Construction

The construction industry has been a driving force behind urbanization and infrastructure development, shaping the modern world with buildings, roads, and other essential structures. This industry requires materials that are durable, versatile, and capable of withstanding a variety of environmental and mechanical stresses. Historically, the construction sector relied heavily on innovative materials to meet these demands, and asbestos emerged as one of the most widely used substances in the 20th century. From residential homes to large-scale industrial facilities, asbestos was incorporated into numerous construction products due to its unique properties and cost-effectiveness.

Why Asbestos was Used in the Construction Industry

Asbestos became a staple in construction because of its remarkable strength, heat resistance, and insulating properties. It was used extensively in products such as asbestos-cement sheets, roofing tiles, insulation for walls and pipes, and fireproofing materials. Its ability to reinforce cement and other composites made it ideal for creating durable, lightweight building materials that could resist cracking and wear over time. Additionally, asbestos was valued for its fireproofing capabilities, making it a critical component in fire-resistant coatings, ceiling tiles, and spray-on insulation. These attributes, combined with its affordability and availability, made asbestos a go-to material in construction until its health hazards were fully understood, leading to its decline and eventual regulation in many countries.

Types of Asbestos Used in the Industry

The construction industry extensively utilized various types of asbestos fibers, each chosen for its specific properties that enhanced the durability, safety, and functionality of building materials:

Chrysotile (White Asbestos): Chrysotile was the most widely used type of asbestos in the construction industry due to its flexibility, tensile strength, and resistance to heat and chemicals. It was commonly incorporated into cement products, roofing materials, floor tiles, and insulation. These applications leveraged chrysotile’s ability to reinforce materials while providing fireproofing and thermal insulation.

Amosite (Brown Asbestos): Amosite was valued in the construction industry for its superior heat resistance and strength. It was frequently used in thermal insulation products, such as pipe insulation and insulating boards, as well as in fireproofing materials for structural steel frameworks. Its durability made it ideal for applications requiring long-term performance under high-temperature conditions.

Crocidolite (Blue Asbestos): Crocidolite was used in specific construction applications where resistance to chemicals and high temperatures was critical. It was often found in spray-on coatings, cement products, and insulation materials, particularly in environments exposed to harsh conditions.

The construction industry relied on asbestos for its unique combination of properties, including fire resistance, durability, and versatility, which made it a key component in many building materials. However, the health risks associated with asbestos exposure have led to its widespread replacement with safer alternatives in modern construction practices.

Common Types of Asbestos Products in the Construction Industry

The construction industry was one of the largest consumers of asbestos due to its durability, fire resistance, and insulating properties. Asbestos was incorporated into a wide range of building materials and products to enhance their performance and longevity. Common types of asbestos products used in the construction industry include:

Asbestos-Cement Sheets and Pipes: Asbestos-cement sheets were extensively used for roofing, siding, and cladding in residential, commercial, and industrial buildings. These sheets were valued for their strength, resistance to weathering, and low maintenance requirements. Asbestos-cement pipes were commonly used for water supply lines, drainage systems, and flue pipes due to their resistance to corrosion, lightweight nature, and durability.

Asbestos Insulation Materials: Asbestos was a key component in thermal insulation materials applied to pipes, boilers, and walls. These materials provided excellent heat resistance and fireproofing, making them ideal for industrial facilities, power plants, and residential buildings. Asbestos insulation was also used in spray-applied coatings for structural steel to enhance fire resistance.

Asbestos Roofing Shingles: Roofing shingles containing asbestos were popular for their durability, resistance to fire, and ability to withstand harsh weather conditions. These shingles were commonly used in residential and commercial buildings, offering a long-lasting and low-maintenance roofing solution.

Asbestos Floor Tiles: Asbestos floor tiles were widely installed in residential, commercial, and industrial buildings. These tiles were valued for their strength, fire-resistant properties, and ability to withstand heavy foot traffic. They were available in various colors and designs, making them a versatile flooring option.

Spray-On Asbestos Coatings: Spray-on asbestos coatings were used for fireproofing steel girders, beams, and other structural elements in buildings. These coatings also provided thermal insulation and soundproofing, making them a common choice for large commercial and industrial structures.

Asbestos-Containing Paints: Asbestos was added to certain paints to improve their durability, fire resistance, and insulating properties. These paints were used on walls, ceilings, and structural components in both residential and industrial settings. Asbestos-containing paints were particularly valued for their ability to resist cracking and peeling under high temperatures.

