Asbestos Exposure and Tile Setters | Risks and Prevention

Asbestos exposure is a significant risk for those who have worked in the construction industry. While it is true that exposure risks are not limited to a certain trade, some trades may carry a comparatively higher risk than others because of the sheer amount of asbestos use and exposure. One trade that people should be aware of in relation to asbestos exposure is tile setters. Here’s what you need to know about the risk of asbestos exposure and the steps that should be taken to prevent those risks.

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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.

Asbestos Use in the Construction Industry

Imagine a material that could be used from A-Z in the construction industry. Could such a material exist? What if it was a natural mineral that was relatively cheap to manufacture and came in a variety of types to suit various applications? On top of that, what if it was resistant to things like heat, electricity conductivity, and corrosion? 

Asbestos: The Miracle Mineral with a dark side

It turns out that such material does exist, and it’s what we know of as asbestos. In fact, this material was called the miracle mineral specifically because of how versatile it was from A-Z. Asbestos is actually a label used to describe a group of different minerals. 

Asbestos minerals come in different fiber shapes, meaning that different types of asbestos can best be used for different types of construction applications and products. Some of the more common asbestos products include drywall, cement, paint, sealants, vinyl, and tile. Of course, these products have to be manufactured before the final product is used in the construction phase- meaning that various industrial sites throughout the process (factories, refineries, foundries, shipyards) also carry high exposure risks.

People who worked in these industries prior the mid-1980s have a higher risk of developing asbestos-related diseases:

Unfortunately so do their families.

Asbestos Use in Tile-Setting

Tile-setting includes the process of measuring, cutting, and installing tile, marble, or slate, however, tile setters may also install other types of flooring such as wood or carpet. Depending on the construction needs (residential, commercial, industrial, etc.) the type of installation may change. 

For example, a tile setter may work in the construction environment of a residential home, a shipyard industrial shop, or even on board a submarine. Because of this, the materials being used by a tile setter during the installation process can range from plasters, sealants, cement, and fireproofing mastics. Unfortunately, many of these materials previously contained asbestos. Asbestos was used in these materials as a way to apply heat resistance and other types of protection. 

High Risk for Tile Setters Active Prior to Mid-1980s

Today there are various OSHA standards and EPA regulations available to address the presence of asbestos in the construction industry. However, prior to the ban and phasing out of asbestos in the mid-1980s, the prevalence of asbestos in construction environments was thorough. 

Even walls, ceilings and nearby machinery may have sprayed-on applications of asbestos for fireproofing purposes. This kind of environment for tile setters and other construction workers meant that you were literally surrounded by different forms of asbestos. Despite the fact that the dangers concerning asbestos exposure had been reported and documented for decades, the general public and workers were either kept in the dark or lied to about the danger of asbestos altogether. 

Continual Risk After the 1980s

While many asbestos-containing materials have been slowly phased out after the EPA ban in the 1980s, any home or property built before that time still contains asbestos. This means that tile setters are still at risk today when working in older buildings. Some of the more common situations include working on renovation projects or repair projects after flood, wind, or fire damage.

Health Risks of Asbestos Exposure

Being exposed to asbestos fibers can have detrimental health consequences, such as various types of cancer and lung diseases. Ongoing research continues to show more connections between various types of asbestos exposure and cancer, including laryngeal cancer. By far, the most common form of cancer related to asbestos is mesothelioma. In fact, the majority of mesothelioma cases are caused by asbestos exposure. Issues of lung cancer or lung-related diseases caused by asbestos can often be fatal. However, even when this does not prove to be fatal, it often is debilitating to one’s quality of life.

Asbestos Latency

However, one of the greatest issues with asbestos exposure is the issue of latency. Asbestos fibers are microscopic and they do not have any smell or taste. This means that most people are unaware that they have ingested or swallowed asbestos fibers, and it can take decades for exposure symptoms to appear.

It’s important to know that this concern applies to anyone who may have been exposed to asbestos fibers, including the spouse or children of tile setters. This is because tiny asbestos fibers can stick to clothing and tools, causing them to be carried from the workplace and into homes. When this happens, it’s called second-hand asbestos exposure.

Legal Options for Tile Setters Exposed to Asbestos 

The good news is, there are various legal options available for those who have suffered from asbestos exposure. An asbestos claims attorney can help those who have been exposed to any amount of asbestos by guiding them through the entire process of filing a claim that is best for their situation.

