Asbestos was commonly used in various building materials, including plaster, due to its fire-resistant and insulating properties. Asbestos-containing plaster was widely used in buildings for fireproofing, soundproofing, and as a texturing material. This was particularly common in constructions from the early to mid-20th century.
The use of asbestos in plaster and other building materials has been largely discontinued in many countries due to the health risks associated with asbestos exposure. When asbestos fibers are disturbed, they can become airborne and pose a significant health risk when inhaled. Asbestos exposure is linked to serious diseases such as mesothelioma, lung cancer, and asbestosis.
If you’ve been exposed to asbestos in plaster and experience any health issues, contact Bailey & Glasser, LLP, today. Our team of experienced lawyers can offer you a free consultation to discuss your options.
Plaster and Asbestos
Asbestos, a group of naturally occurring fibrous minerals, was added to plaster for several reasons:
- Fire Resistance: Asbestos is highly resistant to heat and fire, making it an ideal additive in plaster for fireproofing purposes. This was particularly important in commercial buildings, schools, and homes.
- Durability: Adding asbestos to plaster increased its durability. Asbestos fibers reinforced the plaster, making it less prone to cracking and aging.
- Insulation: Asbestos has excellent insulation properties, which helped in maintaining temperature control in buildings.
- Soundproofing: The use of asbestos in plaster also aided in sound insulation, reducing the transmission of noise between different rooms or units in a building.
There are two main types of asbestos-containing plasters:
- Decorative Plaster: This type of plaster was used for decorative interior finishes. It often contained asbestos fibers to enhance its fire resistance and durability. This kind of plaster was used in various textures and finishes on ceilings and walls.
- Fireproofing Plaster: Asbestos was added to plaster used in areas that required fire resistance, such as around boilers, fireplaces, and in commercial buildings. This type of plaster was meant to help prevent the spread of fire within a structure.
Asbestos plaster was used in the following ways:
- Residential properties
- Commercial properties
- Office buildings
- Hospitals
- Warehouses
- Schools
Manufacturers of Asbestos Containing Plaster
Manufacturers offered a range of plaster products, including wall and ceiling plasters, decorative finishes, and fireproofing plasters. These products were commonly used in schools, homes, offices, and industrial buildings.
- Georgia-Pacific: This company was known for manufacturing paper, pulp, tissue, and other building materials, including acoustical plaster and patching plaster.
- Keene Corporation: Starting as a heat-sealed plastic packaging company, Keene Corporation went on to manufacture a range of construction materials.
- National Gypsum: A large building materials manufacturer, by 1950, National Gypsum had over 150 construction products for sale.
- Synkoloid: Established in 1894, Synkoloid manufactured plaster, spackling paste, wood finish, and paint.
- United States Gypsum: This company manufactured construction materials, including plaster, cement, ceiling tiles, joint compounds, and texture paint.
- W.R. Grace: Produced chemical products and specialty building materials. One of their most popular products was a dry plaster compound called Zonolite plaster.
Asbestos Exposure from Plaster
the use of asbestos in plaster and other building materials has been largely phased out due to the severe health risks associated with asbestos exposure. When materials containing asbestos are disturbed, asbestos fibers can become airborne and pose a significant health risk when inhaled. Prolonged exposure to asbestos fibers can lead to serious respiratory conditions, including asbestosis, lung cancer, and mesothelioma, a rare form of cancer primarily associated with asbestos exposure.
The primary health risks associated with exposure to asbestos fibers include:
- Asbestosis: This is a chronic lung disease caused by inhaling asbestos fibers. The fibers cause scarring in the lungs, leading to symptoms such as shortness of breath, persistent cough, and in severe cases, heart failure. Asbestosis is a progressive disease and can be severely debilitating.
- Lung Cancer: Asbestos exposure significantly increases the risk of developing lung cancer. The risk is even higher in individuals who smoke. Symptoms may include coughing, chest pain, shortness of breath, and weight loss.
- Mesothelioma: This is a rare form of cancer that primarily affects the lining of the lungs (pleural mesothelioma) but can also affect the lining of the abdominal cavity (peritoneal mesothelioma). Mesothelioma is directly linked to asbestos exposure and may not develop until decades after the exposure.
- Pleural Thickening: Exposure to asbestos can cause thickening or hardening of the pleura (the lining around the lungs). This condition can restrict lung expansion, leading to breathing difficulties.
- Pleural Plaques: These are areas of fibrous thickening on the pleura. While they are not cancerous and may not cause symptoms, their presence indicates significant asbestos exposure and potential for other asbestos-related diseases.
- Other Respiratory Conditions: Chronic exposure to asbestos can lead to other respiratory problems, including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and pleural effusion (fluid buildup around the lungs).
Due to these health risks, handling, removal, or disturbance of asbestos-containing materials, such as old plaster, should only be done by trained and licensed professionals. These experts can conduct tests to confirm the presence of asbestos and then safely remove or encapsulate the material in accordance with local regulations and safety standards. It’s highly advised for homeowners or building managers to not attempt to remove or disturb suspected asbestos-containing materials themselves.
Occupations Affected by Asbestos-Containing Plaster
The use of asbestos-containing plaster in construction and building maintenance has had a significant impact on various occupations, exposing workers to health risks associated with asbestos. People working in certain professions were more likely to encounter asbestos in plaster, especially before the widespread restrictions and regulations regarding asbestos use came into effect.
- Acoustical workers
- Carpenters
- Cement masons
- Construction workers
- Demolition crews
- Drywall workers
- Electricians
- Flooring installers
- Home inspectors
- Household appliance installers
- HVAC workers
- Insulation installers
- Painters
- Pipefitters
- Plasterers
- Plumbers
It’s important for workers in these occupations to be aware of the risks associated with asbestos exposure and to undergo regular health check-ups, especially if they have a history of working with asbestos-containing materials like plaster.
Plaster Asbestos Exposure Compensation Options
If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with mesothelioma, you might be entitled to financial compensation, which can be pursued through various legal avenues. These include filing an insurance claim, initiating a civil lawsuit, or seeking compensation from an asbestos trust fund. You may also have the option to file a lawsuit against an employer or product manufacturer, submit a workers’ compensation claim, or explore veterans’ claims, among other potential sources.
At Bailey & Glasser, LLP, we recognize the profound impact of a mesothelioma diagnosis on individuals and families. Our attorneys are dedicated to providing you with essential information, support, and legal guidance, helping you navigate these challenging times and pursue the compensation you deserve.
