Asbestos Exposure and U.S. Construction Workers

Asbestos Exposure and U.S. Construction Workers

Construction workers throughout the United States have historically faced serious occupational risks from asbestos exposure. For much of the 20th century, asbestos was commonly used in building materials such as insulation, roofing, flooring, and masonry products. Although its use in new construction has been largely reduced, asbestos remains present in many older structures, continuing to pose health hazards for today's workforce.

The Environmental Protection Agency has reported that hundreds of thousands of commercial and public buildings across the country still contain asbestos-containing materials. These materials include roofing shingles, drywall, plaster, flooring tiles, cement products, duct tape, mastics, grouts, and various forms of insulation. Long-term exposure to asbestos has been strongly linked to serious illnesses, including mesothelioma, lung cancer, and asbestosis, particularly among construction workers in states with large construction industries.

How Construction Workers Are Exposed to Asbestos

Asbestos exposure among construction workers generally depends on the time period in which the exposure occurred. During the mid-1900s, asbestos use in construction peaked, especially during the 1960s and 1970s. Workers from that era experienced the highest exposure levels and continue to be diagnosed with asbestos-related diseases today due to the long latency period of these conditions.

Even with modern restrictions in place, exposure risks remain significant. Renovation, repair, and demolition of older buildings frequently disturb asbestos-containing materials. Federal agencies estimate that well over a million construction workers in the United States are still exposed to asbestos each year, making construction trades among the most heavily affected occupations.

Millions of workers continue to face asbestos exposure during construction activities involving older buildings and infrastructure.