Asbestos Exposure and Stonemasons: Risks and Prevention
Asbestos, once widely used in various industries, poses significant health risks to individuals exposed to its fibers. People who worked in construction prior to the mid-1980s, including stonemasons, were particularly susceptible to asbestos exposure, with one study finding construction to represent 44% of industry-specific exposure.
Here, we’ll delve into the basics of asbestos, its historical use in the construction industry, the specific risks it poses to stonemasonry, and the legal options available for those affected.
!
If you believe that you were exposed to asbestos, even as a child, speak to a healthcare provider about tests and screening to help diagnose lung-scarring and screen for asbestos-related diseases.
What is Asbestos and Why Was it Used in the Industry?
Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that possesses unique properties such as heat resistance, durability, and insulation capabilities. These qualities made asbestos an attractive material for various applications in the construction industry. It was commonly used in the following materials:
Ceiling tiles
Asphalt roof shingles
Wall and attic insulation
Textured paints and patching compounds
Insulation materials for furnaces, boilers, and ducts
Carpet underlays
Vinyl floor tiles
Other building materials
Asbestos was extensively used in home construction, particularly in houses built before the 1980s. This means that many homes constructed in the 1920s and onward are likely to contain asbestos.
Asbestos Roofing and Its Risks
Roofing was one area of construction where asbestos found wide application. It was used in various roofing materials due to its fireproof qualities, strength, and durability. Roofing contractors employed asbestos in the production of shingles, underlayment paper, and cement.
The process of installing an asbestos-containing roof involved several steps. First, an adhesive underlayment was applied to the roof to prevent water from entering the structure. Paper, also known as felt paper or tar paper, was then added to reinforce the underlayment and further safeguard against leaks. Starter shingles were placed to enhance water resistance, followed by the installation of overlapping shingles fastened with nails. Flashing and cement sealants were utilized to seal gaps and ensure the roof’s integrity.
It is important to note that asbestos was commonly used in asphalt shingles before the 1980s. As a result, houses constructed prior to this period, especially those with asphalt shingles, may contain asbestos in their roofing materials. This inclusion of asbestos made the roofs fire-resistant, offering protection against potential fires.
“All forms of asbestos are carcinogenic to humans.”1
Asbestos in Cement and Its Implications
Cement, a binding agent used in construction, has a long history dating back to ancient times. As its use expanded, builders sought ways to reinforce concrete in wet environments. Asbestos was a fitting solution due to its reinforcing, insulating, and fireproofing properties. By incorporating asbestos fibers into the cement mixture, builders gained the benefits of both materials.
While the use of asbestos-laced concrete decreased significantly after 1980, structures built before that time likely contain asbestos in their walls and around pipes. Furthermore, lax oversight in some production areas led to the continued use of asbestos-containing cement even after its risks were well-documented. As a result, stonemasons working with cement were at risk of exposure to asbestos fibers.
Asbestos fibers have no taste or smell.
You may not know you’re breathing them.
What is Stonemasonry and Why was Asbestos Useful for it?
Stonemasonry involves the construction, repair, and restoration of stone structures. Asbestos found its way into various aspects of this trade due to its resistance to heat and other elements. It was commonly used in cements, adhesive products, and insulation materials (thermal, electrical, and plumbing). Even if stonemasons didn’t directly work with asbestos, they frequently encountered it in their surroundings.
“The overall evidence suggests there is no safe level of asbestos exposure.”Source: National Cancer Institute (NIH)2 |
Protective Measures and Historical Lack of Awareness
Protecting workers from asbestos exposure requires the implementation of preventive measures such as wearing masks and specialized clothing like Nomex coveralls. Unfortunately, for many decades, these asbestos safety precautions were not widely practiced. Employees and consumers were often misinformed or not informed at all about the dangers of asbestos.
“Generally, those who develop asbestos-related diseases show no signs of illness for a long time after exposure.”Source: National Cancer Institute (NIH)3 |
Many Asbestos Products Replaced, but Lingering Risks Remain
Over time, numerous asbestos-containing products have been replaced with safer alternatives. However, due to the latency period associated with asbestos-related diseases, those who worked with asbestos long ago may only begin experiencing symptoms now.
Moreover, second-hand exposure is another concern, as family members of workers exposed to asbestos may have unknowingly encountered the fibers and could develop health issues years later.
