Asbestos Risks Near Construction Sites: What to Know

As a construction worker, you might not know about the hidden danger in the materials you work with. Asbestos, once common in building products, is a serious health risk. It can have devastating effects if not handled properly. Knowing about these risks is the first step to protect yourself and your loved ones.

Construction workers face asbestos risks near construction sites when they work with products that contain it. Cutting, drilling, or altering these products can release asbestos dust. This dust spreads quickly through the air at construction sites.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention say about 1.3 million workers are exposed to asbestos exposure hazards every year. Asbestos is friable, meaning its fibers easily crumble into dust. When workers breathe in this dust, it can harm their lungs and lead to serious illnesses like mesothelioma.

Asbestos Exposure Risks for Construction Workers

Construction workers face a big risk of asbestos exposure. This dangerous mineral was used in many building materials in the 20th century. Knowing which jobs and materials are most risky is key to staying safe.

Construction Jobs with High Asbestos Exposure

Some jobs have a higher risk of asbestos exposure. These include:

  • Masonry workers who handle asbestos-containing concrete
  • Demolition teams that disturb older asbestos-containing materials
  • Insulation installers working with contaminated insulation products
  • Plumbers and roofers who encounter asbestos in their work
  • Bricklayers, drywall workers, painters, and tile setters

Common Asbestos-Containing Construction Materials

Asbestos was used in many construction products because it’s heat-resistant and strong. Some common materials include:

  1. Roofing and siding shingles
  2. Putty, caulk, and cement
  3. Thermal insulation and ceiling tiles
  4. Vinyl flooring and industrial pipe wrappings
  5. Spray-on coatings and other building materials

Working with these materials can release harmful fibers into the air. This can lead to serious health problems like mesothelioma and lung cancer.

“The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) estimates that 1.3 million employees in construction are currently exposed to asbestos on the job.”

asbestos risks near construction sites

How Asbestos Exposure Occurs at Construction Sites

Asbestos exposure at construction sites is a big worry. Workers often disturb asbestos without knowing it. When they cut, drill, or sand products with asbestos, they release harmful dust into the air.

This dust can be breathed in by workers. It can lead to health problems.

Another risk is secondary asbestos exposure. Workers can carry asbestos fibers home on their clothes and tools. This puts their families at risk. Even office workers on construction sites can be exposed to asbestos dust.

  • Between 1949 and 1979, about 27 million people in the United States were exposed to asbestos at work.
  • Asbestos exposure happened in high-risk places like construction sites, mines, power plants, and shipyards.
  • Over 75 worker groups were at risk of asbestos exposure, according to the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH).

It’s important to have safety measures and asbestos removal plans at construction sites. Employers need to find and manage asbestos before starting work. This keeps workers and the community safe.

“Asbestos is the biggest occupational disease risk to construction workers. Over 2,500 construction workers died in 2005 due to asbestos exposure, accounting for more than two-thirds of cancer deaths in the industry.”

Construction workers are at high risk of serious illnesses from asbestos on the job. Diseases like mesothelioma, lung cancer, and asbestosis have killed thousands. These conditions are linked to asbestos exposure.

Mesothelioma is a rare and aggressive cancer caused by asbestos. Studies show higher rates of respiratory diseases and cancer in workers exposed to asbestos. The risk grows with longer and more intense exposure.

Every year, over 39,000 Americans die from asbestos-related diseases. About 1.3 million U.S. workers might be exposed to asbestos at work. The construction industry has seen the most cases, with 27 million workers exposed between 1940 and 1979.

Jobs with high asbestos-related diseases risk include mining and insulation work. But many construction jobs, like building inspection and road work, also pose risks.

“Nearly 33% of power plant workers had asbestos in mucus samples, indicating a significant exposure risk.”

The time it takes for asbestos-related diseases to appear can be decades. It’s crucial for workers to watch their health and get regular check-ups. Early detection can improve treatment outcomes and quality of life.

OccupationIncreased Risk of Asbestos-Related Diseases
Asbestos minersNo occupation carried a higher risk of asbestos exposure
Asbestos plant workers244% higher risk of dying from throat or lung cancer
InsulatorsMore than 10 times as likely to develop mesothelioma
FirefightersMore than twice as likely to develop mesothelioma
Construction workersAccount for about 25% of people who die of asbestosis

By knowing the risks and taking steps, construction companies and workers can protect themselves. This helps reduce the harm from asbestos-related diseases.

Latency Period and Delayed Effects of Asbestos Exposure

Asbestos-related diseases like mesothelioma can take 10 to 50 years to show symptoms after exposure. This makes it hard for workers to link their health problems to past jobs. Just 5 years of construction work can raise cancer risk as much as a family history of cancer.

Mesothelioma Development Time in Construction Workers

Construction workers exposed to asbestos for years face a high risk of mesothelioma and other diseases. Mesothelioma can take 30 to 60 years to develop, with an average of 33 years for workers.

