Carpenter Asbestos Exposure

Carpentry is a noble profession that has been in existence for thousands of years.  One even reads about carpenters in the Bible.  Carpenters come in all ages, shapes, and sizes and each has his or her own special skill set. 

Types of Carpenters

A carpenter has traditionally been defined as one who works with wood.  Some have very precise skills; designing furniture, carving intricate woodworking, or accomplishing other tasks that require great patience.  These carpenters are often known as “finishing” carpenters.

Other carpenters may do large framing work or “rough” carpentry for houses and commercial buildings.  Still others, known as “shipwrights”, are responsible for building sea-worthy vessels.  Roofers are also considered to be carpenters.

Carpentry and Asbestos

The construction industry has long been one of the major users of asbestos and asbestos-containing projects.  For decades, before asbestos warnings were issued in the 1970s, those who worked in construction, including carpenters, were facing constant exposure to this hazardous material. 

Shipwrights, especially, faced many dangers during the years prior to and during World War II, when shipbuilding was at its peak and shipyards were turning out an amazing number of vessels in just a short amount of time.  That meant shipyard workers weren’t always as careful as they could have been, choosing speed over safety.

Those working on houses were exposed to a large number of products that may have contained asbestos including floor and ceiling tiles, paint, wallboard, gypsum, adhesive, shingles, cement, asbestos paper, and much more.  Asbestos was used as insulation for decades because of its magnificent fire- and heat-resistant qualities. 

Though many companies and company owners knew of the dangers of asbestos, workers were rarely supplied with safety equipment like masks and respirators, which would have curtailed the inhalation of airborne asbestos fibers.  Others were merely ignorant as to the dangers associated with the material and didn’t learn of the hazards until they were sickened many years later.

Today, there are strict rules as to the use of asbestos and carpenters understand that it’s important to protect themselves at all times from inhaling the dangerous fibers.

Carpenters and Asbestos-Related Diseases

It’s easy to see how, for decades, carpenters were at high risk for contracting asbestos-related diseases such as asbestosis and mesothelioma.  Because the diseases have such a long latency period, those who worked with asbestos until the 1970s may be just discovering that they are stricken with asbestos-related disorders.

Were you a carpenter who suffered prolonged exposure to asbestos?  Have you been diagnosed with mesothelioma?  If so, you’ll need to be well-informed as to the particulars of your disease, its treatment, and your rights for legal recourse.  Our free Mesothelioma Information Kit can help you sort out the particulars.  Take a moment to order one today.