Construction and Building Trades

For much of the 19th and 20th centuries, asbestos was a core component of construction materials, exposing carpenters, roofers, drywall installers, painters, masons, and other building trades workers to dangerous asbestos fibers. Workers handled, cut, installed, and removed asbestos-containing materials daily, often without proper protection. For example:

Drywall Installers and Painters: These workers frequently handled asbestos-containing joint compounds, textured paints, and wallboards. Sanding, cutting, or drilling these materials released fine asbestos fibers into the air, creating a hazardous environment during both installation and renovation projects.

Roofers and Flooring Workers: Roofers installed and removed asbestos shingles, roofing felt, and flashing, while flooring workers dealt with vinyl asbestos tiles, backing materials, and adhesives. The friability of these materials, especially during removal or cutting, generated airborne asbestos dust, posing significant risks.

Carpenters and General Laborers: Carpenters and laborers regularly encountered asbestos in cement boards, pipe insulation, and fireproof coatings used in residential, commercial, and industrial construction. Tasks such as sawing, drilling, or demolishing these materials often disturbed asbestos, releasing fibers into the air.

Bricklayers and Masons: These tradespeople worked with asbestos-containing mortar, refractory bricks, and insulation panels to construct fire-resistant walls, chimneys, and industrial ovens. The high-heat environments and handling of friable materials increased the likelihood of asbestos fiber release during their work.

Because these workers frequently drilled, sawed, sanded, or demolished asbestos-containing materials, they inhaled large amounts of asbestos dust, significantly increasing their risk of mesothelioma, lung cancer, and asbestosis.

Learn more about the kinds of occupations that exposed workers to asbestos.

Industries with High Asbestos Exposure for Construction and Building Trades Workers

Construction workers were employed in several high-risk industries where asbestos was extensively used due to its fire resistance, durability, and insulating properties. In residential and commercial construction, asbestos was deeply integrated into building materials, including insulation, siding, drywall, roofing, and flooring. These materials were commonly used in homes, offices, and other structures, exposing workers to asbestos fibers during installation, maintenance, or demolition.

In industrial and manufacturing facilities, workers encountered asbestos in large-scale construction projects and factory settings. Asbestos cement panels, fireproof insulation, and spray-on coatings were frequently used to protect structures and machinery from heat and fire. These materials posed significant risks, especially when disturbed during construction or repair activities.

Demolition and renovation work presented another major source of exposure. Remodeling or tearing down older buildings often disturbed asbestos-containing materials such as ceiling tiles, insulation, joint compounds, and adhesives. These activities released airborne asbestos fibers, endangering workers and anyone nearby.

Shipbuilding and maritime industries also relied heavily on asbestos. Shipyard construction workers used asbestos cement, pipe insulation, and fireproof panels to build naval and commercial ships. These materials were essential for fireproofing and thermal insulation in ships but exposed workers to hazardous fibers during installation and maintenance.

In all these industries, the widespread use of asbestos created significant health risks for construction workers, particularly when materials were disturbed, releasing fibers into the air.

Learn more about the industrial uses of asbestos.

Asbestos-Containing Products Used by Construction and Building Trades Workers

Asbestos-containing products were widely used by construction and building trades workers due to their durability, fire resistance, and affordability. Among the most common were asbestos cement products, which played a significant role in construction. These included roofing materials like corrugated sheets and shingles, siding panels for exterior cladding, asbestos-cement pipes used in water supply and drainage systems, and fire-resistant wall panels and insulation boards. These materials were often cut, drilled, or sanded during installation, which released asbestos fibers into the air, posing health risks to workers and nearby individuals .

In addition to cement products, asbestos was incorporated into a variety of construction materials to enhance their strength and fire resistance. Drywall and joint compounds, commonly used in walls and ceilings, often contained asbestos, especially in homes built before the 1980s. Vinyl asbestos floor tiles and adhesives were popular for their durability, while acoustic ceiling tiles were used for soundproofing and fire resistance. Roofing shingles reinforced with asbestos fibers were also widely used. Renovation and demolition activities involving these materials frequently disturbed them, releasing hazardous fibers into the environment .

