For decades, construction workers built our cities, from the towering skyscrapers in downtown Chicago to the homes in our neighborhoods. Unfortunately, this vital work often came with a hidden danger. The risk of mesothelioma from asbestos in construction is a serious concern for anyone who worked in the industry, particularly before the 1980s. This aggressive cancer is caused by inhaling asbestos fibers, which were once common in building materials.
If you or a loved one worked in construction and is now facing a diagnosis, you are likely looking for answers about how this happened and what you can do.
Key Takeaways about Mesothelioma Risk from Asbestos Exposure in Construction
- Construction workers, especially those employed before the 1980s, faced a significant risk of asbestos exposure.
- Many building materials, such as insulation, roofing, drywall, and tiles, contained asbestos, releasing dangerous fibers when cut, sanded, or disturbed.
- Mesothelioma has a long latency period, meaning it can develop 20 to 50 years after the initial asbestos exposure occurred.
- Certain construction trades, including insulators, demolition workers, and pipefitters, had some of the highest levels of asbestos exposure.
- Companies that manufactured and supplied asbestos-containing products can be held accountable for the harm they caused to workers.
Why Was Asbestos So Common in the Construction Industry?
Asbestos was once called the “miracle fiber” because of its incredible properties. It was strong, fire-resistant, and an excellent insulator for both heat and electricity. These qualities made it a popular choice for countless building materials used across the United States. Many manufacturers knew about the health hazards associated with asbestos but continued to sell these products, putting profits ahead of people’s safety.
Some of the most common asbestos-containing materials found on construction sites included:
- Insulation for pipes, boilers, and attics
- Roofing shingles, felt, and flashing
- Drywall and joint compound
- Vinyl floor tiles and the adhesives used to install them
- Cement pipes and sheets
- Fireproofing spray applied to steel beams
When these materials were installed, repaired, or demolished, they released tiny, sharp asbestos fibers into the air. Workers on the job site could easily breathe in this toxic dust without even realizing the danger.
Which Construction Trades Have the Highest Risk of Mesothelioma from Asbestos?
While anyone on a job site with asbestos was at risk, some trades involved more direct and frequent handling of these dangerous materials. The constant cutting, sawing, sanding, and mixing of asbestos products created concentrated clouds of hazardous dust. The risk of mesothelioma from asbestos in construction was particularly high for those in these roles.
Insulators
These workers regularly handled asbestos-laden insulation, wrapping it around pipes and boilers.
Demolition and Renovation Crews
Tearing down old structures or renovating them was among the most dangerous jobs, as it disturbed decades-old asbestos materials, releasing large amounts of fibers.
Pipefitters and Plumbers
Cutting and fitting asbestos-cement pipes or working around insulated pipes exposed them directly to the fibers.
Drywall Installers
Many joint compounds and drywall tapes contained asbestos, which became airborne when sanded smooth.
Electricians
Drilling through asbestos-containing walls, ceilings, and insulation to run wires put electricians at high risk.
Roofers and Flooring Installers
Cutting asbestos shingles or sanding down old vinyl-asbestos tiles released toxic dust.
These workers performed their jobs with skill and dedication, unaware that the materials they used every day could cause a devastating illness decades later.
The Connection Between Asbestos Exposure and Mesothelioma
When asbestos fibers are inhaled, they can become lodged deep in the lining of the lungs, abdomen, or heart. The body has difficulty breaking down or removing these sharp, microscopic fibers. Over many years, this constant irritation can cause inflammation and genetic changes in the surrounding cells, leading to the development of mesothelioma tumors.
One of the most difficult aspects of a mesothelioma diagnosis is its long latency period. This is the time between the initial exposure to asbestos and the appearance of the first symptoms. For mesothelioma, this latency period can range from 20 to 50 years or longer. This means a construction worker exposed in the 1970s might not be diagnosed until today. Asbestos exposure remains the primary cause of work-related mesothelioma cases.
Holding Negligent Companies Accountable
The tragedy is that many of these illnesses could have been prevented. Evidence shows that many asbestos manufacturers and suppliers knew about the severe health risks for decades but chose to hide this information from the public and the workers who used their products. They failed to affix warnings to their products and often failed to provide adequate safety equipment.
These companies built their businesses at the expense of workers’ health. Holding them accountable is a crucial step toward justice for the families affected by this disease. A diagnosis is not your fault. The companies that knowingly exposed you to a toxic substance should answer for the harm they have caused. Filing a claim is about securing compensation for medical bills, lost income, and the impact on your family, and it sends a clear message that worker safety cannot be ignored.
Risk of Mesothelioma from Asbestos in Construction FAQs
Here are answers to some common questions about the risk of mesothelioma from asbestos in construction.
Contact Our Team at Vogelzang Law
We understand that a mesothelioma diagnosis brings a host of challenges and questions. You and your family deserve clear answers and a dedicated advocate in your corner. At Vogelzang Law, our focus is on helping families affected by asbestos exposure fight for the justice and compensation they are owed. We are committed to holding negligent companies accountable for their actions.
We always hope you don’t need our services, but if you do, we are here to fight relentlessly for you. Reach out to us today for a free consultation to discuss your situation and learn more about your options.
