Asbestos was commonly used in a variety of building materials, including drywall, especially before the 1980s. The reason for its use was due to its fire resistance, durability, and insulating properties. However, asbestos is now known to be a significant health hazard, causing serious diseases such as asbestosis, lung cancer, and mesothelioma.
If you’ve come into contact with drywall that contains asbestos in the past, you may be entitled to explore legal options. At Bailey & Glasser, LLP, we offer a free consultation where you can discuss your situation with our experienced law team.
Drywall and Asbestos
Drywall sheets, also known as plasterboard or wallboard, were commonly used in construction for creating walls and ceilings. Asbestos was added to these sheets to enhance their fire resistance and durability. These asbestos fibers were mixed into the gypsum plaster, which is the core material of drywall.
Alongside the drywall sheets, asbestos was also used in tape and joint compounds. The tape covers joints between drywall sheets, while joint compounds, often called ‘mud,’ are used to smooth over the tape and fill in gaps, creating a seamless surface. Asbestos was valued in these products for its binding qualities and its ability to create a smooth, fire-resistant finish.
Asbestos-containing drywall becomes a health risk when it is disturbed, as this can release asbestos fibers into the air. This is particularly a concern during renovations, demolitions, or when drywall is damaged.
Asbestos drywall was used in the following ways:
- Business offices
- Factory buildings
- Military barracks for the Army, Air Force, Marines, and Navy
- Residential homes
- Retail stores and warehouses
- Schools
If you suspect that your drywall contains asbestos, it’s important not to disturb it. Instead, consult with a professional who can test the material and, if necessary, safely remove and dispose of it. Since the use of asbestos has been heavily regulated and largely phased out in many countries, modern building materials typically do not contain asbestos.
Manufacturers of Asbestos Containing Drywall
Up until the late 1970s and early 1980s, asbestos was a popular material in the construction industry, valued for its fire resistance, durability, and insulating properties. Many manufacturers incorporated asbestos into drywall and other building materials.
- Bondex International: Bondex was trademarked in 1959, and the company produced putties and joint compounds used with drywall.
- The Flintkote Company: The Flintkote Company was incorporated in 1917. By the 1950s, they had 150 plants producing products, including cement, pipes, paper products, and gypsum.
Many manufacturers faced significant legal challenges as workers and consumers affected by asbestos-related diseases filed lawsuits. This led to some of these companies facing bankruptcy and establishing asbestos trust funds to compensate victims.
Asbestos Exposure from Drywall
Exposure to asbestos from drywall can pose serious health risks, primarily if the drywall is disturbed, leading to the release of asbestos fibers into the air. When these fibers are inhaled, they can cause several health issues, which often take many years to develop. Key health concerns include:
- Asbestosis: This is a chronic lung disease caused by inhaling asbestos fibers. It leads to scarring of lung tissue (fibrosis) and symptoms like shortness of breath, persistent cough, and in severe cases, heart enlargement.
- Lung Cancer: Asbestos exposure significantly increases the risk of developing lung cancer. The risk is even higher in individuals who smoke.
- Mesothelioma: This is a rare but aggressive form of cancer that primarily affects the lining of the lungs (pleura) but can also affect the lining of the abdominal cavity (peritoneum). Mesothelioma is almost exclusively linked to asbestos exposure and may take 20 to 50 years to develop after exposure.
- Other Cancers: Asbestos exposure has also been linked to other types of cancers, such as ovarian and laryngeal cancers.
- Pleural Effusions, Plaques, and Thickening: These conditions affect the pleura, the lining around the lungs, and can cause chest pain and breathing difficulties.
The risk of developing these diseases depends on several factors, including the duration and intensity of exposure to asbestos, the size and type of asbestos fibers, smoking history, and individual susceptibility. It’s important to note that not everyone exposed to asbestos will develop health problems, but the potential risks underscore the importance of minimizing exposure.
In buildings with asbestos-containing drywall, the risk is generally low if the material is intact and undisturbed. The danger arises during activities like renovations, repairs, or demolition, which can release asbestos fibers into the air. If you suspect the presence of asbestos in your home or workplace, it’s crucial to have it professionally assessed and, if necessary, removed by certified asbestos abatement professionals.
Occupations Affected by Asbestos-Containing Drywall
The use of asbestos-containing drywall, particularly prevalent in constructions prior to the 1980s, has had significant implications for various occupations. Workers in these fields may have been exposed to asbestos fibers, especially during processes that involved cutting, sanding, or disturbing the drywall, thus releasing fibers into the air.
Here are some of the key occupations affected:
- Bricklayers
- Carpenters
- Ceiling tile installers
- Construction workers
- Contractors
- Demolition crews
- Drywall tapers
- Electricians
- Factory workers
- HVAC workers
- Insulators
- Joiners
- Machine operators
- Machinists
- Masonry workers
- Painters
- Pipefitters
- Plasterers
- Plumbers
- Roofers
- Shipyard workers
- Tile repairers and setters
The delayed onset of asbestos-related diseases means that individuals in these occupations might have been exposed decades ago but could only now be showing symptoms. With increased awareness and regulation, current safety standards require appropriate protective measures, including respirators and other personal protective equipment, when working in environments where asbestos exposure is possible.
Drywall Asbestos Exposure Compensation Options
For those who worked in high-risk occupations in the past, it’s important to be aware of the potential health risks and to consult healthcare providers for regular check-ups, especially if you experience respiratory symptoms or other related health issues.
Once medical attention has been received, contact Bailey & Glasser, LLP, to understand your legal rights and potential next steps. You might be able to pursue a claim and secure compensation for your injuries. Our dedicated team is available to connect you with key resources and support you in seeking the best possible outcome for your mesothelioma injury case. Don’t hesitate to reach out for a complimentary initial consultation today.
