10 Most Stressful Jobs Of 2012

For many Americans, stress is an integral part of work. Whether caused by looming deadlines, balancing demands of job and family, or a career that routinely involves risks to life and limb, stress can both help us do our jobs better -- by keeping us on our toes -- and take a toll on our overall health by putting us at increased risk for disease.

Not surprisingly, some of the most stressful jobs involve protecting others from harm, according to a survey by CareerCast.com, a job-search website. They include firefighters, who in addition to fighting fires frequently come in contact with hazardous materials and poisonous gases, and police officers, who battle crime and deal with dangerous criminals.