Occupations at Risk for Developing Mesothelioma: Construction Workers
The Danger is Real
Despite today’s restricted usage of asbestos in construction settings compared to the 1970s and earlier, the construction industry is still a high-risk occupation for the possibility of mesothelioma, lung cancer, asbestosis or another asbestos related illness. Construction workers are frequently exposed to asbestos in the course of their work, some for prolonged periods of time. Within 10-50 years of exposure, some of these workers (and/or perhaps their family members) will contract mesothelioma, a deadly form of cancer directly linked to asbestos.
How Construction Workers Get Exposed
Valued for its fire-retardant qualities, asbestos was used extensively in buildings and construction materials up until the 1980s. When asbestos was found to be a cancer-causing agent in the 1970s, the EPA and the Consumer Product Safety Commission began issuing a series of bans on its use, and many manufacturers voluntarily stopped using it. In 1989, the EPA issued its final ban on most asbestos-containing products, but a Federal Court of Appeals overturned the ban in 1991. As a result, some construction products like roofing tiles, prefabricated cement and corrugated sheeting still contain at least small amounts of asbestos.The upshot is that although asbestos is largely absent from most new constructions, many buildings built prior to 1980 still contain asbestos. Therefore, even with specified handling precautions in place, construction workers still regularly face exposure to asbestos when doing demolition/renovation work on these structures, as well as when working with roofing materials and prefabricated cement.
Workers Most at Risk:
In most cases, the amount of risk for mesothelioma and other diseases is evaluated based on how often asbestos exposure occurs, and for how long. Workers who receive the most exposure include:
- Insulation workers
- Demolition workers
- Flooring installers
- Home renovators
- Roofers
- Brick layers
- Carpenters
- Wrecking crews
- Tile setters
- Masonry workers
- Drywall hangers
- Crane & bulldozer operators
- Pipefitters
- Plumbers
- Roofers
Possibility of Secondary Exposure
Construction workers aren’t the only people at risk; their families may also be exposed to asbestos due to secondary exposure. Asbestos fibers settle and lodge in clothing, as well as on hair and skin. Unless workers take proper precautions by changing clothes and showering, they can bring asbestos home to their families.
If You Are at Risk
Here’s the good news: Most people exposed to asbestos will not get sick. However, you can minimize your risk by getting regular screenings from your doctor—early detection can increase your life expectancy. Also, if you smoke, quit smoking, as tobacco use may increase your chances of getting mesothelioma, asbestosis or another asbestos-related disease.If you have contracted mesothelioma as a result of exposure to asbestos, you may be entitled to compensation from a variety of sources and trust funds established for these injuries. Call the offices of Madeksho Law Firm at 1-888-910-MESO for a free consultation
