Metal Lather
A metal lathers is the construction worker who works with metal lath, which is a thin mesh that aids in hanging plaster, cement, and other building materials. Unfortunately, some of the materials encountered by a metal lather contain asbestos, and many metal lathers have suffered occupational asbestos exposure and the resulting health problems. Workplace asbestos exposure is one of the more common exposure types because building materials can release fibers and dust into the air when disturbed. When inhaled, an occupational asbestos exposure can lead to a number of health problems including asbestosis and the following cancers: mesothelioma, lung, esophageal, gastrointestinal, laryngeal, and pharyngeal.
Metal Lathers at High Risk for Asbestos Exposure and Mesothelioma
Metal lathers who worked from about 1940 to 1980 are at the greatest risk for asbestos exposure because, as mentioned above, a variety of the construction materials used during this time period contained asbestos. Asbestos fibers were often added to both plaster and cement, two materials that metal lathers frequently used to cover metal lathing. Asbestos, inexpensive at the time, was mixed with the plaster and cement to improve durability, thermal stability, and resistance to fire for the finished product. Asbestos fibers could be disturbed into the air when these materials were cut, sanded or drilled to fit specific dimensions. Even workers who did not directly handle asbestos materials were put at risk because the microscopic fibers can float in the air for long periods of time, allowing for them to be inhaled.
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Top Asbestos-Containing Products Encountered by a Metal Lather
• Cement
• Plaster
• Asbestos drywall
• Various construction materials
A more exhaustive list can be found on our asbestos containing products page.
Modern Metal Lathers are Still at Risk for Asbestos Exposure
Today’s metal lathers continue to face the risks associated with asbestos exposure. In fact, it has been estimated that 1.3 million workers in the construction industry are still exposed to asbestos annually. People who work with metal lathing need to remain aware of any renovations involving plaster, cement, and drywall in buildings constructed pre-1980. In addition, although the United States began regulating asbestos in the 1970’s, it has not been banned entirely. Two-thirds of the modern asbestos-containing products are construction materials, although they are typically labeled as such.
Often modern metal lathers are not taught the proper safety procedures or given the required equipment to protect themselves from the dangers of asbestos. A basic precaution is wearing a ventilator or safety mask to avoid inhaling asbestos dust when in doubt of the contents of building materials. Metal lathers should also be taught the proper identification of asbestos containing products and the proper methods of handling disposal within their particular jurisdiction.
Were You Exposed to Asbestos While Working as a Metal Lather? A Mesothelioma Law Firm May be Able to Help
It is recommended that people who have spent a significant amount of time employed as a metal lather get a full physical evaluation by a medical doctor. Mesothelioma, a rare and aggressive cancer caused by asbestos exposure, often takes 15-40 years to manifest and the life expectancy of a victim is around a year post-diagnosis. It is very important to catch the disease in its early stages. At-risk workers should pay close attention to any mesothelioma symptoms which include fluid in the lungs, chest pain, coughing, shortness of breath and fatigue.
If you have been diagnosed with mesothelioma and believe you were exposed to asbestos working as a metal lather, a mesothelioma settlement could possibly provide the financial compensation you deserve. To learn more about your legal options and how a mesothelioma law firm may be able to assist you, please contact us for a free legal consultation.