Going to court for an asbestos claim can be a complicated process, but it doesn’t have to be. While this may be the best option in order to receive compensation for treating an asbestos-related disease, it is important to know that there are many instances where compensation can be received without the need to go to court.

Over $30 Billion is still available (without a lawsuit). Stake your claim.

Asbestos Trusts

This option is known as asbestos trusts, which are made up of over $30 billion of funds set aside by asbestos companies and their insurers in order to compensate people who have been injured by asbestos. Each fund has its own requirements for qualifying, but it is important to know that since they were set up as a way to avoid court, they often provide the fastest results for receiving compensation. 

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 >

Specific Trusts for Tile Setters

As mentioned, multiple asbestos trusts exist, and each of them has its own qualification requirements. Several asbestos trusts related specifically to tile setters include Turner and Newall, as well as Metex Manufacturing Corporation.

General Trusts for Construction

Finding a trust specific to the tile set is not always necessary. There are various trusts that exist for construction in general, which often include tile setters. It can feel overwhelming when trying to determine what kind of claim is best for you, or whether your work history is applicable. Asbestos Claims has a helpful database for trusts including ABB Lummus, WRG, Bondex, Halliburton Company, Armstrong World Industries, and many more.

People who worked in these industries prior the mid-1980s have a higher risk of developing asbestos-related diseases:

Construction	Factories	Foundries	Refineries	Shipyards	Mining / Milling
Demolition	Insulation	Steelworkers	Pipe Fitting	Shipbuilding	Mechanics
Roofing	Textiles	Iron workers	Boilers	Firefighting	Brake Repair
Flooring	Cement	Electricians	Gasket Repair	Railroad	HVAC

Unfortunately so do their families.

Secondary Asbestos Exposure

Additionally, it is important to know that those who have been exposed secondhand are still entitled to file a claim. Not only it this possible to do- it is quite common. The issue is simply linking any type of exposure, whether someone was a tile setter or exposed by a tile setter.

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 >

Introducing the largest asbestos info database on the planet (we call it W.A.R.D.)

Worldwide Asbestos Research Database

To help determine a link between your own situation and asbestos exposure, Asbestos Claims is home to the largest database for asbestos-related information. This database is known as the Worldwide Asbestos Research Database (W.A.R.D.). 

This free online research database can look up city and state-specific industries and their connection to asbestos exposure. This tool is a crucial piece in showing how asbestos exposure is linked to you, and moving through the process of receiving compensation. An asbestos attorney can help you throughout this entire process. If you or someone you know has been exposed to asbestos as a tile setter, reach out to the professionals at AsbestosClaims.law right away.

AsbestosClaims.Law

For Justinian C. Lane, getting compensation for asbestos victims is personal.

Justinian’s grandparents and his father all worked with asbestos in their younger years and died from asbestos-related cancers in their later years.  

At the time of each of their deaths, no one in Justinian’s family knew that they were eligible to file an asbestos lawsuit and to seek compensation from the asbestos trusts.

Because no one in Justinian’s family knew their options, they never received any compensation for the death of their loved ones. 

If you believe that you or your family member’s injury was related to asbestos exposure, you could be entitled to significant compensation.

This is money you could use to cover the costs of asbestos removal services, pay for medical treatment, and preemptively protect your physical well-being. 

There are also asbestos trusts that offer compensation much more quickly and easily (without filing a lawsuit.)

If you’d like help with filing a claim, please get in touch by email at [email protected], or call or text us at (833) 4-ASBESTOS (427-2378) or (206) 455-9190. We’ll listen to your story and explain your options. And we never charge for anything unless you receive money in your pocket.

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.

There is no risk or cost to speak with one of our staff about your asbestos litigation. There are no fees unless you receive money.

If you have any additional questions or concerns related to asbestos, check out our website and YouTube page for videos, infographics and answers to your questions about asbestos, including health and safety, asbestos testing, removing asbestos from your home and building, and legal information about compensation for asbestos injuries.

Introducing the largest database of asbestos information on the planet.

W.A.R.D., which stands for the Worldwide Asbestos Research Database, helps clients to narrow down when and where they may have been exposed, as well as which products may still contain asbestos. W.A.R.D. will also help indicate compensation types and how much a person may be entitled to.

1 National Cancer Institute (NIH), Asbestos Fact Sheet.
2 National Cancer Institute (NIH), Asbestos Fact Sheet.