Some key facts about the latency period and delayed effects of asbestos exposure:

  • Malignant mesothelioma has an average latency period of 34 years.
  • Exposure at work is linked to shorter latency periods than environmental exposure.
  • Mining industry workers have an average mesothelioma latency period of 35 years.
  • Production sector employees have an average mesothelioma latency period of 31 years.
  • Shipyards workers have an average mesothelioma latency period of 37 years.
  • Pleural mesothelioma usually takes 30 to 60 years to develop, while peritoneal mesothelioma takes 20 to 40 years.
  • Testicular mesothelioma has the lowest latency period, under 20 years.

The long latency period of asbestos-related diseases means that construction workers exposed decades ago may only now be experiencing the delayed effects. It’s crucial for them to monitor their health and seek early medical attention.

Construction worker asbestos exposure

“Exposure at work is linked to shorter latency periods than environmental exposure.”

Historic Use of Asbestos in Construction Materials

Asbestos was widely used in construction for over 70 years, from the 1920s to the 1980s. It was valued for its durability, fireproofing, and low cost. This led to its use in many building materials like insulation, drywall, and roofing.

Major Manufacturers of Asbestos Construction Products

Companies like W.R. Grace, Johns Manville, Owens Corning, and Celotex made asbestos products. They met the demand for affordable, mass-produced building materials.

By the early 1900s, over 30,000 tons of asbestos were produced globally each year. The U.S. was the top user. In 1973, asbestos use hit a record high of over 800,000 tons.

Even knowing its dangers, asbestos was legal in the U.S. until the 2010s. The EPA banned its last allowed uses then. But, many old buildings still contain asbestos.

“Asbestos has been extensively used in shipbuilding, providing fireproofing and insulation for engine rooms and boiler compartments.”

The use of asbestos in construction has left a lasting impact. Today, we need to remove it to keep people safe in old buildings.

Current Regulations and Safety Measures

Even though we know asbestos is dangerous, U.S. laws still allow its use in some products. These include roofing felt, coatings, and vinyl floor tiles. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) have rules to keep workers safe.

OSHA sets limits on how much asbestos workers can be exposed to. They also require special equipment and training. The EPA has rules for removing, moving, and getting rid of asbestos to protect the environment.

Old buildings and projects that involve tearing down or fixing up buildings are especially risky. Workers in these areas face a high risk of getting sick from asbestos. It’s very important to follow safety rules and be careful in these dangerous places.

“There is no safe level of exposure to asbestos, indicating that even one fiber can cause damage to the body’s sensitive tissues.”

Employers must keep records of asbestos tests and worker health for 30 years. Workers can ask to see these records and report safety concerns to OSHA without fear of getting in trouble.

Asbestos is not usually a big risk, but diseases from it can take 15 to 30 years to show up. It’s very important to follow asbestos regulations, OSHA safety standards, and EPA asbestos rules to keep construction worker protection and everyone’s health safe.

construction worker asbestos

Asbestos Abatement and Remediation Procedures

Removing or repairing asbestos is a key task for construction companies. They must follow strict steps to do it safely. This includes containing the area, protecting workers, disposing of materials, and testing for clearance.

Workers who are not trained in asbestos should treat any suspicious materials as if they are asbestos. They should follow safety procedures carefully.

Identifying Asbestos Hazards on Construction Sites

Experienced workers can sometimes spot asbestos by its look, labels, or the maker. But, it’s best to be safe if you’re not sure. Asbestos is very dangerous, so it’s better to be cautious.

Asbestos abatement and remediation must follow strict rules and regulations. For example, in Kansas, state university buildings must be checked for asbestos before any big changes. The Environmental Health and Safety department sets out specific rules for different types of projects.

To keep everyone safe, construction companies must follow certain safety rules:

  • Only EPA-certified asbestos workers can do maintenance work.
  • Workers need an 8-hour refresher training on asbestos safety every year.
  • They must wear the right protective gear, like masks, coveralls, gloves, and eye protection.
  • The area must pass air tests with very low or no asbestos fibers after work is done.
  • Signs, disposal, and other safety steps must be taken during the process.

By sticking to these strict asbestos removal and repair steps, companies can keep their workers, the environment, and building occupants safe. Getting professional help not only makes things safer but also saves money and avoids legal trouble. It also helps improve property value and makes it more attractive to buyers.

If you’re a construction worker with an asbestos-related illness like mesothelioma, you have legal options. You can file a workers’ compensation claim. But, the long time between asbestos exposure and mesothelioma diagnosis makes this hard.

Many construction workers have sued the makers of asbestos products they used on the job. These companies knew about the health risks but didn’t protect workers well. Bankruptcy has set up trust funds to help those exposed to asbestos.

Workers’ Compensation and Lawsuit Claims

An experienced asbestos attorney can guide you through your legal options. This includes getting help for medical costs and other damages. Key points to remember:

  • Nearly 24% of mesothelioma cases in construction workers.
  • Over 26% of mesothelioma cases in construction.
  • In over 75% of cases, construction workers were exposed to asbestos from the 1940s to 1970.
  • Average time from asbestos exposure to mesothelioma diagnosis for construction workers is 43.9 years.

Workers’ compensation might be hard to get because of the long wait. But, lawsuits have led to big settlements for construction workers.

