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.

How Asbestos Exposure Occurs on Construction Sites

Construction activities such as cutting, drilling, sanding, or demolishing materials that contain asbestos can release microscopic fibers into the air. These fibers are easily inhaled or ingested and can spread rapidly across job sites, especially when friable materials are disturbed.

Once asbestos fibers enter the body, they may become lodged in the lungs or other internal tissues, leading to severe and often fatal diseases over time. Workers may also carry asbestos dust home on their clothing, unintentionally exposing family members through secondary exposure.

Construction Trades at Higher Risk

Certain construction professions face elevated exposure risks due to the nature of their work. Bricklayers and masons are frequently exposed when cutting or demolishing masonry materials. Drywall workers encounter asbestos when removing or modifying older wall systems, while painters may disturb asbestos-containing textured coatings during sanding or scraping.

Roofers and tile setters are also at increased risk, particularly when working with aging roofing materials or damaged floor tiles that contain asbestos. Weathering and material degradation further increase the likelihood of fiber release.

Why Choose Us for Your Asbestos Exposure Claim?

Free No-Obligation Review

We provide free no-obligation asbestos exposure case review

Contingency Representation

We work on a contingency basis, meaning there are no fees unless we collect for you

Expertise In Asbestos & Mesothelioma Lawsuits

We have experience winning claims against huge multi-national corporations

U.S. Regions with Higher Asbestos Exposure Risks

Certain regions of the United States present greater asbestos exposure risks due to older infrastructure, industrial history, or naturally occurring asbestos deposits. Construction workers in these areas are more likely to encounter asbestos during renovation, demolition, and excavation projects.

Northeast Corridor

States such as New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania contain dense concentrations of older buildings, bridges, and transit systems. Renovation and demolition projects in major cities frequently disturb asbestos insulation, flooring, and roofing materials, increasing worker exposure.

Rust Belt States

The industrial legacy of the Rust Belt, including Ohio, Michigan, Illinois, Indiana, and Wisconsin, left behind factories and power plants that relied heavily on asbestos for insulation and fireproofing. Many abandoned or aging facilities continue to pose hazards during redevelopment and demolition.

Louisiana Gulf Coast

Along the Louisiana Gulf Coast, refineries, shipyards, and petrochemical facilities extensively used asbestos in pipes, boilers, and insulation. Maintenance and demolition work in this region is especially hazardous due to material degradation caused by the humid climate.

California Asbestos Hotspots

California contains areas with naturally occurring asbestos, particularly in regions affected by roadwork and excavation. In addition, many older buildings throughout the state still contain asbestos-based construction materials, posing ongoing risks during remodeling projects.

Asbestos Regulations and Ongoing Caution

Although asbestos use has been restricted for decades, it remains legally permitted in certain construction-related products, including some cement sheets, coatings, and pipeline materials. In March 2024, the Environmental Protection Agency finalized a rule aimed at banning remaining uses of asbestos, though full implementation will take several years.

Until asbestos is completely eliminated from the built environment, construction workers must continue to exercise caution when working on older structures. Awareness, proper safety measures, and regulatory compliance remain critical to reducing exposure risks.