Drywall Construction and Asbestos Exposure - (1979)

Drywall Construction and Asbestos Exposure: A Legal Perspective on Health Risks and Compensation

Abstract
The study "Drywall Construction and Asbestos Exposure," published in the American Industrial Hygiene Association Journal in May 1979 by Fischbein, Rohl, Langer, and Selikoff, investigates the significant health risks posed by asbestos exposure in the drywall construction industry. The research highlights that spackling, patching, and taping compounds used in drywall construction often contained 5-12% asbestos by weight. Airborne asbestos fiber concentrations during activities such as pole sanding frequently exceeded permissible exposure limits, with levels ranging from 1.2 to 19.3 fibers/cm³. A clinical survey of 114 drywall workers revealed a high prevalence of asbestos-related diseases, including chronic bronchitis and radiological changes consistent with asbestos exposure. The study underscores the urgent need for asbestos-free materials and protective measures to safeguard workers.

Legal Relevance
This study provides critical evidence for asbestos-related legal claims, particularly for individuals who developed diseases such as mesothelioma, lung cancer, or asbestosis due to occupational exposure. The findings demonstrate that drywall construction workers were exposed to hazardous levels of asbestos fibers during routine tasks, such as sanding and mixing compounds.

Key legal implications include:

1. Evidence Pathways: The study establishes a direct link between drywall construction work and asbestos exposure, supporting claims of negligence against employers, manufacturers, or suppliers who failed to provide adequate protection or safer alternatives.
2. Occupational History Relevance: The detailed occupational survey in the study can be used to validate claims of prolonged exposure, particularly for workers with a history in drywall taping and sanding.
3. Counterarguments to Defense Claims: The study highlights the inadequacy of standard asbestos measurement techniques, which often underestimated exposure levels. This can counter defense arguments that exposure was minimal or within permissible limits.

The study’s findings strengthen the case for liability and compensation, emphasizing the responsibility of employers and manufacturers to protect workers from known asbestos hazards.

Occupation Groups at Risk
The study identifies several high-risk occupational groups, including:

1. Drywall Tapers and Sanding Workers: These workers were directly exposed to airborne asbestos fibers during sanding and taping activities, with fiber concentrations often exceeding regulatory limits.
2. Construction and Remodeling Workers: Individuals involved in general construction or remodeling projects frequently handled asbestos-containing materials, increasing their risk of exposure.
3. Painters and Finishers: Painters working alongside drywall tapers were often exposed to asbestos fibers present in the air during sanding and mixing of compounds.
4. Carpenters and Electricians: These tradespeople, working in close proximity to drywall activities, were indirectly exposed to asbestos fibers in shared workspaces.

These groups are at heightened risk due to the widespread use of asbestos-containing materials in drywall construction during the mid-20th century.

Current Medical Understanding
The study aligns with current medical knowledge regarding the health risks of asbestos exposure. Asbestos is now recognized as a leading cause of severe diseases, including mesothelioma, lung cancer, and asbestosis. The study’s findings on the prevalence of asbestos-related diseases among drywall workers are consistent with modern research, which confirms that prolonged exposure to asbestos fibers can lead to long-term health complications.

While regulations and safety practices have significantly improved since the study’s publication, its findings remain relevant for understanding historical exposure risks and their ongoing impact on workers’ health.

Citation
Fischbein, A., Rohl, A.N., Langer, A.M., & Selikoff, I.J. (1979). Drywall construction and asbestos exposure. American Industrial Hygiene Association Journal, 40(5), 402-407. https://doi.org/10.1080/15298667991429750

National Library of Medicine Link
For additional context and credibility, you can access the study on the National Library of Medicine’s website: Drywall Construction and Asbestos Exposure.

Contact Us Today
If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with mesothelioma, lung cancer, asbestosis, or another asbestos-related disease, you may be entitled to compensation. Our experienced legal team specializes in asbestos litigation and is dedicated to helping victims secure the justice they deserve. Contact us today for a free consultation. We will guide you through the legal process and fight to hold negligent parties accountable for your suffering. Don’t wait—your health and financial future depend on it.