Asbestos and Construction Workers

Construction work is one of the most dangerous jobs in the world. One of the major risks for construction workers is exposure to asbestos. Although asbestos isn’t used as heavily in today’s construction industry as it once was, asbestos materials linger in older buildings.

If you or a loved one were diagnosed with mesothelioma or asbestos-related cancer, you might be entitled to substantial compensation. Fill out our form to get a free Financial Compensation Packet. You’ll learn about the experienced mesothelioma lawyers in your area, how to get paid in 90 days, how to file a claim for the asbestos trust funds, and more.

Study on Asbestos and Construction Workers

According to a 2004 study published by the American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, an estimated 1.3 million construction workers in the U.S. are still at risk for asbestos exposure.

Asbestos today is found in old appliances, products, and machinery. This places construction workers at the highest risk of exposure.

Construction workers who work around insulation in older homes and buildings are also at a heightened risk of developing an asbestos-related disease.

Types of Construction Workers at Risk

The construction industry provides many types of jobs for workers. Some construction workers are not in as much danger of inhaling asbestos fibers as others.

According to studies, the following occupations have at least some risk of workers developing an asbestos-related disease.

Drywall Workers

While cutting and shaping drywall panels, drywall workers risk ingesting asbestos fibers that come loose. In addition, sanding down taping compounds results in high amounts of asbestos fibers releasing and permeating through the air.

Today, drywall workers aren’t at risk when working on newer structures, but any home or building built before the 1980s may contain asbestos.

Roofers and Tilers 

Roofer and tilers who work on asbestos-containing shingles and tiles are exposed to asbestos fibers each time a tile or shingle is removed or repaired.

Numerous roof and floor products in the past were constructed with asbestos-containing materials (ACMs).

Bricklayers

Bricklayers and masons once mixed asbestos into other materials to do their jobs. They would also size the products and secure them, putting themselves at risk for additional asbestos exposure.

Although bricklayers and masons today hardly ever use asbestos-containing products, thousands of people were previously exposed on a daily basis.

Pipefitters

Pipefitters were responsible for sanding down and cutting products that contained asbestos, in addition to installing and fitting the pipes correctly.

Gaskets once contained a large amount of asbestos, and some pipefitters are responsible for sanding them down to fit.

Pipefitters can be exposed to various asbestos-containing products while working, including Aircell asbestos paper, silica mixed with asbestos, laminated sponge felts, and joint compound.

Other construction-type occupations at risk of asbestos exposure include:

• Carpenters
• Home renovators
• Plumbers
• Wrecking crews
• Demolition crews
• Labor helpers
• Painters
• Plasterers
• Plumbers

Construction Workers and Asbestos Lawsuits

Many construction workers filed mesothelioma lawsuits against asbestos suppliers and manufacturers after developing asbestos illnesses.

For example, in 2012, John Doherty, a New York resident who worked as an acoustical construction worker and a carpenter, filed an asbestos lawsuit after spending years working around asbestos at the World Trade Center.

For around 15 years, Doherty shaped, cut, and installed asbestos sheetrock and tiles in both towers.

Doherty developed asbestos-related lung cancer due to working around the asbestos products for numerous years during the 1960s and early 1970s. He was employed by the Port of New York Authority but did contract work for construction companies.

Doherty sued Tishman Realty and Construction Co., claiming that the site manager knew workers being exposed to asbestos yet didn’t provide any protection or advise them of asbestos exposure.

The Supreme Court upheld Doherty’s case and ruled in his favor. Unfortunately, the former contractor passed away due to complications with his disease.

If you worked in construction and now have an asbestos disease, let a mesothelioma lawyer guide your next steps.

Additional Information and Resources for Construction Workers

Remember, if you’ve been diagnosed with mesothelioma or asbestos-related cancer, you may qualify for significant compensation. Don’t forget to fill out our form to get our free Financial Compensation Packet, filled with information on the experienced asbestos and mesothelioma attorneys in your area.