For decades, construction workers across the United States handled building materials that contained asbestos. The mineral was widely used because it resisted heat, fire, and corrosion. It appeared in insulation, cement, roofing, drywall compounds, floor tiles, adhesives, and many other products used in residential, commercial, and industrial construction.
Many of these materials were installed in buildings constructed before the early 1980s. When construction workers cut, sanded, drilled, or removed these products, asbestos fibers could become airborne. Once inhaled, these microscopic fibers could remain in the lungs for decades, eventually leading to diseases such as mesothelioma cancer or asbestos lung cancer.
Because of the nature of their work, construction workers are among the occupations with the highest risk of asbestos exposure. Many different trades were affected, each facing its own unique sources of exposure.
Workers who were exposed to asbestos and are now experiencing symptoms of mesothelioma or asbestos lung cancer may qualify for a free asbestos health exam courtesy of Hissey Mulderig & Friend. Individuals who are diagnosed with meso or lung cancer may be able to file an asbestos lawsuit and receive compensation.
Schedule your free exam or start the process of filing a claim today by contacting the law firm of Hissey Muderig & Friend toll-free at 1-855-500-3734 or using our free asbestos claims submission form on the left side of this page.
Bricklayers
Bricklayers often worked with mortars, adhesives, and block materials that contained asbestos. Many older masonry products were mixed with asbestos to increase strength and heat resistance. When bricklayers cut or trimmed these materials, asbestos fibers could be released into the air.
In addition, bricklayers frequently worked around boilers, furnaces, and industrial equipment that were insulated with asbestos. This placed them in close proximity to additional sources of exposure on construction sites.
Carpenters
Carpenters were exposed to asbestos while installing or repairing walls, ceilings, and structural components in older buildings. Asbestos was commonly found in drywall joint compounds, insulation, floor tiles, ceiling tiles, and roofing materials.
During remodeling or demolition work, carpenters often cut into walls and ceilings that contained asbestos products. This work could release fibers into the air, increasing the risk of inhalation and long term health problems.
Cement Finishers
Cement finishers worked with insulating cements, roof cements, and drywall compounds that frequently contained asbestos. These products were used to improve fire resistance and durability.
Mixing, pouring, sanding, or repairing cement-based materials could disturb asbestos fibers. Over time, repeated exposure placed cement finishers at risk for serious asbestos-related diseases.
Contractors
General contractors often supervised or performed a wide variety of construction tasks. Because they worked across multiple trades, they could encounter nearly every type of asbestos-containing material on a job site.
Contractors who worked in older homes, commercial buildings, factories, or schools were often exposed during renovations, repairs, or demolitions. Their broad range of responsibilities increased the likelihood of repeated asbestos exposure.
Electricians
Electricians frequently worked around wiring, conduits, panels, and equipment that were insulated with asbestos. In older buildings, asbestos was commonly used in electrical insulation and fireproofing materials.
When electricians drilled through walls, pulled wires, or repaired electrical systems, they could disturb asbestos-containing materials. This made electricians one of the higher risk construction trades for mesothelioma and other asbestos diseases.
Laborers
Construction laborers often handled raw materials, cleaned up debris, and assisted multiple trades on a job site. This meant they frequently came into contact with asbestos-containing products such as insulation, cement, drywall, and roofing materials.
Laborers were also responsible for demolition and cleanup work. These tasks could release large amounts of asbestos dust into the air, placing them at significant risk of exposure.
Lathers
Lathers worked with plaster systems used to create walls, ceilings, and decorative architectural features. Many plaster and fireproofing materials used before the 1980s contained asbestos.
When lathers mixed, applied, or repaired these materials, asbestos fibers could become airborne. Repeated exposure during these tasks increased their risk of developing asbestos-related illnesses.
Masonry Workers
Masonry workers handled bricks, stones, blocks, and mortars that often contained asbestos. These materials were used in industrial and commercial settings because of their strength and resistance to heat.
Cutting, grinding, or installing masonry products could release asbestos fibers. Workers who performed these tasks over long periods faced an elevated risk of mesothelioma and asbestos lung cancer.
Millwrights
Millwrights installed and repaired large industrial machinery such as boilers, turbines, pumps, and generators. These machines were often surrounded by asbestos insulation to control heat.
When millwrights removed or replaced gaskets, insulation, or other components, asbestos fibers could be released into the air. This type of work was common in factories, power plants, and refineries, all of which were high risk environments for asbestos exposure.
Painters
Many paints, coatings, and fireproofing materials once contained asbestos. Painters who applied these products on buildings, ships, bridges, and industrial equipment could be exposed to asbestos fibers.
Surface preparation work, such as sanding or scraping old paint, could also release asbestos dust. Painters who worked on older structures were especially at risk.
Plasterers
Plasterers regularly worked with wall and ceiling materials that contained asbestos. These products were used to improve fire resistance and durability.
Mixing, sanding, or repairing plaster could release asbestos fibers into the air. Plasterers who worked in older buildings often faced repeated exposure over many years.
Roofers
Roofing materials such as shingles, felt, and asphalt compounds frequently contained asbestos. Roofers who installed or removed these materials were often exposed to asbestos dust.
Tearing off old roofs, cutting shingles, or working with roofing cement could release fibers into the air. Many roofers developed asbestos-related diseases decades after their exposure.
Tile Setters and Installers
Floor and ceiling tiles, as well as the adhesives and grouts used to install them, often contained asbestos. Tile setters who cut, sanded, or removed these materials could release fibers into the air.
Renovation and demolition work in older buildings was especially dangerous. Workers who handled asbestos-containing tiles were at risk of long term health problems.
Free Asbestos Health Exam for Construction Workers
Workers who were exposed to asbestos in construction jobs and are now experiencing symptoms of mesothelioma or asbestos lung cancer may qualify for a free asbestos health exam courtesy of Hissey Mulderig & Friend.
The firm represents construction workers, as well as surviving spouses and adult children, in asbestos lawsuits and claims against the asbestos bankruptcy trusts. There are no costs or legal fees unless the firm wins the case.
To find out if you may qualify to take legal action or schedule an asbestos health exam, call Hissey Mulderig & Friend toll free at 1-855-500-3734 or send us a message using the free contact form at the top of this page to speak with an asbestos attorney.
