Construction Workers and Mesothelioma

Even under the safest possible conditions, construction workers are at serious risk of on-the-job injuries due to the hazardous nature of their profession. For decades, however, millions of construction workers who toiled to build our nation’s homes, roads, bridges, skyscrapers, schools, hospitals, and other vital structures were exposed to a largely unknown danger in the form of asbestos. Between the 1920s and 1980s, asbestos was a staple of many of the materials used in construction. Indeed, despite the fact that the asbestos industry has been aware of many of the risks associated with the material since the early 1930s, some products used in construction continue to include trace amounts of asbestos.

Construction workers and asbestos — Construction workers are exposed to various building materials, including those that contain asbestos and other hazardous substances.

According to a report published by the National Institute for Occupational Health and Safety (NIOSH) in 2005, construction is one of the five industries in which workers are at highest risk of developing mesothelioma, a rare form of cancer caused by asbestos exposure. Because mesothelioma can take decades to produce notable symptoms, even those who have been removed from the construction industry for years may eventually fall victim to the disease.

If you have worked, or currently work, in the construction industry, you should be aware of the symptoms of mesothelioma and discuss your risk with your doctor. If you have already been diagnosed with the disease, you may be able to obtain compensation from those responsible for your exposure to asbestos. Please contact an experienced mesothelioma attorney today for more information about your rights and legal options.

Common Asbestos-containing Construction Materials

For most of the twentieth century, asbestos was commonly used in construction materials due to its ability to withstand heat and flame. Because many of the potential hazards associated with asbestos were concealed from the public until the 1970s, construction workers not only routinely handled the material, but usually did so without the benefit of protective equipment. As a result, construction workers are among those at highest risk for developing mesothelioma.

Common asbestos-containing construction materials include:

Caulking
Ceiling tiles
Cement
Certain adhesives
Drywall tape
Felt
Flatboard
Floor tiles
Gaskets
Gypsum
Insulation
Mortar
Packing
Paint
Permaboard
Pipe covering
Plaster
Sealants
Shingles
Spackle
Wallboard
Wiring insulation

Contact a Mesothelioma Attorney

If you are a construction worker who has been diagnosed with mesothelioma or another asbestos-related disease, you need to understand your rights. Contact a knowledgeable mesothelioma attorney today for further information about what you can do to protect the interests of you and your family.