Several health studies have shown that the spouses of asbestos workers are at an elevated level of risk for asbestos illnesses like lung cancer.4 5 6 7
Stonemasons face significant risks associated with dust and fume exposure in their line of work.
The dust generated during stonemasonry operations can lead to irritation in the eyes, nose, and throat, while the inhalation of fine respirable dust poses long-term health hazards. The concerning reality is that the death rate from silicosis among stonemasons is a staggering 43 times higher than the national average for the total working population in the UK.
The health risks of asbestos exposure can include:
| Mesothelioma: cancer of the mesothelium, the thin layer of tissue surrounding the body’s organs. This cancer is only known to be caused by asbestos exposure. | Lung cancer |
| Laryngeal cancer: cancer of the larynx (section of the throat called the voicebox) | Ovarian cancer |
| Stomach cancer | Colon cancer |
| Pharyngeal cancer | Asbestosis: a chronic lung disease associated with asbestos exposure |
| Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) | Atelectasis (collapsed lung) |
| Pleural effusion (collection of fluid around the lungs) | Pericardial effusion (collection of fluid around the heart) |
Asbestos and Silica: A Double Health Hazard for Stonemasons
Ironically, silica played a role in the discovery and diagnosis of asbestosis, a disease caused by asbestos exposure. However, now silica itself is making headlines as a significant danger, drawing comparisons to asbestos, especially in the context of stonemasonry.
Crystalline silica, found in various materials such as stone, rock, sand, gravel, clay, bricks, tiles, and concrete, poses a serious threat to the health of stonemasons. In recent years, the deaths of numerous stonemasons who have worked on benchtops have been linked to crystalline silica exposure. As a result, legal action is being taken against manufacturers, and authorities are bracing themselves for a potential health crisis that could surpass the impact of asbestos.
Silica dust causes silicosis; asbestos dust causes asbestosis (and cancer).
Silica dust, which is approximately 100 times smaller than a grain of sand, can lead to severe health conditions including lung cancer, silicosis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and kidney disease. The inhalation of this fine dust during stonemasonry work puts workers at risk of developing these debilitating illnesses.
The alarming statistics paint a grim picture of the impact of silica on stonemasons. Over in Australia, WorkCover Queensland has already accepted 164 worker compensation claims for silicosis from stonemasons in the benchtop industry. WorkSafe Victoria has received 28 claims related to silica-related conditions in 2018, with 15 deaths recorded since 1985. Additionally, SafeWork NSW has reported 12 cases of silicosis, while Tasmania has recorded five cases.
A 2014 study into occupational lung cancer claims among Korean workers filed between 1994 and 2011 found that the primary carcinogenic exposure was that of asbestos, followed by silica.
The resurgence of silicosis as a significant health concern highlights the urgent need for heightened awareness, strict regulations, and protective measures within the stonemasonry industry. It serves as a stark reminder that the risks associated with asbestos and silica continue to threaten the health and lives of workers, emphasizing the importance of comprehensive safety practices to protect those in the construction and related industries.
Do You Qualify For Compensation?
Quickly and easily find out how you were exposed by searching W.A.R.D., the largest asbestos database on the planet.
FREE SEARCH >Legal Options for Asbestos-Related Claims
Individuals affected by asbestos exposure have legal options to seek compensation. Asbestos-related claims can be pursued through various channels, including asbestos trust funds and legal settlements. Trust funds were established by bankrupt asbestos companies to compensate victims of asbestos-related diseases. These trusts cover a wide range of industries, including construction, and provide avenues for both direct and second-hand exposure claims.
Over $30 Billion is still available (No lawsuit. No fees unless you receive money. No risk.) Stake your claim.  |
Asbestos Trusts: Compensation for asbestos claims, with no lawsuit, no up-front costs, no risk.
For stonemasons specifically, some trusts relevant to the construction industry may apply. Examples of such trusts include the Swan Transportation Company Trust, ABB Lummus Global, and WR Grace & Co. These trusts recognize the risks associated with asbestos exposure and aim to compensate those who have suffered as a result.
Additionally, second-hand exposure cases involving individuals expo
Sharing a home or vehicle with someone wearing asbestos-tainted clothing puts you at risk of asbestos-related diseases.8
No Stone Unturned for your Asbestos Claim
As a construction trade, stonemasonry carried inherent risks of asbestos exposure due to the extensive use of asbestos-containing materials. Stonemasons, along with other construction workers, faced potential health hazards from asbestos fibers. Understanding the history, risks, and legal options surrounding asbestos exposure is crucial for individuals seeking compensation and justice in the face of asbestos-related diseases.
