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Volver al Blog de AsbestosAsbestos, once widely used in various industries, poses significant health risks to individuals exposed to its fibers. People who worked in construction prior to the mid-1980s, including stonemasons, were particularly susceptible to asbestos exposure, with one study finding construction to represent 44% of industry-specific exposure.
Here, we’ll delve into the basics of asbestos, its historical use in the construction industry, the specific risks it poses to stonemasonry, and the legal options available for those affected.
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Si cree que estuvo expuesto al asbesto, incluso cuando era niño, hable con un proveedor de atención médica sobre pruebas y exámenes para ayudar a diagnosticar cicatrices pulmonares y detectar enfermedades relacionadas con enfermedades relacionadas con el asbesto.
What is Asbestos and Why Was it Used in the Industry?
Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that possesses unique properties such as heat resistance, durability, and insulation capabilities. These qualities made asbestos an attractive material for various applications in the construction industry. It was commonly used in the following materials:
- Tejas del techo
- Techos de tejas
- Wall and attic insulation
- Textured paints and patching compounds
- Insulation materials for furnaces, boilers, and ducts
- Bases de moqueta
- Baldosas de vinilo
- Otros materiales de construcción
Asbestos was extensively used in home construction, particularly in houses built before the 1980s. This means that many homes constructed in the 1920s and onward are likely to contain asbestos.
Asbestos Roofing and Its Risks
Roofing was one area of construction where asbestos found wide application. It was used in various roofing materials due to its fireproof qualities, strength, and durability. Roofing contractors employed asbestos in the production of shingles, underlayment paper, and cement.
The process of installing an asbestos-containing roof involved several steps. First, an adhesive underlayment was applied to the roof to prevent water from entering the structure. Paper, also known as felt paper or tar paper, was then added to reinforce the underlayment and further safeguard against leaks. Starter shingles were placed to enhance water resistance, followed by the installation of overlapping shingles fastened with nails. Flashing and cement sealants were utilized to seal gaps and ensure the roof’s integrity.
It is important to note that asbestos was commonly used in asphalt shingles before the 1980s. As a result, houses constructed prior to this period, especially those with asphalt shingles, may contain asbestos in their roofing materials. This inclusion of asbestos made the roofs fire-resistant, offering protection against potential fires.
“Todas las formas de asbesto son cancerígenas para los humanos”.1
Asbestos in Cement and Its Implications
Cement, a binding agent used in construction, has a long history dating back to ancient times. As its use expanded, builders sought ways to reinforce concrete in wet environments. Asbestos was a fitting solution due to its reinforcing, insulating, and fireproofing properties. By incorporating asbestos fibers into the cement mixture, builders gained the benefits of both materials.
While the use of asbestos-laced concrete decreased significantly after 1980, structures built before that time likely contain asbestos in their walls and around pipes. Furthermore, lax oversight in some production areas led to the continued use of asbestos-containing cement even after its risks were well-documented. As a result, stonemasons working with cement were at risk of exposure to asbestos fibers.
Las fibras de asbesto no tienen sabor ni olor.
You may not know you’re breathing them.
What is Stonemasonry and Why was Asbestos Useful for it?
Stonemasonry involves the construction, repair, and restoration of stone structures. Asbestos found its way into various aspects of this trade due to its resistance to heat and other elements. It was commonly used in cements, adhesive products, and insulation materials (thermal, electrical, and plumbing). Even if stonemasons didn’t directly work with asbestos, they frequently encountered it in their surroundings.
“La evidencia general sugiere que no existe un nivel seguro de exposición al asbesto”. no hay nivel seguro de exposición al asbesto."Fuente: Instituto Nacional del Cáncer (NIH)2 |
Protective Measures and Historical Lack of Awareness
Protecting workers from asbestos exposure requires the implementation of preventive measures such as wearing masks and specialized clothing like Nomex coveralls. Unfortunately, for many decades, these asbestos safety precautions were not widely practiced. Employees and consumers were often misinformed or not informed at all about the dangers of asbestos.
“Por lo general, quienes desarrollan enfermedades relacionadas con el asbesto no muestran signos de enfermedad durante mucho tiempo después de la exposición”.Fuente: Instituto Nacional del Cáncer (NIH)3 |
Many Asbestos Products Replaced, but Lingering Risks Remain
Over time, numerous asbestos-containing products have been replaced with safer alternatives. However, due to the latency period associated with asbestos-related diseases, those who worked with asbestos long ago may only begin experiencing symptoms now.
Moreover, second-hand exposure is another concern, as family members of workers exposed to asbestos may have unknowingly encountered the fibers and could develop health issues years later.
Several health studies have shown that the spouses of asbestos workers are at an elevated level of risk for asbestos illnesses like cáncer de pulmón.4 5 6 7
Stonemasons face significant risks associated with dust and fume exposure in their line of work.
