Millions of construction workers in the United States may be at risk of exposure to a dangerous mineral called asbestos. As a result, both civilian and veteran construction workers have a high risk of developing mesothelioma and other asbestos-related diseases.
Asbestos and Construction Workers
Construction workers have been exposed to asbestos for many years, and they continue to be exposed today. These individuals usually work alongside roofers, painters, drywall installers, and tile installers in the construction of homes and large businesses. All of these workers handle materials made with asbestos.
Construction work is one of the most dangerous occupations in the U.S., according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
While most workers are aware of hazards like falls, equipment-related injuries, and other on-site risks, the danger of asbestos exposure may not be as well known.
Starting in the early 20th century, asbestos began to be used widely in all sorts of construction materials. Asbestos is flame retardant and a great insulator, so it was used in everything from roofing to cement to wiring to flooring tiles. There was a use for asbestos in virtually all levels of construction.
Asbestos was even used by the U.S. military to build structures, planes, ships, and submarines.
Get a free Veterans Packet now for information on finding top mesothelioma specialists, accessing VA benefits, and more.
Mesothelioma Risks and Construction Workers
Manufacturers hid the fact working with that asbestos-containing products could cause mesothelioma, asbestosis, lung cancer, and other asbestos-related diseases from the public for decades.
When the truth about asbestos finally came out in the 1970s, millions of construction workers had spent decades working closely with asbestos products. .
It can take between 10-50 years for asbestos exposure to lead to a mesothelioma diagnosis. This means that there are construction workers who were exposed to asbestos in the 1970s and early 1980s who may yet be diagnosed.
Also, there are plenty of older homes that still contain asbestos as part of insulating walls, electrical outlets, and plumbing pipes. These contaminated areas continue to put construction workers at risk today.
Asbestos-Related Construction Occupations
There are some construction jobs where the risk of asbestos exposure is higher than others. The risk is highest among demolition workers who inhale asbestos dust when tearing down older buildings for renovation.
Workers who must clean up the debris left behind during the demolition process are also at a high risk of developing asbestos-related illnesses.
Other jobs at highest risk for asbestos-related diseases include:
- Drywall workers: Before the 1970s, most drywall products contained asbestos. Drywall workers were exposed to asbestos when they cut pieces of drywall to fit various walls. Holes in drywall were sometimes patched with asbestos-containing patching substances, and the sanding of asbestos-laden drywall tape could also lead to asbestos exposure.
- Masons and Bricklayers: These workers mixed raw asbestos fibers into mortar and bricks themselves and cut down bricks to fit certain dimensions. Dry mortar also contained asbestos that could be released into the air.
- Roofers and Tile Setters: These workers are responsible for laying down roofing tiles and floor tiles. The tiles themselves contained asbestos, as did the grout used between the tiles. Roof tiles used to be made from asbestos, so cutting them could cause asbestos to pollute the air.
- Painters: These workers inhaled asbestos, particularly when they used spray paint containing aerosolized asbestos. Spackling compounds used by painters also contained asbestos. Workers who applied textured ceiling paint are also at a high risk of asbestos exposure.
Even family members are at risk for asbestos-related illnesses when construction workers return home after work with asbestos fibers on their clothing, shoes, and hair. This secondary exposure to asbestos has been known to cause mesothelioma in people who never worked in the construction industry.
Compensation for Construction Workers With Mesothelioma
There have been many lawsuits filed on behalf of construction workers and their families who were unknowingly exposed to asbestos connected to a construction site.
If you are or were a construction worker, you may be entitled to financial compensation if you have been diagnosed with an asbestos-related disease. Mesothelioma lawsuits award $1 million or more on average, with the first
Make sure you get the compensation you deserve by connecting with a mesothelioma lawyer today.
Help For U.S. Veteran Construction Workers With Mesothelioma
Many veterans were involved in some form of construction work during their service. If you or a loved one were exposed to asbestos during your time in the U.S. military, you may be entitled to benefits that can make a huge difference.
The VA generally considers mesothelioma a 100% disability. That means that a married veteran with mesothelioma may qualify for over $4,000 in 2025.
Get help filing for or increasing yourVA benefits or call (877) 450-8973 for more help.
FAQS About Mesothelioma and Construction Workers
How many construction workers get mesothelioma?
Construction workers accounted for 13.5% of mesothelioma cases in a review of the Mesothelioma Virtual Bank, a registry of patients with this cancer.
Construction work was among the highest-risk groups for mesothelioma in this study, with only manufacturing having more cases.
Why are construction workers exposed to asbestos?
Asbestos can be found in products at construction sites and throughout homes and offices built before the 1980s, including:
- Cement
- Insulation
- Piping
- Plaster
- Roofing shingles
- Stucco
- Vinyl flooring
This may put construction workers at risk of developing mesothelioma, a type of cancer caused by exposure to asbestos.
Can mesothelioma be caused by a single exposure?
Yes. The risk of mesothelioma increases as the exposure to asbestos increases, but there is no safe level of asbestos exposure. A single encounter with asbestos can be enough to lead to mesothelioma.
Does an N-95 mask protect against asbestos?
According to the California Department of Industrial Regulations, an N-95 mask does not protect against asbestos. Only masks that provide their own oxygen can protect the wearer from asbestos, gasses, vapors, and other airborne dangers.
What kind of mesothelioma do construction workers get?
If a construction worker gets mesothelioma, they are likely to get the most common kind, pleural mesothelioma.
Pleural mesothelioma affects the lining of the chest. Nearly 85% of all mesothelioma cases are for pleural mesothelioma.
