Asbestos has been used since the late 1800s, whether for fireproofing, soundproofing or insulation. Although asbestos has been around for quite some time, the health consequences were not widely talked about until the 1960s. 

History of Asbestos Use in Construction

Asbestos makes a great insulator and on a job site where there are high stress equipment being operated, it is no secret that asbestos found its way onto the scene. Despite being exposed on the jobsite, workers are exposed at all stages of building. When they build the house they are at risk and once they live in the house they are at high risk. As a way to gauge what exposure construction workers may have faced consider this:

  • If the house was built prior to 1980s, there is a high likelihood of asbestos presence.
  • If the house was built mid-1980s and 1990, it is likely there is an asbestos presence.
  • If the house was built post-1990, it is unlikely there is an asbestos present.

With that said, construction workers who worked on houses during these time periods, interacted with and used many products that contained asbestos. Once the houses were complete, the workers went home to a house most likely built using the same products. This meant that workers were facing some level of asbestos exposure at all times.

Asbestos-Containing Construction Materials

Construction workers faced risks using most products needed on the job site day to day. Aside from being around the following products, construction workers often worked around high impact areas that disturbed the asbestos and caused the fibers to be released into the air.

  • Roofing
  • Shingles and siding (villaboard and similar
  • Exterior and interior wall cladding
  • Eaves
  • Fencing
  • Thermal boards around fireplaces
  • Water or flue pipes
  • Asbestos-rope door gaskets in wood stoves
  • Loose fill roofing insulation
  • Spray-on insulation or soundproofing
  • Low-density asbestos fibre board
  • Insulation on hot-water pipes
  • Domestic heaters and stoves
  • Backing material on floor tiles and vinyl flooring
  • Carpet underlay (not common)
  • Textured paints, decorative ceiling coatings
  • Heat-resistant fabrics
  • Brick and plaster sealants, fillers and some adhesive products
  • Hail, fire damaged, or badly weathered asbestos cement materials

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Construction Asbestos Products Still In Use Today

Based on regulations put in place by the EPA, certain products can still contain up to 1% asbestos. Many construction products still contain asbestos because of this 1% rule, the exposure is just less potent as a result. On top of EPA regulations, OSHA has stepped in to put a great deal of workplace safety guidelines and procedures forward to help combat any remaining health risks. The following products likely still contain asbestos.

  • Spray On Acoustic
  • Floor Tile & Mastic
  • Linoleum & Mastic
  • Plaster & Paint
  • Silver Duct Tape
  • Pipe Covering
  • Interior Plaster
  • Elbow & Joint Packing
  • Roofing Materials
  • Vinyl Tile
  • Imported Cement Pipe & Sheeting
  • Gas Masks
  • Textiles
  • Cement Water Pipe
  • Insulation

Companies that Produced Asbestos for Construction

There were many companies that made products that contained asbestos. Some of the largest companies that produced asbestos for construction use were:

There are many more manufacturers that produced asbestos products, however the companies listed above have trust funds specifically geared towards construction workers. Construction workers or relatives can start here when looking to see if they qualify for compensation.

Construction & Asbestos Exposure Risks

The EPA put regulations in place to protect the public and workers in industries that faced higher rates of occupational exposure. The regulations often fell short for construction workers. Unfortunately for the construction industry, banning new asbestos products does not mean that old buildings and job sites necessarily become off limits. 

During the transition years after stricter regulations came into play, many workers were still being exposed to asbestos via old building renovations and demolitions. When construction supplies were being installed, the fibrous asbestos was often disturbed which released these fibers into the air. Given the large amount of asbestos use pre-1981, this was happening at a high frequency. 

Construction workers currently working, post-asbestos regulation, face exposure when they renovate or demolish buildings built pre-1981. This put thousands of workers at risk for asbestos related diseases, such as mesothelioma. As construction usually involves high impact and disruptive tasks, workers are constantly at risk of disturbing asbestos. Two studies covering construction workers’ death causes and specific mesothelioma cases, showed that of 2,242 workers’ cases looked at, 752 died from a disease thought to be linked to asbestos exposure.

Compensation for Diseases Caused by Construction Asbestos Exposure

Asbestos related illnesses cost more than most people are able to afford medically. Many victims join asbestos exposure lawsuits to try to get some of this money back into their pockets for years of medical problems. If you have a disease related to asbestos exposure four your trade or previous work, you may be eligible for compensation. There have been many trusts set up over the years by companies that have been sued and many of them are specifically set aside for construction workers.

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Written by Richard Stewart

Writer, Content Coordinator and Outreach Director

Richard Stewart is a writer, content coordinator and outreach director with over 12 years of experience covering asbestos exposure, mesothelioma, and treatment options. He is passionate about spreading awareness for asbestos and mesothelioma and helping victims find the information and resources they need online.

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