Drywall Asbestos Cancer Exposure Risks
Drywall asbestos is a significant risk in homes, offices, schools, and other buildings constructed before the 1980s. Before the use of asbestos began to be severely restricted in the 1970s, drywall, drywall tape, and the joint compounds that were used with drywall often contained high levels of asbestos, the mineral that is the sole confirmed source of mesothelioma cancer.
In Walls, Ceilings and More
Drywall installers and drywall tapers are especially at risk of developing mesothelioma cancer or lung cancer from their daily work putting up walls, ceilings, and panels. Installing drywall generates a tremendous amount of asbestos dust, which, when inhaled, can eventually cause these and other serious diseases.
Drywall can be found in:
- behind and under heater panels
- floor heater cupboards
- panels behind electrical equipment
- panels beneath windows
- roofing felt
- window panel lining
- more
World War II Years
Although the sheetrock that is used for drywall was invented in 1916 or so, it wasn't until the World War II years that the use of drywall became common. Before then, putting up a wall or ceiling was a laborious process of putting up many pieces of lath and covering them with plaster.
Drywall installation eliminated the need for plastering, saving a significant amount of time, a highly valuable concept when the war effort necessitated the quick construction of many buildings. After the war, the migration of hundreds of thousands of people to suburbs across the U.S. into newly constructed homes further expanded the use of drywall. Thus, huge amounts of asbestos-containing drywall and drywall accessories were used during the years from 1940 to about 1980.
More about Drywall and Asbestos Cancer
If you've installed, removed or replaced drywall, contact mesothelioma treatment centers today to learn more about your rights and your asbestos cancer risks.
Drywall Asbestos (english) / Asbesto en Tablero de Yeso (spanish)