CompanyAsbestos Trust Fund
Harbison-Walker Refractories Co.Yes
W.R. Grace & Co.Yes

An experienced asbestos attorney can look at all your legal options for asbestos exposure. This includes workers’ compensation claims and asbestos exposure lawsuits. They can also help with asbestos trust funds.

Case Studies and Victim Stories

The impact of asbestos on construction workers is deeply felt through survivor and victim stories. These accounts of illnesses like mesothelioma show the harsh reality of asbestos dangers. They highlight the serious effects of asbestos in the workplace.

Terry Latham, a former construction worker, was diagnosed with pleural mesothelioma. He worked with asbestos for years. Despite a tough prognosis, Terry said he had no regrets. “I did what I had to do to provide for my family,” he reflected.

These stories humanize the asbestos crisis in construction. They stress the need for awareness, prevention, and justice. Simmons Hanly Conroy has won over $9.6 billion for asbestos victims in all 50 states.

“These firsthand accounts of asbestos-related illnesses like mesothelioma paint a sobering picture of the real-world consequences of occupational asbestos hazards.”

The tales of workers like Terry remind us of asbestos’s devastating effects. They highlight the need for safety measures and legal help for those affected.

StatisticValue
Asbestos Consumption in 20221.3 million tons
Peak Asbestos Consumption4.7 million tons (1980)
Estimated Annual Asbestos-Related Deaths Worldwide255,000
Prevalence of Pleural Plaques in Construction/Shipyard Workers80% (with at least 30 years of exposure)
Prevalence of Pleural Plaques in General Population25% (men with uncertain exposure), 60% (men with moderate to heavy exposure)

Preventive Measures for Construction Companies

Construction companies must protect their workers from asbestos. They can do this by following strict safety rules and obeying laws. This keeps employees safe and avoids legal problems later.

First, they need to find and test for asbestos on their sites. If they find it, they must remove, cover, or manage it safely. This is key to preventing exposure.

It’s also important to give workers the right protective gear. This includes masks, clothes, and other items to keep them safe from asbestos fibers.

  • Using special machines and systems to control dust can also help.
  • Training workers on asbestos dangers and how to handle it is vital.
  • Following all safety laws is crucial to avoid fines and stay compliant.

By acting early to prevent asbestos risks, companies can protect their workers. They also show they care about safety and follow the law. These steps can greatly reduce the risk of asbestos diseases among construction workers.

Preventive MeasureBenefits
Asbestos Hazard IdentificationEnables targeted removal or management of asbestos-containing materials
Provision of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)Shields workers from airborne asbestos fibers and reduces exposure risks
Implementation of Engineering ControlsHelps minimize the spread of asbestos dust and fibers on construction sites
Worker Training and EducationEquips employees with the knowledge to recognize and respond to asbestos hazards
Regulatory ComplianceDemonstrates a commitment to worker safety and avoids costly penalties

By focusing on these steps, construction companies can protect their workers. This not only keeps them safe but also benefits the company. A strong focus on safety is good for everyone involved.

Conclusion

Construction workers have faced big health risks from asbestos for years. Many have gotten serious illnesses like mesothelioma from working with asbestos. Even though new buildings don’t use asbestos, old ones still pose a danger to workers.

Construction companies must put worker safety first. They need to find asbestos hazards, take protective measures, and follow the right steps to avoid exposure. By being careful and dedicated to occupational health, the industry can keep its workers safe from asbestos.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has taken steps to protect workers. They banned chrysotile asbestos and are checking the risks of old asbestos. Groups like the Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization (ADAO) will keep pushing for better regulations and help the industry prevent asbestos problems.

FAQ

What are the main construction jobs with high asbestos exposure?

Jobs with high asbestos risk include masonry workers and demolition teams. Insulation installers, plumbers, and roofers also face high risks. Bricklayers, drywall workers, painters, and tile setters are at risk too. These workers often handle materials with asbestos.

What common construction materials contain asbestos?

Asbestos can be found in many construction products. This includes paint, spackling, and roof shingles. It’s also in masonry compounds, drywall, insulation, and cement products. Asbestos was used for its durability and fire resistance.

How does asbestos exposure occur at construction sites?

Asbestos exposure happens when workers disturb products with asbestos. This releases dust into the air. Workers can inhale this dust, leading to health issues. Exposure can also happen indirectly, through clothes, tools, and vehicles.

What are the main asbestos-related diseases that construction workers face?

Workers face serious diseases like mesothelioma, lung cancer, and asbestosis from asbestos. Mesothelioma is a rare and aggressive cancer caused by asbestos.

How long does it take for asbestos-related diseases to develop?

Diseases like mesothelioma can take 10 to 50 years to develop. This makes it hard for workers to link their health problems to past jobs. Symptoms may appear decades after exposure.

What safety regulations and procedures are in place for construction workers?

OSHA and EPA have rules to protect workers from asbestos. These include limits on exposure, controls, and training. Companies must follow specific procedures for handling asbestos.

What legal options do construction workers have if diagnosed with an asbestos-related illness?

Workers with asbestos-related illnesses can seek compensation. This includes workers’ compensation claims or lawsuits against product manufacturers. Trust funds also provide care for those exposed to asbestos.

Leave a Comment