July 6, 2017

Asbestos Exposure Through Building Materials

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Asbestos
Unions & Trades
Eric B. Abramson

Legally Reviewed and Fact Checked by: Eric B. Abramson , President, Shareholder & Trial Attorney

Understanding Asbestos Dangers in Building Materials: Health Risks and Legal Options

Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that became widely used in construction materials throughout the 1900s, particularly in buildings constructed between the 1940s and 1980s. While many ask “is asbestos dangerous,” the answer is unequivocally yes—asbestos exposure through building materials poses severe, life-threatening health risks including mesothelioma, lung cancer, and other deadly diseases. Understanding what is asbestos commonly used for in construction and recognizing the dangers in older buildings, especially those from the 1950s, is crucial for protecting workers and families.

What is Asbestos Commonly Used For in Construction?

Asbestos was incorporated into over 3,000 different building materials due to its exceptional flame-retardant, heat-resistant, and sound-insulating properties. Common asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) found in buildings include:

  • Thermal Insulation Systems: Steam pipes, boilers, and HVAC ducts in commercial and residential buildings
  • Roofing Materials: Shingles, felt, tar, and patching compounds
  • Siding Products: Asbestos cement siding panels widely used through the 1980s
  • Ceiling Applications: Acoustic tiles and textured “popcorn” ceilings
  • Flooring Systems: Vinyl and linoleum tiles, plus adhesive compounds
  • Sealing Materials: Window putty, caulking, and glazing compounds
  • Drywall Components: Joint compounds and certain wallboard products
  • Fireproofing Materials: Spray-applied coatings for structural steel
  • Wall Treatments: Fiber cement, plaster, and stucco applications
  • Construction Sealants: Mastic compounds and various adhesives

Despite known health hazards, asbestos-containing materials continue to be manufactured in some countries, creating ongoing exposure risks when these materials are disturbed.

Special Concerns for 1950s Homes

Buildings constructed in the 1950s present particular risks, as this era saw peak asbestos usage in residential construction. Homes from this period commonly contain multiple asbestos products, often in materials that homeowners might disturb during renovations without proper precautions.

Types and Concentrations of Asbestos in Buildings

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) classifies asbestos materials based on their friability and potential for fiber release:

  1. Friable Asbestos Materials: Easily crumbled by hand pressure, creating immediate airborne fiber risks
  2. Category I Non-friable Materials: More resistant to hand pressure but can become dangerous when damaged
  3. Category II Non-friable Materials: Difficult to crumble when dry but pose risks if disturbed

Understanding Asbestos Concentrations

Materials containing as little as 1% asbestos are considered hazardous, though concentrations often range much higher. For example, products with 2% chrysotile (white asbestos) still pose significant health risks and require professional handling. Even after the 2012 strengthening of EPA regulations, proper identification and removal remain critical.

High-Risk Exposure Activities and Occupations

Certain activities dramatically increase asbestos exposure risks, particularly when ACMs are disturbed:

Dangerous Construction Activities

  • Renovation and Demolition Work: Disturbing walls, ceilings, or flooring in older buildings
  • Emergency Response: Fire or flood damage that releases previously stable fibers
  • Improper DIY Projects: Homeowners unknowingly disturbing asbestos materials
  • Inadequate Removal Practices: Non-certified workers improperly handling asbestos

High-Risk Occupations

Workers in these fields face elevated asbestos exposure risks:

  • Construction and Demolition Workers
  • HVAC Technicians and Mechanics
  • Carpenters and General Contractors
  • Insulation Workers
  • Building Inspectors
  • Painters and Decorators
  • Roofers and Sheet Metal Workers
  • Masons and Bricklayers
  • Drywall and Flooring Installers
  • Electricians Working in Older Buildings

Concerned about workplace asbestos exposure? Serling & Abramson, P.C. offers free consultations to evaluate your legal options and protect your rights.

Why Is Asbestos Dangerous? Understanding the Health Risks

The question “is asbestos dangerous” has a definitive answer backed by decades of medical research. Asbestos exposure causes several serious diseases:

Primary Asbestos-Related Diseases

  • Mesothelioma: A rare, aggressive cancer affecting the lining of lungs, abdomen, or heart mesothelioma types
  • Lung Cancer: Significantly increased risk, especially among smokers asbestos lung cancer
  • Asbestosis: Progressive scarring of lung tissue causing breathing difficulties
  • Ovarian Cancer: Linked to asbestos fibers reaching reproductive organs
  • Laryngeal Cancer: Throat cancer associated with inhaled asbestos fibers

The Deadly Latency Period

Asbestos-related diseases have latency periods ranging from 20 to 50 years, meaning symptoms may not appear until decades after initial exposure. This delay makes early detection challenging and underscores why prevention and legal protection are crucial.

Testing and Professional Identification

Laboratory analysis through certified professionals is the only reliable method to identify asbestos in building materials. Proper testing involves:

  • Professional Sampling: Certified inspectors collect material samples safely
  • Laboratory Analysis: Specialized testing determines asbestos type and concentration
  • Risk Assessment: Evaluation of material condition and exposure potential
  • Removal Planning: Development of safe abatement strategies when necessary

Protecting Your Rights: Legal Options for Asbestos Exposure

If you’ve been exposed to asbestos through building materials, whether in residential or occupational settings, you may have legal rights to compensation. Asbestos exposure was determined to be among the most fatal occupational injuries, with more than 45,000 U.S. workers affected by related diseases.

Why Choose Serling & Abramson, P.C.

Our experienced legal team understands the complexities of asbestos litigation and has successfully represented clients across Michigan and nationwide. We provide:

  • Free Case Evaluations: No-cost assessment of your situation
  • Thorough Investigation: Detailed research into exposure sources and responsible parties
  • Maximum Compensation: Aggressive pursuit of damages for medical costs, lost wages, and suffering
  • Compassionate Support: Understanding guidance through difficult legal and medical challenges

Don’t wait—asbestos cases have strict time limits. Contact Serling & Abramson, P.C. today for your free consultation and protect your family’s future.