The construction industry has always been considered a potentially dangerous field in which to work. Many of its dangers are obvious: heavy machinery, electrical tools, and working at great heights. However, some of the deadliest hazards on a construction site may be entirely unknown to the worker, such as asbestos dust. Construction workers can be exposed to asbestos dust from a multitude of sources, including in-place asbestos insulation that is disturbed during a project or when asbestos-containing products are used on a construction site. Over the years, countless construction workers in dozens of occupations have been exposed to this asbestos dust and fibers without even realizing it. And many workers in particular construction trades have been found to be at higher risk of asbestos exposure and development of mesothelioma and asbestos-related lung cancer.
Although asbestos became much rarer in construction sites after 1980, the effects of its widespread use are still being felt today and will be in the future. This is because the time between exposure to asbestos fibers and the onset of mesothelioma or asbestos-related lung cancer often takes decades. Every year thousands of Americans are diagnosed with mesothelioma or asbestos-related lung cancers — many of them are former construction workers.
A Common Hazard
Before its dangers were finally revealed to the general public, asbestos was a very common material on construction sites all over the country. Just a few of the tradesmen exposed to asbestos at construction sites:
- Boiler repairmen and installers
- Brick layers
- Carpenters
- Demolition workers
- Dry wall installers
- Electricians
- HVAC specialists
- Painters
- Plumbers
- Roofers
Click here for a more comprehensive list of trades commonly associated with exposure to asbestos.
As you can see, anyone who was involved in building construction, demolition, or maintenance very likely used or was around asbestos. As asbestos fibers were released into the air, even the people who simply worked nearby were put at risk. Sadly, the vast majority were never informed about these dangers until it was too late to prevent them.
CONTACT US
If your exposure to asbestos in the construction industry has caused you to develop an asbestos-related disease, do not hesitate to contact Gregg J Borri at 212-980-8866 to learn about your legal options.