Asbestos Exposure of Construction Workers
The construction industry, especially in past decades, saw widespread use of asbestos, a fact that put many construction workers at risk. Asbestos, a material once favored for its durability and heat resistance, was a common component in various building materials. The workers involved in construction, particularly during demolition and renovation projects, often encountered these asbestos-containing materials, leading to potential exposure.
Understanding the Risks of Asbestos
For many construction workers, exposure to asbestos occurred without their knowledge. Materials like tiles, shingles, and drywall, commonly used in older buildings, frequently contained asbestos. Even today, the risks persist, particularly in structures built before asbestos use was restricted in the 1970s. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the construction industry accounted for 70%–80% of asbestos use in the 20th century. This exposure, unfortunately, can lead to the development of mesothelioma, a serious form of cancer.
The Role of Asbestos in Building Materials
Asbestos was integrated into numerous construction materials due to its favorable properties. These included roof shingles, paint, drywall patching compounds, vinyl floor tiles, concrete, bricks, and vermiculite insulation. Notably, a significant portion of vermiculite, used for insulation, originated from a mine in Libby, Montana, which was contaminated with asbestos. Therefore, products containing vermiculite from this source also carried the risk of asbestos exposure.
Construction Workers Diagnosed with Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma is often linked to asbestos exposure, and this disease can take years to develop following initial exposure. Construction workers who have been diagnosed with mesothelioma are likely to have questions about where and how their exposure occurred and whether there was awareness of the risks at their workplace.
Recognizing the Symptoms of Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma manifests in various forms, depending on where in the body it develops. The most common type, pleural mesothelioma, affects the lungs and can cause symptoms like shortness of breath and chest pain. Other types include peritoneal mesothelioma in the abdominal lining, pericardial mesothelioma around the heart, and testicular mesothelioma, which is the rarest form. The symptoms vary based on the type of mesothelioma but can range from chest pain to abdominal bloating or testicular swelling.
Treatment Options for Mesothelioma
Treatment for mesothelioma depends on the stage of the disease at diagnosis. Early detection may allow for surgical removal of affected tissue. When surgery isn’t viable, chemotherapy or radiation therapy are common treatments. The effectiveness of these treatments varies, and ongoing medical research continues to seek improved methods. The life expectancy post-diagnosis can range from a few months to several years, influenced by the mesothelioma type and its stage at detection.
Awareness and understanding of the risks of asbestos exposure in the construction industry are crucial for recognizing the potential health implications. Knowledge of mesothelioma symptoms and treatment options is important for those who have worked in this field, particularly in older buildings or renovation projects where asbestos exposure was more likely.