Why Construction and Demolition Workers Face High Asbestos Exposure Risks
For much of the twentieth century, asbestos was considered a miracle building material. Its heat resistance, durability, and insulating properties made it a common component in thousands of residential, commercial, and industrial construction products.
As a result, construction and demolition workers became some of the most heavily exposed occupations in the United States. Decades later, many of these workers are being diagnosed with mesothelioma, lung cancer, asbestosis, and other asbestos-related diseases.
Why Construction and Demolition Workers Were Exposed to Asbestos
From the 1930s through the late 1970s, asbestos was widely incorporated into building materials used in homes, schools, office buildings, factories, hospitals, military facilities, and industrial plants.
Workers frequently encountered asbestos-containing materials such as:
- Pipe insulation
- Boiler insulation
- Cement products
- Drywall and joint compound
- Roofing shingles
- Roofing felt
- Floor tiles
- Vinyl flooring
- Ceiling tiles
- Spray-applied fireproofing
- Textured ceiling materials
- Wallboard
- Exterior siding
- Gaskets and sealants
- HVAC duct insulation
- Electrical components
Construction workers often cut, drilled, sanded, installed, repaired, or removed these products without knowing they contained asbestos.
Demolition workers faced particularly dangerous conditions. Tearing down older structures frequently released large amounts of asbestos dust into the air. The process of breaking walls, removing insulation, demolishing ceilings, and dismantling mechanical systems could disturb asbestos fibers that had remained hidden for decades.
Because asbestos fibers are microscopic, workers often inhaled them without realizing it.
Construction Trades at High Risk for Asbestos Exposure
Many construction-related occupations experienced significant asbestos exposure, including:
- Carpenters
- Electricians
- Plumbers
- Pipefitters
- Welders
- Roofers
- Drywall installers
- Insulators
- Sheet metal workers
- HVAC technicians
- Flooring installers
- Painters
- Bricklayers
- Cement workers
- General laborers
- Construction supervisors
- Demolition crews
- Building maintenance workers
Even workers who did not directly handle asbestos-containing materials could be exposed when working near others who disturbed asbestos products.
Secondary Exposure Affected Construction Families
Construction workers often unknowingly carried asbestos dust home on their clothing, boots, tools, and vehicles.
Spouses who laundered contaminated work clothes and children who came into contact with asbestos dust have also developed mesothelioma and other asbestos-related diseases decades later.
This is known as secondary asbestos exposure or take-home exposure.
Geographic Areas With Significant Construction-Related Asbestos Exposure
Because asbestos-containing building materials were used nationwide, construction-related exposure occurred throughout the United States.
Higher concentrations of exposure have historically been associated with:
- New York City, New York
- Chicago, Illinois
- Los Angeles, California
- Houston, Texas
- Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- Detroit, Michigan
- Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
- Baltimore, Maryland
- Boston, Massachusetts
- San Francisco, California
Workers involved in urban redevelopment, industrial construction, power plant construction, shipbuilding facilities, and military installations often faced particularly high exposure risks.
Diseases Linked to Construction and Demolition Asbestos Exposure
Asbestos exposure can cause numerous cancers and chronic respiratory diseases, often developing decades after exposure occurred.
Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma is a rare and aggressive cancer caused almost exclusively by asbestos exposure.
Mesothelioma by Location
- Pleural mesothelioma (lining surrounding the lungs)
- Peritoneal mesothelioma (lining of the abdomen)
- Pericardial mesothelioma (lining surrounding the heart)
- Testicular mesothelioma, also known as mesothelioma of the tunica vaginalis (lining surrounding the testes)
Mesothelioma by Cell Type
- Epithelioid mesothelioma
- Sarcomatoid mesothelioma
- Biphasic mesothelioma
Rare Variants of Mesothelioma
- Desmoplastic mesothelioma
- Deciduoid mesothelioma
- Well-differentiated papillary mesothelioma
- Cystic mesothelioma
- Lymphohistiocytoid mesothelioma
- Localized malignant mesothelioma
- Benign multicystic mesothelioma
Other Cancers Associated With Asbestos Exposure
- Lung cancer
- Ovarian cancer linked to asbestos-contaminated talc exposure
- Laryngeal cancer
- Pharyngeal cancer
- Stomach cancer
- Colon cancer
- Other gastrointestinal cancers
Non-Cancerous Asbestos Diseases
- Asbestosis
- Pleural plaques
- Pleural thickening
- Diffuse pleural thickening
- Pleural effusions
- Pleural disease
Other Respiratory Conditions
- Atelectasis
- Pulmonary fibrosis
- Interstitial lung disease
- Chronic respiratory disease
- Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
- Long-term breathing impairment
- Reduced lung function
Why Construction Workers Are Still Being Diagnosed Today
One of the most troubling aspects of asbestos-related diseases is the long latency period. Symptoms often do not appear for 20 to 50 years after exposure.
Many construction workers exposed in the 1960s, 1970s, and 1980s are only now receiving diagnoses of mesothelioma and other asbestos-related illnesses.
Common symptoms may include:
- Persistent coughing
- Shortness of breath
- Chest pain
- Fatigue
- Fluid around the lungs
- Abdominal swelling or pain
- Unexplained weight loss
Anyone with a history of construction or demolition work should discuss past asbestos exposure with their physician.
Legal Options for Construction and Demolition Workers
Many companies that manufactured asbestos-containing building products knew about the dangers of asbestos but failed to adequately warn workers.
Individuals diagnosed with mesothelioma or another asbestos-related disease may be eligible for compensation through:
- Asbestos trust funds
- Lawsuits against asbestos product manufacturers
- Settlements from responsible companies
- Wrongful death claims for surviving family members
Madeksho Law Helps Construction Workers Diagnosed With Mesothelioma
Since 1972, Madeksho Law has represented workers and families affected by asbestos exposure nationwide.
Our attorneys understand the devastating impact mesothelioma and other asbestos-related diseases can have on families. We have recovered more than $400 million for clients and continue fighting for workers who were exposed to dangerous asbestos-containing products.
If you or a loved one worked in construction or demolition and has been diagnosed with mesothelioma or another asbestos-related disease, contact Madeksho Law today for a free consultation.
Call 888-910-MESO (6376) to learn more about your legal options or contact us online.
