Removing Insulating Materials From Buildings - (1980)

Asbestos Exposure During Renovation and Removal Activities: Legal Implications for Affected Workers

Abstract The study "Worker Exposure to Asbestos During Removal of Sprayed Material and Renovation Activity in Buildings Containing Sprayed Material" by Paik, Walcott, and Brogan, published in the American Industrial Hygiene Association Journal (1983), provides critical insights into asbestos exposure risks during building renovation and material removal. The researchers analyzed asbestos content in fireproofing insulation materials across 127 U.S. buildings, finding asbestos in over 50% of them, with chrysotile as the predominant fiber type. The study measured airborne asbestos fiber concentrations in workers' breathing zones, revealing that dry removal methods resulted in significantly higher exposure levels (up to 16.4 fibers/cc) compared to wet methods. These findings underscore the severe health risks posed by inadequate safety measures during asbestos-related activities and highlight the importance of proper removal techniques to minimize exposure.

Legal Relevance This study serves as a cornerstone for asbestos-related legal claims, providing robust evidence of the dangers associated with occupational asbestos exposure. Key legal implications include:

1. Establishing Negligence: The study demonstrates that workers, including carpenters, electricians, and sheet-metal workers, were exposed to hazardous levels of asbestos fibers during renovation and removal activities. This evidence can be used to argue that employers or building owners failed to implement adequate safety measures, such as wet removal methods or proper protective equipment, to mitigate exposure risks.

2. Causation Evidence: The documented link between occupational activities and elevated asbestos exposure levels strengthens the argument that a plaintiff’s asbestos-related disease, such as mesothelioma or lung cancer, was caused by their work environment.

3. Countering Defense Claims: Defendants often argue that asbestos exposure levels were minimal or that other factors, such as smoking, were the primary cause of the plaintiff’s illness. This study provides concrete data on exposure levels, particularly during dry removal, which far exceeded occupational safety limits, directly linking workplace conditions to health risks.

4. Highlighting Preventable Risks: The study emphasizes the effectiveness of wet removal methods in reducing asbestos exposure. This supports claims that the defendant’s failure to adopt safer practices contributed to the plaintiff’s illness, reinforcing liability and the need for compensation.

Occupation Groups at Risk The findings of this study are particularly relevant to individuals in occupations with high asbestos exposure. These groups include:

• Construction Workers: Frequently exposed to asbestos in insulation, fireproofing, and other building materials during renovation or demolition activities. The study highlights the elevated risks during dry removal methods.
• Electricians: Often work in environments with asbestos-containing materials, such as wiring insulation, especially during renovations.
• Sheet-Metal Workers: Exposed to asbestos in ducts, roofing, and other materials, particularly in older buildings.
• Carpenters: Encounter asbestos in walls, ceilings, and flooring materials during remodeling or repair work.
• Demolition Workers: Face significant exposure risks when tearing down structures containing asbestos without proper safety measures.
• Boiler and Maintenance Workers: Often work in areas with asbestos insulation, particularly in older industrial or commercial buildings.

These occupations are at heightened risk due to prolonged exposure to airborne asbestos fibers, especially in poorly ventilated spaces or during activities involving dry removal methods.

Current Medical Understanding The study aligns with current medical knowledge regarding the health risks of asbestos exposure. Asbestos is a well-documented carcinogen linked to diseases such as mesothelioma, lung cancer, asbestosis, and pleural plaques. The study’s findings on exposure levels during specific activities enhance our understanding of how occupational exposure contributes to these diseases. Modern safety standards emphasize the importance of wet removal methods, proper ventilation, and personal protective equipment, all of which are consistent with the study’s recommendations.

Citation Paik, N.W., Walcott, R.J., & Brogan, P.A. (1983). Worker exposure to asbestos during removal of sprayed material and renovation activity in buildings containing sprayed material. American Industrial Hygiene Association Journal, 44(6), 428-432. https://doi.org/10.1080/15298668391405085

National Library of Medicine Link For additional details, visit the National Library of Medicine’s page for the study: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/6881064/.

Contact Us Today If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with mesothelioma, lung cancer, asbestosis, or other asbestos-related diseases, you may be entitled to compensation. Our experienced legal team specializes in asbestos-related cases and is dedicated to helping victims secure the justice and financial support they deserve. Contact us today for a free consultation and let us fight for your rights. Don’t wait—time is critical in pursuing your claim. Call now to take the first step toward justice.