How Asbestos in Joint Compound Gave Construction Workers Lung Cancer

An experienced asbestos lung cancer lawyer can fight for compensation

For decades, asbestos was a commonly used material in various industries due to its fire-resistant properties and durability. Unfortunately, this hazardous material posed serious long-term health risks. Workers exposed to it on the job, particularly in the construction trades, eventually faced a lung cancer diagnosis.

One of the most common, yet often overlooked, sources of asbestos exposure for trade workers was joint compound, a product essential to drywalling, plastering, and finishing work. Asbestos was commonly added to joint compound from the 1930s to the 1980s to strengthen it, prevent cracking, and improve spreadability. Known as drywall mud, joint compound was widely used on construction sites to seal seams and cover imperfections between drywall sheets.

Trade workers such as drywall installers, plasterers, painters, and carpenters who mixed, applied, and sanded joint compound unknowingly released asbestos fibers into the air. When inhaled, these fibers became lodged in the lungs, leading to chronic inflammation, scarring, and eventually, diseases such as lung cancer and mesothelioma, which often appeared decades later.

Symptoms and signs asbestos contributed to lung cancer

The delayed onset of asbestos-related diseases is particularly challenging for those who worked in construction with materials like joint compound. While the human body can manage small amounts of damage, the frequent and prolonged exposure to asbestos fibers on job sites adds up over time. It often takes decades before the cumulative effects of inhaling asbestos during tasks like sanding and mixing joint compound lead to noticeable symptoms. This extended period between exposure and illness is known as the “latency period,” which can make it difficult for workers to connect their health issues to their time on the job.

Here are some common signs and symptoms that may indicate asbestos exposure contributed to lung cancer:

Persistent cough. A chronic, long-lasting cough that doesn’t go away or worsens over time.
Shortness of breath. Difficulty breathing or a feeling of breathlessness, especially with physical activity.
Chest pain. Pain or discomfort in the chest, which may worsen with deep breaths, coughing, or laughing.
Coughing up blood. Also known as hemoptysis, the presence of blood in cough can be a serious sign of lung damage.
Fatigue. Persistent tiredness or lack of energy, even with adequate rest.
Unexplained weight loss. Sudden and unintended weight loss can be a warning sign of lung cancer.
Hoarseness. Changes in the voice, such as a hoarse or raspy sound, especially if it lasts for weeks.
Recurrent respiratory infections. Frequent bouts of pneumonia, bronchitis, or other respiratory infections may signal lung damage from asbestos exposure.

These symptoms often indicate advanced stages of asbestos-related lung cancer or mesothelioma, making it essential to seek medical attention if they develop – especially if there’s a history of construction work and asbestos exposure in an individual’s past.

Compensation available for lung cancer due to joint compound asbestos exposure

The widespread use of asbestos raises clear questions of negligence. Joint compound manufacturers who knew the dangers but failed to act are legally and financially responsible for the harm caused. For workers with lung cancer caused by joint compound asbestos exposure, proving this negligence is key because it holds those parties accountable for these preventable health issues.

Asbestos exposure victims with a lung cancer diagnosis and their families are entitled to seek compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and suffering, while also advocating for stronger safety standards to protect future workers. This is true even if other factors contributed to the development of lung cancer. Here’s how other factors might contribute, while asbestos remains a key issue:

Smoking tobacco. Smoking increases the risk of lung cancer, but asbestos exposure adds a separate hazard. Workers who were exposed to asbestos, even if they smoked, are still eligible to file a claim for compensation.
Air pollution. Long-term exposure to air pollution can raise the risk of lung cancer, but asbestos fibers cause specific and severe damage to the lungs. Even with environmental factors at play, asbestos exposure remains a significant cause that warrants compensation.
Family history. A genetic predisposition to lung cancer can heighten risk, but asbestos exposure is a distinct cause. People with a family history of lung cancer are still entitled to seek compensation if asbestos exposure contributed to their illness.
Other workplace chemicals. Exposure to substances like radon or industrial chemicals may also increase the likelihood of lung cancer, but asbestos exposure is a well-known, preventable cause. Compensation claims often focus on asbestos, regardless of other workplace hazards.

Even with other contributing factors, asbestos exposure remains a serious, preventable cause of lung cancer, and individuals who were exposed may be entitled to financial compensation for their illness. Experienced asbestos lung cancer lawyers help people determine if toxic exposure and negligence played a role in their diagnosis. They investigate work history and exposure, collect evidence, and build strong claims to seek compensation while victims focus on their health and loved ones.

Looking back on work history for asbestos exposure

For retired trade workers diagnosed with lung cancer or other health issues, it’s important to reflect on past work environments. Joint compound may have seemed like a routine material, but years of exposure to asbestos could be a significant factor in current health concerns.

Here are some steps to consider:

Assess exposure. Workers should reflect on the types of projects they worked on and whether joint compound or other asbestos-containing materials were used. Even if they didn’t directly handle these materials, being in close proximity to others who did could have exposed them to asbestos fibers.
Talk to a doctor. If there are concerns about past asbestos exposure, it’s crucial to discuss work history with a healthcare provider. Doctors may recommend lung cancer screenings or other tests for asbestos-related diseases.
Document work history. It’s helpful to keep detailed records of employment, job sites, and materials used. This information can assist in medical evaluations and potentially support a claim for asbestos-related illnesses.
Contact a lawyer. Workers diagnosed with lung cancer or another asbestos-related illness should consider seeking legal guidance. An experienced asbestos lung cancer lawyer can explain your rights and options for pursuing compensation, whether through a lawsuit, asbestos trust funds, or other channels. A lawyer can assist with gathering documentation, navigating legal deadlines, and ensuring the case is handled properly.

Understanding exposure to asbestos and monitoring health is vital. Workers who believe their exposure to asbestos-containing joint compound has affected their health should consult their doctor and stay informed about potential risks. While past exposures cannot be changed, taking action can improve health outcomes and ensure comfort in the future.

Do you have lung cancer? Contact an asbestos exposure lawyer today.

The dangers of asbestos exposure in the workplace are a sobering reality for many retired trade workers. Joint compound, a seemingly harmless material used in construction for decades, was one of the major sources of asbestos exposure, leading to serious health conditions like lung cancer. If you have been diagnosed with lung cancer, are over age 65, and worked in construction or manufacturing, or served in the military, contact the Ferrell Law Group for a free consultation. A member of our team can listen to the details of what happened, answer questions, and explain your legal options for financial lung cancer compensation. Our law firm has over 30 years of experience and has recovered millions of dollars for asbestos exposure victims nationwide. Contact us today.

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