Asbestos Exposures and Carpenters: Risks and Prevention

When you think about people who might have been exposed to asbestos in a significant way during their careers, carpenters might not be all that high on the list. It’s usually those in big industrial settings that we imagine first, along with anyone who was directly involved in the mining of these fibers. Unfortunately, the reach of asbestos goes far beyond mines and plants, and it even extends to people working in the carpentry field. 

This page will take a closer look at why carpentry was able to expose so many people to asbestos, and what damage could have done to those individuals. If you or a loved one is in this position, it’s good to know what you might be facing and what legal options may be available to you moving forward.

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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.

A Quick Primer on Asbestos

Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral. The tiny fibers that make up this mineral have many properties that make it appealing for a variety of applications, including some related to carpentry. Perhaps most notably, asbestos fibers are incredibly durable, so products manufactured with asbestos tended to last a very long time. 

The use of asbestos exploded in popularity once it was discovered just how useful it could be. Businesses loved not only the performance that it offered, but also the relatively affordable nature of the material compared to other options. It seemed as though industrial companies had come across a dream scenario of a material that could be used effectively in just about everything without demanding a massive investment.

However, asbestos is now widely recognized as a significant health hazard. 

Asbestos can cause many serious health problems, including cancer.

When asbestos-containing materials are damaged or disturbed, tiny fibers are released into the air. These fibers can be inhaled or ingested, leading to potential health problems in humans. Sadly, many of those health problems are extremely serious, chronic and life-threatening.

Due to the known health risks, the use of asbestos has been heavily regulated or banned in many countries. Efforts are focused on asbestos removal, proper handling, and creating safer alternatives to protect individuals from the harmful effects of this mineral.

Carpenters Were Commonly Exposed

As mentioned in the introduction, it was sadly common for carpenters who worked in this field prior to the 1980s to be exposed to asbestos on a regular basis. At the time, nothing much thought of this exposure, even if corporations did have information that working with and around asbestos was a major threat to human health. In time, it became clear that people working in carpentry (and many other fields) were starting to experience health complications that had a major impact on their quality of life – and even threatened their lives, in many cases.

The Value of Asbestos in Carpentry

As we mentioned above, asbestos is extremely useful, and it has been valued in the carpentry industry for its desirable properties. In the past, asbestos was incorporated into certain carpentry materials because of its fire-resistant nature and durability. It was commonly used in insulation, roofing materials, and cement-based products, including siding and shingles. It was also used in glues and resins. Asbestos provided excellent thermal insulation, making it attractive for carpentry applications, particularly in structures where fire safety was a concern.

Despite its advantages to carpenters, inhaling or ingesting asbestos can lead to significant health problems.

The health risks of asbestos exposure can include:

Ultimately, asbestos was used for far too long given what became known about the health risks that it poses to humans. Asbestos is only now used in a very small number of applications in the United States, and it is under strict regulation. It can still be found in many places, however, as the products that it was used to create decades ago are still out there in the world. People working in carpentry need to be careful of exposure to these products and handle them appropriately when they are found. Spray on asbestos products – drilling, sanding, working on or around it — all could lead to exposure and asbestos-related diseases.

How Asbestos Exposure Harms Humans

It’s no secret that asbestos is harmful to humans, but many people don’t know exactly what the threats are and why asbestos exposure is so dangerous. There are a number of potential health consequences to be aware of, including some that are life-threatening. Many health impacts related to asbestos only come on much later in life, so it can be difficult to connect the illness one is experiencing with the root cause from years ago. 

The most serious issue related to asbestos exposure is mesothelioma. This is a cancer that is almost exclusively related to asbestos, and it is both extremely aggressive and hard to diagnose until the later stages. A diagnosis of mesothelioma is a situation that may come along with a short life expectancy. 

Even lifelong smokers can collect compensation for asbestos damage.

Many of our clients believed they weren’t eligible to file an asbestos lawsuit because they were cigarette and cigar smokers. This isn’t true under the laws of many states.  Our database contains the medical evidence needed to show that smokers who are exposed to asbestos are far more likely to develop cancer than smokers who weren’t exposed to asbestos. Cigarettes and asbestos are far more dangerous than cigarettes or asbestos.

Even lifelong smokers can collect compensation for asbestos damage.

Many of our clients believed they weren’t eligible to file an asbestos lawsuit because hey were cigarette and cigar smokers. This isn’t true under the laws of many states.  Our database contains the medical evidence needed to show that smokers who are exposed to asbestos are far more likely to develop cancer than smokers who weren’t exposed to asbestos. Cigarettes and asbestos are far more dangerous than cigarettes or asbestos.

Mesothelioma cancer is almost exclusively caused by asbestos exposure.

In addition to mesothelioma, lung cancer is also closely related to asbestos, although there are other causes of this type of cancer as well. With asbestos fibers in the lungs, there can be a mutation of the cells and cancerous tumors may form. The combination of asbestos exposure and a history of smoking is a particularly dangerous mix. 

Even those who are able to avoid any cancers related to asbestos might wind up with a chronic lung condition known as asbestosis. This is a scarring and inflammation of lung tissue that can cut down on lung capacity and impair breathing. Asbestosis can significantly reduce quality of life. 