The dust generated during stonemasonry operations can lead to irritation in the eyes, nose, and throat, while the inhalation of fine respirable dust poses long-term health hazards. The concerning reality is that the death rate from silicosis among stonemasons is a staggering 43 times higher than the national average for the total working population in the UK.
Los riesgos para la salud de la exposición al asbesto pueden incluir:
| Mesotelioma: Cáncer del mesotelio, la capa delgada de tejido que rodea los órganos del cuerpo. Solo se sabe que este cáncer es causado por la exposición al asbesto. | Cáncer de pulmón |
| Cáncer de laringe: Cáncer de laringe (sección de la garganta llamada laringe) | Cáncer de ovarios |
| Cáncer de estómago | Cáncer de colón |
| Cáncer de faringe | La Asbestosis: una enfermedad pulmonar crónica asociada a la exposición al asbesto |
| Enfermedad Pulmonar Obstructiva Crónica (EPOC) | Atelectasia (collapsed lung) |
| Derrame pleural (acumulación de líquido alrededor de los pulmones) | Derrame pericárdico (acumulación de líquido alrededor del corazón) |
Asbestos and Silica: A Double Health Hazard for Stonemasons
Ironically, silica played a role in the discovery and diagnosis of asbestosis, a disease caused by asbestos exposure. However, now silica itself is making headlines as a significant danger, drawing comparisons to asbestos, especially in the context of stonemasonry.
Crystalline silica, found in various materials such as stone, rock, sand, gravel, clay, bricks, tiles, and concrete, poses a serious threat to the health of stonemasons. In recent years, the deaths of numerous stonemasons who have worked on benchtops have been linked to crystalline silica exposure. As a result, legal action is being taken against manufacturers, and authorities are bracing themselves for a potential health crisis that could surpass the impact of asbestos.
Silica dust causes silicosis; asbestos dust causes asbestosis (and cancer).
Silica dust, which is approximately 100 times smaller than a grain of sand, can lead to severe health conditions including lung cancer, silicosis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and kidney disease. The inhalation of this fine dust during stonemasonry work puts workers at risk of developing these debilitating illnesses.
The alarming statistics paint a grim picture of the impact of silica on stonemasons. Over in Australia, WorkCover Queensland has already accepted 164 worker compensation claims for silicosis from stonemasons in the benchtop industry. WorkSafe Victoria has received 28 claims related to silica-related conditions in 2018, with 15 deaths recorded since 1985. Additionally, SafeWork NSW has reported 12 cases of silicosis, while Tasmania has recorded five cases.
A 2014 estudio into occupational lung cancer claims among Korean workers filed between 1994 and 2011 found that the primary carcinogenic exposure was that of asbestos, followed by silica.
The resurgence of silicosis as a significant health concern highlights the urgent need for heightened awareness, strict regulations, and protective measures within the stonemasonry industry. It serves as a stark reminder that the risks associated with asbestos and silica continue to threaten the health and lives of workers, emphasizing the importance of comprehensive safety practices to protect those in the construction and related industries.
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Descubra rápida y fácilmente cómo estuvo expuesto buscando en WARD, la base de datos de asbesto más grande del planeta.
BÚSQUEDA GRATUITA >Legal Options for Asbestos-Related Claims
Individuals affected by asbestos exposure have legal options to seek compensation. Asbestos-related claims can be pursued through various channels, including asbestos trust funds and legal settlements. Trust funds were established by bankrupt asbestos companies to compensate victims of asbestos-related diseases. These trusts cover a wide range of industries, including construction, and provide avenues for both direct and second-hand exposure claims.
Más de $ 30 mil millones todavía están disponibles (sin demandas. Sin tarifas a menos que reciba dinero. Sin riesgos). Haga su reclamo.  |
Asbestos Trusts: Compensation for asbestos claims, with no lawsuit, no up-front costs, no risk.
For stonemasons specifically, some trusts relevant to the construction industry may apply. Examples of such trusts include the Swan Transportation Company Trust, ABB Lummus Global, y WR Grace & Co. These trusts recognize the risks associated with asbestos exposure and aim to compensate those who have suffered as a result.
Additionally, second-hand exposure cases involving individuals expo
Compartir una casa o un vehículo con alguien que usa ropa contaminada con asbesto lo pone en riesgo de contraer enfermedades relacionadas con el asbesto.38
No Stone Unturned for your Asbestos Claim
As a construction trade, stonemasonry carried inherent risks of asbestos exposure due to the extensive use of asbestos-containing materials. Stonemasons, along with other construction workers, faced potential health hazards from asbestos fibers. Understanding the history, risks, and legal options surrounding asbestos exposure is crucial for individuals seeking compensation and justice in the face of asbestos-related diseases.
AsbestosClaims.Law
Asbestos claims aren’t just a day in the office for Justinian C. Lane.
Son una misión.
En el pasado, los trabajadores expuestos al asbesto no sabían acerca de los peligros de la exposición al asbesto. Entre esos trabajadores estaban los abuelos de Justinian y su propio padre.
