The construction industry has been central to the growth and advancement of any society. The people who make this progress possible through their hard work face many forms of danger at their jobs. The carpenters, electricians, plumbers, roofers and others, who make up the construction industry, face safety issues including falls, noise, heavy lifting, and machinery operation. However, one of the deadliest occupational hazards facing construction workers flew under the radar for years. This was the presence of asbestos at job sites. Asbestos, a mineral common in many building products, can release fibers and dust into the air when disturbed. When inhaled, an asbestos exposure can lead to a number of health problems. These include asbestosis and the following cancers: mesothelioma, lung, esophageal, gastrointestinal, laryngeal, and pharyngeal. Construction Jobs at High Risk for Asbestos Exposure and Mesothelioma Asbestos, a naturally occurring substance, was used in many construction materials because of its resistance to heat, electrical and chemical damage, sound absorption and tensile strength. One way asbestos fibers could be disturbed into the air at a construction site was when these materials were cut, shaved or ground to fit specific dimensions. This left every worker on a job site at risk for asbestos exposure, and not just those working directly with the materials. The following construction occupations are at high risk for asbestos exposure, mesothelioma and other related diseases: Carpenters Drywall Installers Insulators/ Laggers Roofers Pipefitters Electricians HVAC Mechanics Steamfitters Painters Plasterers Plumbers Masons/Bricklayers/Mixing Operatives Heavy Equipment Operators Demolition Crews Electrical Linemen and Cablemen Tile Setter Public Water/Sewer Installers Sawyer Cabinetmaker Household Appliance Installers Metal Lather Asbestos Products in the Construction Industry As mentioned above, asbestos has a unique set of properties that make it attractive as a component in construction products. Buildings built from 1950-1980 are at risk for asbestos products in roofing, flooring, walls, insulation, pipes, and fireproofing among other areas. For a more specific list please visit our Asbestos-Containing Construction Products page. Today's Constructions Workers Are Still at Risk for Asbestos Exposure Today's construction worker continues to face the dangerous risks associated with asbestos exposure. It is estimated that 1.3 million construction workers are exposed to asbestos annually. The United States began regulating asbestos in the 1970's, but it has not been banned entirely. In fact, two-thirds of the modern asbestos-containing products are created for construction materials. Workers renovating or demolishing a structure built from 1950-1980 may also be at risk of asbestos exposure. Far too often, modern construction workers are not taught proper safety procedures or given the required equipment to protect them from the dangers of asbestos. Were You Exposed to Asbestos at Your Construction Job? It is recommended that people who have spent a significant period of time working in construction get a full physical evaluation by a medical doctor. Mesothelioma, a rare and aggressive cancer caused by asbestos exposure, often takes 15-40 years to manifest and victims average only one year of life after diagnosis. Thus, it is important to catch the disease in its early stages. At-risk workers should pay close attention to any mesothelioma symptoms which include fluid in the lungs, chest pain, coughing, shortness of breath and fatigue. If you have been diagnosed with mesothelioma and believe you were exposed to asbestos at a construction job site, you may be entitled to financial compensation. To learn more about your legal options, please contact us for a free, no-obligation evaluation of your potential claim.
