A recent study released in November suggests that drywall workers may have a higher risk of developing asbestos lung cancer, a potentially deadly form of cancer.

Although asbestos has not been used in drywall for decades, it is possible for drywall workers to have a delayed response to prior asbestos exposure.

Asbestos was widely used until the 1970s, when use began to dwindle. By 1990, asbestos use was very uncommon, if nonexistent. It is a mineral that was supposed to strengthen walls and decrease fire risk. It was used in thousands of buildings across the country.

However, asbestos lung cancer has been found in many who had prolonged exposure to the dangerous mineral, such as drywall workers or someone who lived in a building with asbestos in the walls or celling.

The ENVIRON International Corporation, based in Chicago, decided to conduct a study that focused on drywall dust. Researchers talked to various contractors, went to different job sites, and looked at other asbestos studies. They wanted to determine what the risks were for various types of workers.

The asbestos study found that drywall workers had the highest risk of developing asbestos lung cancer or mesothelioma due to the amount of asbestos to which they were exposed. Drywall workers who worked as generalists had the second highest risk. People who do drywall work unprofessionally in do-it-yourself projects were third, with other tradespersons coming in fourth.

The asbestos study estimated the concentration of asbestos dust that each occupation might have been exposed to. What they found was the exposure was not “dangerous” when compared to the health standards of the time. However, now asbestos lung cancer is much more common.

The asbestos estimates found by ENVIRON are considered dangerous by modern standards.

Asbestos Lung Cancer

It has been estimated that 100,000 people have or will die from asbestos exposure from shipyards alone. This does not include drywall workers, construction workers, or people who live and/or work in buildings that already have asbestos in them. Buildings built as late as 2000 may be contaminated by asbestos.

Asbestos exposure can lead to asbestos lung cancer, mesothelioma, cancer in the chest cavity, cancer in the lining of the abdomen, or cancer in the lining of the lungs. It may take 15 to 35 years in order for asbestos exposure to manifest into a dangerous disease. Smoking increases asbestos lung cancer risks.

Drywall workers are advised to use caution particularly when dealing with old buildings. People who work on their own should talk to an asbestos abatement professional. Many asbestos lung cancer lawsuits have been filed against manufacturers of building materials, supplies, and employers of people who failed to provide adequate safety tools involving asbestos.

Asbestos lung cancer victims or mesothelioma victims may be compensated for medical treatment, time away from work, and loss of consortium. Thousands have already been paid in mesothelioma class action lawsuit settlements.