Desafortunadamente, también se les mantuvo en la oscuridad acerca de las opciones de compensación disponibles para ellos, como las demandas por asbesto y los fondos fiduciarios. En sus últimos años, murieron de cánceres relacionados con el asbesto.
Debido a que nadie en la familia de Justiniano conocía sus opciones, nunca recibieron compensación alguna por la muerte de sus seres queridos.
Hoy, estamos trabajando para cambiar el rumbo.
Puede haber una compensación significativa disponible para usted si ha contraído una enfermedad o lesión relacionada con el asbesto. Esto incluye tanto a los trabajadores como a los miembros de la familia que han estado expuestos.
La compensación es su clave para recibir el tratamiento médico que necesita, financiar los servicios de remoción de asbesto y mantener su bienestar físico.
¿Quiere conocer una de las formas más rápidas y fáciles de recibir una compensación? Permítanos hablar con usted sobre las reclamaciones de fideicomiso de asbesto. Esta opción a menudo puede evitar demandas por completo.
Queremos escuchar su historia y, lo que es más importante, queremos redimirla.
¿Necesita ayuda para presentar un reclamo? No hay problema, puede enviarnos un correo electrónico a [email protected].
¿Prefieres hablar por teléfono? Simplemente llámenos o envíenos un mensaje de texto al (206) 455-9190.
No nos pagará ni un centavo a menos que reciba el dinero primero, por lo que no hay riesgo.
Además de demandas legales, discapacidad de veteranos, seguridad social y protección del empleo como compensación de trabajadores, FELA y La ley de Jones para los trabajadores marítimos, hay fideicomisos de asbesto que se han establecido para indemnizar a los perjudicados por el asbesto sin tener que presentar una demanda.
Los peligros del asbesto solían ser un secreto guardado por la industria para evitar que personas como la familia de Justiniano sufrieran. Ya no. Te traemos la verdad.
Hemos creado numerosos recursos para ayudarlo a responder sus preguntas y brindarle la información que necesita saber y actuar.
Nuestro sitio web tiene una gran cantidad de información dedicada a cosas como la salud y la seguridad, prueba de asbesto, asbestos removal, y información legal sobre la compensación por lesiones de asbesto.
¿Eres un aprendiz visual? ¡Ningún problema!
Nuestro página de YouTube tiene infografías, una serie sobre la historia del asbesto y otros recursos útiles que puede consultar!
| ¿No está seguro de dónde o cuándo estuvo expuesto al asbesto? ¡Deja que WARD te ayude! La base de datos de investigación mundial sobre el asbesto (W.A.R.D) es la base de datos de información sobre el asbesto más grande, y punto. Si necesita respuestas relacionadas con ubicaciones específicas, productos o qué tipo de compensación puede estar disponible para usted debido a la exposición al asbesto, WARD es el lugar para comenzar. |
Trabajar con nosotros es libre de riesgos. A menos que reciba dinero de compensación, ¡NO HAY HONORARIOS! Háblenos sobre litigios de asbesto hoy.
Smokers exposed to asbesto are up to 50 times more likely to develop cáncer de pulmón than nonsmokers who aren’t exposed.9 |
1 IARC Working Group on the Evaluation of Carcinogenic Risks to Humans. Arsenic, metals, fibres, and dusts. IARC Monographs on the Evaluation of Carcinogenic Risks to Humans. 2012 ;100(Pt C):11-465. PMID: 23189751.
2 Instituto Nacional del Cáncer (NIH), Hoja informativa sobre asbesto.
3 Instituto Nacional del Cáncer (NIH) Hoja informativa sobre asbesto.
4 Ferrante, D., Bertolotti, M., Todesco, A., Mirabelli, D., Terracini, B. and Magnani, C., 2007. Cancer mortality and incidence of mesothelioma in a cohort of wives of asbestos workers in Casale Monferrato, Italy. Environmental Health Perspectives, 115(10), pp.1401-1405.
5 Miller, A., 2005. Mesothelioma in household members of asbestos‐exposed workers: 32 United States cases since 1990. American journal of industrial medicine, 47(5), pp.458-462.
6 Reid, A., Heyworth, J., De Klerk, N. and Musk, A.W., 2008. The mortality of women exposed environmentally and domestically to blue asbestos at Wittenoom, Western Australia. Occupational and environmental medicine, 65(11), pp.743-749.
7 İşten, B.H.S.T.O. and Maruziyetler, E.T., 2021. Exposures Moved from Work to Home as a Public Health Hazard.
8 Anua, S.M., Semple, S., Shakri, S.F.M., Safuan, S., Mazlan, N. and Asri, A.A.M., 2019. A review of the take-home exposure pathway of workplace hazards. International Journal of Medical Toxicology & Legal Medicine, 22(3and4), pp.13-19.
9 Klebe, S., Leigh, J., Henderson, D.W. and Nurminen, M., 2020. Asbesto, tabaquismo y cáncer de pulmón: una actualización. Revista internacional de investigación ambiental y salud pública, 17(1), p.258.
