other organs, and often metastasizes before the patient is diagnosed with cancer. The tumors formed by mesothelioma are thin, and located between the layers of the mesothelium. This makes them difficult to see on an x-ray, and difficult to access for surgery.

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