Asbestos Construction Products

Chrysotile asbestos (blue asbestos) was believed at one time to be a safer type of asbestos because it is less friable (easily crumbled) and therefore less likely to be inhaled than other types. As such, chrysotile was often used for a variety of industrial purposes, one of which included use in many building products. Construction workers were therefore in the position of being faced with possible exposure to asbestos on a daily basis. However, chrysotile asbestos is extremely dangerous and it should therefore come as no surprise that construction workers are among one of the larger groups to be negatively affected by exposure to asbestos.

Older buildings often contain dangerous levels of asbestos containing materials (ACMs) because they were constructed prior to initial regulation of the hazardous mineral group under section 112 of the Clean Air Act (1970). Asbestos construction products such as pipe wrap, ceiling tiles, fireproofing, wallboard, furnace insulation and ceiling and wall texture are extremely friable and often contain more dangerous levels of asbestos.

Although the use of asbestos was regulated under the Clean Air Act, it did not wholly outlaw the use of limited asbestos-laden materials for certain purposes. In fact, as late as 1989, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) estimated the amount of asbestos used throughout products to be more than 55,000 tons each year. The use of asbestos friction materials for brake linings and brake pads was not prohibited until late 2003. Although limited in concentration, the asbestos-laden materials and products are more than capable of causing dangerous levels of exposure.

Asbestos Construction Products

Construction workers remain at risk of common into contact with a wide variety of asbestos construction products, some of which include:

Building Exterior

  • Asbestos cement accent panels
  • Asbestos cement corrugated shingles
  • Asbestos cement flat shingles
  • Asbestos cement roof panels
  • Asbestos cement siding panels
  • Asbestos cement soffits
  • Brick and block mortar
  • Building overhangs – thermal spray
  • Stucco

Building Products

  • Asbestos wire insulation
  • Asbestos floor materials
  • Asbestos insulating cements
  • Asbestos insulation materials
  • Asbestos roofing materials
  • Fireproofing textiles
  • Magnesia block insulation
  • Sprayed acoustic insulation
  • Sprayed thermal insulation

Ceilings / Walls

  • Acoustic finishes
  • Asbestos cement ceiling tile
  • Drywall jointing materials
  • Plaster jointing materials
  • Stripped finishes
  • T-bar ceiling tile
  • Asbestos cement panels
  • Cement siding
  • Drywall jointing materials

Asbestos - Repair or Removal

There are two choices through which to deal with resolving the issue of exposure to asbestos construction products: repair or removal.

More often than not, asbestos repair is suggested because of the magnitude of the average asbestos removal project. Asbestos removal could potentially lead to a greater amount of asbestos exposure and is only suggested when repair is not an option.

A number of construction companies specialize in the removal of dangerous materials. Even though construction workers face a lesser chance of coming into contact with asbestos materials when constructing buildings today, they remain at risk when it comes to the deconstruction of buildings. Construction workers should always be made aware whenever they are forced to deal with asbestos-laden materials.

Construction Workers Asbestos Lawsuits

Construction workers who have been faced with exposure to asbestos and have developed an asbestos-related disease might find themselves eligible for compensation. Asbestos product manufacturers knew all too well of the dangers associated with the use of their products; however, they opted to remain silent about the hazards so as to ensure the prolonged success of their industry. As such, asbestos product manufacturers are liable for injuries caused as a result of exposure to their asbestos-laden products.

Construction workers suffering from an asbestos-related disease are advised to contact an asbestos attorney so as to get information about their possible right to compensation.

Paul and Hanley, LLP

If you believe you are suffering from an asbestos-related disease, please contact Paul & Hanley LLP to discuss your legal options.