Asbestos screenings held
HARMAR TWP, Allegheny County — Decades ago, workers were exposed to asbestos on the job.
As part of Global Asbestos Awareness Week and National Public Health Week, the Sheet Metal Occupational Health Institute had a three-day health screening to test for asbestos exposure for union members, including Butler County residents, at the Sheet Metal Workers Local 12 complex on Gulf Lab Road.
Out of roughly 800 active members of the sheet metal workers union, 137 are from Butler County.
About 140 sheet metal workers and retirees were tested over three days on April 1 and Monday and Tuesday.
Testing included screening for mesothelioma, a cancer caused by asbestos exposure.
Keith Schettler of Evans City, the Local 12 training coordinator, said such screenings are crucial for sheet metal workers.
“I've been exposed to asbestos throughout my career,” Schettler said.
He said workers frequently encounter the substance, which was heavily used for its versatility and resistance to heat.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency in 1989 banned all new uses of asbestos. However, it remains in many buildings constructed before then.
“You're constantly around asbestos,” Schettler said.
He said such screenings help people catch health problems early.
Retiree Bob Thompson, 79, of Oakland Township, who worked for John R. Ellison & Sons of Butler, was glad the testing was done.
“It's one of the best things we can do,” Thompson said Tuesday.
Retiree Jim Zacherl, 68, of Penn Township, who worked for Ellison and R.W. McDonald & Sons of Butler, also took advantage of the screening.
“I'm glad they do that for us,” Zacherl said.
Dr. David Hinkamp of Chicago, who oversaw the testing, said tests included chest X-rays and blood work.
Cancer wasn't the only problem covered. Quest Diagnostic personnel tested workers and retirees for cholesterol and diabetes.
Professional Health Services staff took blood pressure readings.
