The field of carpentry covers a wide range of activities and working environments. Many of these, however, were exposed to asbestos-containing materials such as wallboard, cement, shingles, and tiles. As a result of this exposure to asbestos-containing materials during the course of their work, a number of carpenters contracted Mesothelioma because they were not aware of the proper precautions required when working with these materials.

Asbestos-Containing Materials

Asbestos was widely used in the building industry until the 1970’s and 1980’s. Asbestos-cement was first created in the early 1900’s, and shortly afterwards, was formed into pre-fabricated products such as asbestos-cement board. Asbestos cement joint compound was another material that carpenters often came into contact with during the course of their work, in addition to coming into contact with ordinary asbestos-cement.

The Dangers to Carpenters of Working with Asbestos-Containing Materials

When carpenters were exposed to or were required to work with these products containing asbestos, there was often a lot of asbestos dust in the air. Although the asbestos that was properly contained within the products did not cause a problem, the asbestos that became airborne during the course of the carpenter’s work could easily be inhaled. This led to a higher risk of contracting Mesothelioma and other asbestos-related disorders.

Modern Precautions for Carpenters Working with Asbestos-Containing Materials

Although most modern buildings do not contain asbestos, there is a chance that carpenters could still be exposed to asbestos-containing materials when repairing or working on older buildings. Today, one is more aware of the risk of Mesothelioma, and thus precautions such as wearing masks and respirators, when working in an environment containing asbestos dust are taken. Where possible, the area is also wetted down, as wet asbestos containing material is unable to release the asbestos dust into the atmosphere to be inhaled.

Mesothelioma Awareness in Modern Times

Carpenters were one of the professions more likely to be exposed to asbestos-containing materials since it was widely used in the building industry and other environments where carpenters were likely to work. During the decades when asbestos was used most widely, people were not aware of the dangers involved, and so precautions to protect against the inhalation of asbestos dust were often not taken. This lead to an increased risk of contracting Mesothelioma; but today, although carpenters may still be exposed to asbestos-containing materials, there is a greater awareness, and thus precautions are being taken to prevent the spread of asbestos dust.