Louisiana Construction Workers & Asbestos

Louisiana construction workers have faced significant asbestos exposure over many decades. Asbestos played a major role in the construction industry in Louisiana from the early 1900s to the late 1970s. This fibrous mineral was widely used in construction materials due to its fire-resistant, insulating, and strengthening properties. However, after extensive research and studies, it was discovered that asbestos is highly toxic and can cause severe health issues when inhaled or ingested.

Louisiana construction workers have faced significant asbestos exposure over many decades. Asbestos played a major role in the construction industry in Louisiana from the early 1900s to the late 1970s. This fibrous mineral was widely used in construction materials due to its fire-resistant, insulating, and strengthening properties. However, after extensive research and studies, it was discovered that asbestos is highly toxic and can cause severe health issues when inhaled or ingested.

In 1989, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) banned the use of new asbestos-containing materials. To this day, many old buildings and structures in Louisiana still contain asbestos, and Louisiana construction workers, both current and former, are at risk of asbestos-related illnesses.

According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), an estimated 1.3 million construction and general industry employees are at risk of asbestos exposure. Louisiana construction workers face a significatn risk as they are often exposed to asbestos fibers during renovating, repairing, and demolishing old buildings or structures. This page covers common construction materials that contain asbestos, the Louisiana construction jobs with a higher risk of asbestos exposure, and the health risks associated with asbestos exposure in Louisiana.

Common Construction Materials Containing Asbestos

Asbestos was extensively used in various construction materials installed in Louisiana due to its fire-resistant, insulating, and strengthening properties. Some of the common construction materials that the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has identified as containing asbestos (if manufactured and installed before the 1980s) include:

• Vinyl flooring
• Ceiling tiles
• Spray-on coatings
• Roofing and siding shingles
• Industrial pipe wrapping
• Thermal insulation
• Putty, caulk, cement, and plaster

These materials may not pose any danger if they are intact and undisturbed. However, tiny asbestos fibers can become airborne and easily inhaled when these materials are damaged or disturbed during renovation or demolition work. These asbestos fibers can settle deep within the lungs and remain there for years. Over decades, they can cause inflammation, scarring, and genetic damage to the lung tissue, leading to serious health conditions such as lung cancer, mesothelioma, and asbestosis.

Louisiana Construction Jobs with the Highest Risk of Asbestos Exposure

Among the construction areas where Louisiana workers are at a greater risk of encountering asbestos include demolition projects, renovations of older buildings, and specialty trades such as plumbing, electrical work, and roofing. Read more about Louisiana plumbers and asbestos exposure.

Louisiana demolition workers are particularly vulnerable as tearing down structures can release high levels of asbestos fibers into the air. Electricians, plumbers, and HVAC technicians may also be exposed to asbestos while working with pipes and insulation that contain this mineral. Roofers are also at a higher risk because many older buildings contain asbestos roofing materials. Read more about Louisiana electricians and asbestos exposure.

Louisiana carpenters and joiners are at significant risk, especially when working on refurbishing or restoring older properties where asbestos was commonly used in wall paneling and flooring materials.

Painters and decorators in Louisiana may be exposed when prepping surfaces for painting or wallpapering, particularly if they are sanding asbestos-containing materials. Louisiana masonry workers who are involved with the restoration of brickwork and facades of buildings built before asbestos restrictions can also face exposure risks. Additionally, asbestos-containing concrete can be found in Louisiana building foundations and walls, posing a risk for construction workers involved in excavation and foundation work. Read more about Louisiana maintenance workers and asbestos exposure.

Louisiana Construction Activities That Can Lead to Asbestos Exposure

Aside from the nature of their jobs, construction workers may also be exposed to asbestos in Louisiana through accidents or activities that may seem harmless at first glance. For instance, breaking or drilling into walls, ceilings, or flooring that contain asbestos can release fibers into the air. Similarly, using high-pressure water sprayers to clean surfaces may dislodge and spread asbestos fibers. Even simple tasks like moving furniture or equipment can cause disturbance in asbestos-containing materials, leading to exposure.

Health Risks Associated with Asbestos Exposure in Louisiana

Asbestos exposure can have severe health consequences, particularly for Louisiana construction workers who are repeatedly exposed over a prolonged period. Asbestos fibers, whether inhaled or ingested, can cause lung scarring or inflammation, leading to serious respiratory problems such as asbestosis, mesothelioma, and lung cancer. These diseases may not manifest until years after initial exposure, making diagnosis and treatment challenging.

Are Louisiana Construction Workers Still at Risk of Asbestos Exposure Today?

Despite strict regulations, construction workers in Louisiana are still at risk of exposure to asbestos today. This is because many older buildings and structures still contain materials manufactured before the 1980s, when there was no ban on asbestos. Additionally, even newer construction materials, such as cement pipes and vinyl floor tiles, may contain asbestos.

Moreover, not all construction companies follow proper safety protocols and guidelines when handling asbestos-containing materials. This can expose Louisiana workers to asbestos if proper precautions are not taken.

Legal Help for Louisiana Construction Workers Exposed to Asbestos

If a construction worker in Louisiana has been exposed to asbestos on the job and is suffering from health complications, they may be entitled to compensation. In some cases, this compensation may come from workers' compensation insurance; in other cases, a lawsuit against the responsible party may be necessary. Construction workers in Louisiana should be aware of their legal rights and seek the help of a qualified lawyer to pursue any potential claims.