Asbestos-Containing Drywall and Joint Compounds: Drywall and joint compounds often contained asbestos to enhance their strength, fire resistance, and soundproofing capabilities. Asbestos was used in the drywall itself as well as in the joint compounds applied to seal seams and gaps between drywall panels. These products were widely used in residential and commercial construction.

Loose-Fill Asbestos Insulation: Loose-fill asbestos insulation was used in attics, walls, and other spaces to provide thermal insulation and fireproofing. This type of insulation was often made from raw asbestos fibers or vermiculite contaminated with asbestos. It was lightweight, easy to install, and effective at reducing heat transfer.

Companies That Manufactured Asbestos Products

Several companies were prominent in producing asbestos-containing materials for the construction industry. These include:

Johns-Manville Corporation: Johns-Manville was one of the largest and most influential manufacturers of asbestos-containing products. The company produced a wide array of materials, including asbestos-cement products (such as pipes and sheets), insulation materials, and roofing shingles. Johns-Manville’s asbestos insulation was particularly popular in industrial and residential applications due to its excellent thermal resistance and fireproofing properties. The company also manufactured asbestos textiles and brake linings, further diversifying its product portfolio. However, Johns-Manville faced significant legal and financial challenges as the health risks of asbestos became widely recognized.

National Gypsum Company: National Gypsum was a major producer of construction materials, including asbestos-containing wallboards, joint compounds, and adhesives. The company’s asbestos wallboards were widely used in residential and commercial construction for their fire resistance and durability. Joint compounds containing asbestos were applied to seal seams and gaps in drywall installations, providing a smooth and fire-resistant finish. National Gypsum’s products were integral to mid-20th-century construction projects, but the company later faced lawsuits related to asbestos exposure.

CertainTeed Corporation: CertainTeed was a prominent manufacturer of asbestos-cement products, including pipes, roofing shingles, and siding materials. Asbestos-cement pipes were particularly valued for their resistance to corrosion and durability, making them a popular choice for water supply and drainage systems. The company’s roofing shingles and siding materials were also widely used due to their fire resistance and weatherproofing capabilities. CertainTeed’s asbestos products were commonly found in both residential and industrial settings.

GAF Corporation: GAF Corporation was well-known for its asbestos-based roofing materials, including shingles and roofing felts. These products were widely used in construction due to their durability, fire resistance, and ability to withstand harsh weather conditions. GAF also produced asbestos insulation materials, which were used in both residential and industrial applications. The company’s roofing products were a staple in mid-20th-century construction, but like other manufacturers, GAF faced significant legal and financial repercussions as the dangers of asbestos became apparent.

Owens-Corning Fiberglas Corporation: Owens-Corning was a major producer of insulation materials, including asbestos-containing insulation products. The company’s asbestos insulation was widely used in residential, commercial, and industrial buildings for its thermal resistance and fireproofing properties. Owens-Corning also manufactured other construction-related products that incorporated asbestos, such as roofing materials and adhesives. The company became a leading name in the insulation industry but later faced substantial liabilities due to asbestos-related health claims.

The widespread use of asbestos in the construction industry was driven by its versatility and cost-effectiveness. However, the health risks associated with asbestos exposure have led to strict regulations and the development of safer, non-asbestos alternatives in modern construction practices.

Construction Workers are at Risk of Asbestos-Related Diseases

Construction workers, particularly those involved in building, renovation, demolition, and maintenance, face a significant risk of asbestos exposure. Historically, asbestos was extensively used in the construction industry due to its exceptional durability, fire resistance, and insulating properties. It was commonly found in materials such as insulation, roofing, flooring, cement, and drywall. However, the handling, cutting, or disturbance of these materials often released hazardous asbestos fibers into the air, putting workers at risk. Medical research has conclusively demonstrated that asbestos exposure can lead to the following health complications:

Mesothelioma – Construction workers are at an elevated risk of developing mesothelioma, a rare and aggressive cancer, due to inhaling airborne asbestos fibers. These fibers were often released during tasks such as cutting asbestos-containing cement, removing old insulation, or demolishing buildings with asbestos materials .

Lung Cancer – The repair, renovation, or demolition of buildings frequently involved disturbing asbestos-containing materials, such as insulation, roofing, and flooring. This disturbance released asbestos fibers into the air, significantly increasing the risk of lung cancer for workers who inhaled them. For decades, the construction industry relied heavily on asbestos without fully disclosing its dangers, leaving workers vulnerable .

Throat Cancer – Inhalation of asbestos fibers during tasks such as sanding, drilling, or cutting asbestos-containing materials can lead to cancers of the larynx and pharynx. Poor ventilation and insufficient protective equipment in the past further exacerbated this risk for construction workers.