Like all health conditions, no two asbestos-related illness cases are exactly the same. 

While patterns do emerge in this area of medicine, each case is unique and a person will need to be treated by a doctor qualified in conditions like mesothelioma and lung cancer to create a treatment plan moving forward. 

If you worked in an industrial occupation or worksite before 1982, you were likely exposed to asbestos fibers at some point.
Asbestos is highly resistant to heat, pressure and corrosion, so it was used in many products, vehicles and buildings. In particular, many workplaces like factories, refineries, foundries and shipyards involve high amounts of heat, and were built with a lot of asbestos.

A Problem That Lingers On

There are a couple of ways that asbestos continues to harm human health. It is no longer used in the widespread manner that it once was, but that doesn’t mean that the threat is entirely gone. Plenty of people continue to get sick with asbestos-related illnesses today, and the companies responsible for those illnesses should be made to pay. 

“Generally, those who develop asbestos-related diseases show no signs of illness for a long time after exposure.” Source: National Cancer Institute (NIH)2

One way asbestos continues to cause health problems is through the latency that exists between an individual’s exposure and the onset of health problems. There can easily be decades that pass between those two points, so people who were exposed before the ‘80s might just now be dealing with the aftermath of that exposure. 

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.

Even second-hand asbestos exposure is asbestos exposure.

Second-hand exposure is also a serious concern. People who were children prior to the ‘80s and lived with a family member who was exposed to asbestos at work and brought home tiny fibers unknowingly on clothes and other materials could now be having health problems as a result. It is possible to seek and receive compensation for complications from  second-hand exposure, so even people who didn’t come directly into contact with asbestos but who suffered nevertheless should be looking at their legal options.

Seeking Well-Deserved Damages

Two pathways are available for consideration if an individual thinks asbestos has played a role in harming their health or the health of a loved one. The first path is filing a lawsuit against the company that is responsible for that harm. If you would like to have your day in court to present your arguments and fight for what you believe is yours, a lawsuit is the way to make that happen. There are risks that come along with pursuing a lawsuit, of course – you could lose the case – but many previous victims have filed such suits and come out on the winning side. 

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 >

Asbestos Trusts are generally the fastest and easiest way to received asbestos compensation (and they don’t require a lawsuit).

If you don’t want to file a lawsuit but still want to pursue the damages you believe are rightfully yours, looking into asbestos trusts is the logical alternative. There are billions of dollars in these trusts that are waiting to be accessed by people who have been harmed over the years as a result of asbestos exposure. 

Filing a claim with a trust generally requires less work and less time from start to finish than a lawsuit, so some individuals prefer this path, even if it comes with a lower potential payout from each defendant. 

Over $30 Billion is still available (No lawsuit. No fees unless you receive money. No risk.) Stake your claim.

Don’t dismiss the possibility of taking legal action in an asbestos case if you have been exposed while working as a carpenter. There are plenty of steps to complete along the way if you do decide to proceed, but the first step is gathering information and considering the various options that are on the table. Working with an attorney who deals regularly in asbestos-related cases is a great starting point.

AsbestosClaims.Law

At AsbestosClaims.Law, our mission to secure compensation for asbestos victims is more than professional; it’s personal.

Our founder, Justinian C. Lane, understands the devastating impacts of asbestos firsthand.

Both his grandparents and father, all asbestos workers, passed away from asbestos-induced cancers without realizing their eligibility for asbestos lawsuits or other forms of compensation.

We aim to prevent such tragic oversights by informing and guiding victims and their families through their legal options. 

If you or your loved ones have suffered as a result of asbestos exposure, you could be eligible for considerable compensation. These funds could provide for medical treatments, asbestos removal services, and safeguard your health. 

In addition, asbestos trusts offer compensation without the need for a lawsuit, providing a quicker, simpler path to justice.

Reach out to us at [email protected] or (206) 455-9190 for assistance with your claim. We offer compassionate listening, clear explanations, and we don’t charge a dime unless we win your case.

Beyond legal claims, we also advise on veterans’ disability, social security, and employment protection like workers’ compensation, FELA, and The Jones Act for maritime workers. 

There’s no risk or cost to connect with our experienced team about your rights. Our commitment to your well-being means no fees unless you receive compensation.

For further queries or concerns about asbestos, explore our website and YouTube page, featuring infographics, videos, and answers to common questions on asbestos-related topics.

We’ve also introduced W.A.R.D., the Worldwide Asbestos Research Database. It’s the most comprehensive resource for asbestos-related information.

W.A.R.D. assists in pinpointing potential exposure scenarios, asbestos-containing products, and can indicate the types and potential amounts of compensation you may be entitled to receive.

Don’t delay — get in touch with us today!

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5882659/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/7900729/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/8914714/
https://www.icr.ac.uk/news-archive/carpenters’-asbestos-cancer-risk
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10124803/
https://news.cancerresearchuk.org/2009/03/03/baby-boom-carpenters-at-greatest-risk-of-developing-asbestos-related-cancer/
https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1002/ajim.4700270111
https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1002/(SICI)1097-0274(199612)30:6%3C674::AID-AJIM4%3E3.0.CO;2-R
https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/pdf/10.1080/15298668391405085

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