AsbestosClaims.Law
Asbestos claims aren’t just a day in the office for Justinian C. Lane.
They’re a mission.
In the past, workers exposed to asbestos were kept in the dark about the dangers of asbestos exposure. Among those workers were Justinian’s grandparents and his own father.
Unfortunately, they were also kept in the dark about the compensation options available to them, such as asbestos lawsuits and trust funds. In their later years, they died from asbestos-related cancers.
Because no one in Justinian’s family knew their options, they never received any compensation for the death of their loved ones.
Today, we’re working to turn the tide.
Significant compensation may be available to you if you have contracted an asbestos-related illness or injury. This includes workers as well as family members who have been exposed.
Compensation is your key to receiving the medical treatment you need, funding asbestos removal services, and maintaining your physical well-being.
Want to know one of the quickest and easiest ways to receive compensation? Let us talk to you about asbestos trust claims. This option can often avoid lawsuits altogether.
We want to hear your story, and more importantly, we want to bring redemption to it.
Need help filing a claim? No problem, you can email us at [email protected].
Would you rather talk over the phone? Simply call or text us, at (206) 455-9190.
You won’t pay a penny to us unless you receive money first, so there’s no risk.
In addition to legal claims, veterans disability, social security and employment protection like workers compensation, FELA and The Jones Act for maritime workers, there are asbestos trusts that have been set up to compensate those harmed by asbestos without having to file a lawsuit.
The dangers of asbestos used to be an industry-guarded secret kept from suffering people like Justinian’s family. Not anymore. We’re bringing you the truth.
We’ve created numerous resources to help answer your questions and empower you with the information you need to know and act on.
Our website has a wealth of information dedicated to things like health and safety, asbestos testing, asbestos removal, and legal information about compensation for asbestos injuries.
Are you a visual learner? No problem!
Our YouTube page has infographics, an asbestos history series, and other helpful resources for you to check out!
| Not sure where or when you were exposed to asbestos? Let W.A.R.D. help you! The Worldwide Asbestos Research Database (W.A.R.D) is the largest asbestos information database, period. If you need answers related to specific locations, products, or what type of compensation may be available to you due to asbestos exposure, W.A.R.D. is the place to start. |
Working with us is risk-free. Unless you receive compensation money, there are NO FEES! Speak to us about asbestos litigation today.
Smokers exposed to asbestos are up to 50 times more likely to develop lung cancer than nonsmokers who aren’t exposed.9 |
1 IARC Working Group on the Evaluation of Carcinogenic Risks to Humans. Arsenic, metals, fibres, and dusts. IARC Monographs on the Evaluation of Carcinogenic Risks to Humans. 2012 ;100(Pt C):11-465. PMID: 23189751.
2 National Cancer Institute (NIH), Asbestos Fact Sheet.
3 National Cancer Institute (NIH), Asbestos Fact Sheet.
4 Ferrante, D., Bertolotti, M., Todesco, A., Mirabelli, D., Terracini, B. and Magnani, C., 2007. Cancer mortality and incidence of mesothelioma in a cohort of wives of asbestos workers in Casale Monferrato, Italy. Environmental Health Perspectives, 115(10), pp.1401-1405.
5 Miller, A., 2005. Mesothelioma in household members of asbestos‐exposed workers: 32 United States cases since 1990. American journal of industrial medicine, 47(5), pp.458-462.
6 Reid, A., Heyworth, J., De Klerk, N. and Musk, A.W., 2008. The mortality of women exposed environmentally and domestically to blue asbestos at Wittenoom, Western Australia. Occupational and environmental medicine, 65(11), pp.743-749.
7 İşten, B.H.S.T.O. and Maruziyetler, E.T., 2021. Exposures Moved from Work to Home as a Public Health Hazard.
8 Anua, S.M., Semple, S., Shakri, S.F.M., Safuan, S., Mazlan, N. and Asri, A.A.M., 2019. A review of the take-home exposure pathway of workplace hazards. International Journal of Medical Toxicology & Legal Medicine, 22(3and4), pp.13-19.
9 Klebe, S., Leigh, J., Henderson, D.W. and Nurminen, M., 2020. Asbestos, smoking and lung cancer: an update. International journal of environmental research and public health, 17(1), p.258.