Asbestos was also a key component in adhesives, coatings, paints, and sealants. Fireproofing sprays were applied to steel beams and other structural components, while roofing tar was used to seal and waterproof roofs. Textured ceiling coatings, such as those used in decorative popcorn ceilings, often contained asbestos, as did floor adhesives used to secure tiles. These materials posed significant risks during application, maintenance, or removal, as they could release asbestos fibers into the air .

Insulation and refractory products were another major category of asbestos use, valued for their thermal resistance and fireproofing properties. Asbestos insulation wraps were commonly applied to pipes, boilers, and ducts to prevent heat loss, while loose-fill insulation was blown into attics and walls for thermal efficiency. Fire-resistant materials, such as boards, blankets, and sprays, were used in walls, attics, and HVAC systems, particularly in industrial and commercial buildings, as well as older homes. These products often released fibers when disturbed during maintenance or demolition .

Finally, asbestos was woven into textiles to create protective clothing for workers exposed to high heat or fire risks. Heat-resistant gloves were used by welders and roofers, while coveralls provided protection for painters, carpenters, and other trades. Fire blankets, designed to smother flames in emergencies, also contained asbestos. These items, while protective, could release fibers when worn, damaged, or improperly handled, further contributing to the risk of exposure

Learn more about the kinds of products made with asbestos.

Medical Conditions Linked to Asbestos Exposure for Construction and Building Trades Workers

Construction and building trades workers were often exposed to asbestos through materials such as insulation, drywall, cement, roofing, flooring, and fireproofing products. Asbestos was widely used in residential, commercial, and industrial construction due to its durability, heat resistance, and insulating properties. However, many asbestos-containing materials were highly friable, meaning they could easily crumble or release fibers when disturbed. Activities such as cutting, drilling, sanding, or demolishing these materials released microscopic asbestos fibers into the air, which workers unknowingly inhaled.

The danger of asbestos exposure is compounded by its long latency period. Health effects often take decades to manifest, making it challenging for workers to connect their exposure to serious medical conditions. This delayed onset has left many construction workers unaware of the risks they faced until symptoms of asbestos-related diseases appeared.

Mesothelioma: Mesothelioma is a rare and aggressive cancer almost exclusively caused by asbestos exposure. Construction workers who frequently disturbed asbestos-containing materials were at particularly high risk of inhaling or ingesting asbestos fibers, which can lead to this devastating disease.

Lung Cancer: Prolonged exposure to asbestos, especially during activities like cutting asbestos cement, sanding joint compounds, or working with roofing materials, significantly increases the risk of lung cancer. The risk is further amplified for workers who smoked, as smoking and asbestos exposure have a synergistic effect on lung cancer development.

Asbestosis: Asbestosis is a chronic and progressive lung disease caused by the inhalation of asbestos fibers. These fibers cause scarring in the lungs, leading to symptoms such as shortness of breath, persistent coughing, and reduced lung function. Over time, asbestosis can severely impair quality of life and may lead to other complications.

Throat & Gastrointestinal Cancers: Asbestos exposure has been linked to cancers of the throat, stomach, and colorectal regions. Construction workers exposed to airborne asbestos dust in poorly ventilated environments may have unknowingly inhaled or ingested fibers, increasing their risk of these cancers.

Learn more about the diseases that asbestos can cause.

Our Law Firm Assists Construction and Building Trade Workers Affected by Asbestos Exposure

Construction and building trade workers were frequently exposed to asbestos while installing, repairing, and demolishing structures that contained asbestos materials. Asbestos was commonly used in insulation, drywall, cement, flooring, roofing, and fireproofing materials, putting workers at risk of inhaling asbestos fibers. Decades later, many construction workers, including carpenters, electricians, plumbers, roofers, and laborers, have developed serious illnesses such as mesothelioma, lung cancer, and asbestosis due to their exposure. If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with an asbestos-related disease, you may be entitled to compensation. Our law firm is committed to guiding construction and building trade workers through the legal process, providing comprehensive support in the following areas:

Asbestos Trust Claims: Many manufacturers and suppliers of asbestos-containing building 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 ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.

Asbestos Lawsuits: Manufacturers and suppliers of asbestos-containing construction materials can be held accountable through legal action. Workers exposed to asbestos while installing insulation, cutting drywall, working in older buildings, or demolishing structures 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, shipyard facilities, or base infrastructure may be eligible for veterans’ disability benefits. These claims provide essential financial support for affected individuals and their families.