Metal Lather Asbestos Exposure

Metal lathers are individuals who work with metal and/or wood lath, which are thin strips that are usually nailed in rows to framing supports as a substructure for plaster, shingles, slates or tiles.  A metal lathers responsibilities can be many.  For example, a lather:

• Lays out jobs from plans or blueprints.
• Cuts, fits and installs wood or metal studding or furring strips.
• Cuts and fits metal lath, wire mesh or gypsum lath and attaches to studding or furring by nailing, clipping, tying or stapling.
• Installs corner beads, moldings, base screeds and other reinforcements.
• Buildings framework for cornices, archways, etc.
• Hangs suspended ceilings by various methods used in the trade.
• Tears down old plaster in preparation for re-plastering.
• May supervise helpers or laborers.
• Drives automotive equipment to and from work sites.

Metal Lathers and Asbestos

Because the construction industry traditionally used a myriad of asbestos-containing products, metal lathers were constantly at risk for inhaling fibers.  More directly, however, these workers may have been exposed to asbestos cement, which was used to cover the metal lathing.

This asbestos cement was made of sand, Portland cement, and up to 10% asbestos fibers.  The fibers were added as a thickening agent as the cement was found to spread too thin when applied. While the cement itself may have not presented a hazard, it usually had to be sanded or otherwise manipulated, causing fibers to become airborne.  This was the case both with new applications of the cement and old ones that needed to be removed and repaired.

In other instances, lathers were made to attach metal lathing to pipe insulation to hold the insulation in place, exactly where it was needed.  Attaching the laths to the insulation often resulted in damage to the insulation and fibers were released into the air.
Lathers may have also been exposed due to close working conditions within a construction site and perhaps poor ventilation.  Others working with asbestos products may have done something to cause the release of fibers, therefore exposing those around them to hazardous asbestos.

If you were a metal lather and have been diagnosed with mesothelioma, you may be one of many in your field stricken with the disease.  It’s necessary for you to learn as much as possible about your disease, its treatment, and what to expect for the months ahead.  You may also be concerned as to your legal rights as a meso sufferer.  We can help answer those questions.  Send for your free Mesothelioma Resource Kit for more information.