Stomach Cancer – Workers could inadvertently ingest asbestos fibers, particularly if they ate or drank in contaminated areas or failed to follow proper hygiene practices. This exposure has been linked to an increased risk of stomach cancer over time. Construction sites with poor dust control measures contributed to this risk .

Colon Cancer – Known as colorectal cancer, this condition may result from ingesting asbestos fibers. Construction workers were frequently exposed to airborne fibers, which could settle on surfaces and contaminate food or drinks, contributing to the development of this type of cancer .

Asbestosis – This chronic lung disease, caused by the inhalation of asbestos fibers, leads to scarring of lung tissue and significant breathing difficulties. Asbestosis is a direct result of prolonged exposure to asbestos in the workplace, particularly during tasks such as removing or installing asbestos-containing insulation or cement .

Construction workers played a vital role in building the infrastructure we rely on today. However, the nature of their work placed them at significant risk of asbestos exposure. Modern safety protocols, including the use of personal protective equipment (PPE), proper ventilation, and strict adherence to asbestos abatement regulations, are essential to protect workers from the long-term health effects of asbestos exposure.

Learn more about the diseases asbestos can cause.

Asbestos Exposure in the Construction Industry

The construction industry was one of the largest consumers of asbestos due to its durability, fire resistance, and insulating properties. Workers in this industry were exposed to asbestos during a wide range of tasks, particularly those involving the installation, maintenance, or demolition of asbestos-containing materials (ACMs). Common sources of exposure included asbestos insulation, roofing materials, cement products, floor tiles, and joint compounds.

Construction workers installing or cutting asbestos-containing insulation for pipes, boilers, and walls were at high risk of exposure, as these tasks released asbestos fibers into the air. Similarly, cutting, drilling, or sawing asbestos cement sheets, roofing shingles, or siding materials generated significant amounts of airborne asbestos dust. Workers applying or sanding asbestos-containing joint compounds during drywall installation were also frequently exposed.

Demolition and renovation activities posed some of the highest risks, as disturbing old asbestos-containing materials released large quantities of fibers into the environment. Tasks such as tearing down walls, removing old insulation, or breaking apart asbestos cement products created hazardous conditions for both workers directly involved and those nearby. Even sweeping or cleaning up debris from these activities could stir up asbestos fibers, further increasing exposure risks.

The risk of take-home exposure was a serious concern in the construction industry. Workers often carried asbestos fibers home on their clothing, shoes, and tools, unknowingly exposing their family members to this hazardous material. Simple household activities, such as shaking out or washing contaminated work clothes, could release asbestos fibers into the air, putting family members at risk of developing asbestos-related diseases like mesothelioma and asbestosis. This highlights the widespread and long-lasting impact of asbestos exposure in the construction industry, affecting not only workers but also their loved ones.

Our Law Firm Assists Construction Industry Workers with Asbestos-Related Conditions

Construction workers frequently encountered asbestos while working with insulation, roofing materials, cement, drywall, flooring, and other building products that contained asbestos. Many were exposed to airborne asbestos fibers while cutting, drilling, or demolishing asbestos-containing materials, putting them at risk of developing serious diseases like mesothelioma, lung cancer, and asbestosis. If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with an asbestos-related illness, you may be entitled to compensation. Our law firm is committed to guiding construction workers and their families through the legal process, providing comprehensive support in the following areas:

Asbestos Trust Claims
Many manufacturers and suppliers of asbestos-containing construction materials have established trust funds to compensate workers diagnosed with asbestos-related diseases. Filing a claim with these trusts does not require a lawsuit and can provide financial relief for medical expenses, lost wages, and other costs. Our legal team can help determine your eligibility and maximize your claim.

Asbestos Lawsuits
Companies that manufactured, supplied, or improperly handled asbestos-containing construction materials can be held accountable through legal action. Construction workers who developed asbestos-related diseases from exposure to products such as insulation, cement, flooring, or roofing materials may be eligible to file a lawsuit. Compensation from these lawsuits can help cover medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages. Our experienced attorneys are dedicated to fighting for the rights of construction industry workers.

Asbestos Disability Claims
Workers diagnosed with asbestos-related conditions may qualify for Social Security disability benefits if their illness prevents them from working. Additionally, veterans who were exposed to asbestos while working on military construction projects or in shipyards may be eligible for veterans’ disability benefits. These claims can provide essential financial support for affected individuals and their families.