Overview
Carpenters — the largest construction trade — faced widespread asbestos exposure from the many building materials containing asbestos. From drywall and ceiling tiles to flooring and roofing, carpenters encountered asbestos products throughout the construction process.
Asbestos in Building Materials
| Product | Asbestos Content | Exposure Level |
|---|---|---|
| Drywall joint compound | 3–6% | High |
| Ceiling tiles | 10–30% | High |
| Floor tiles | 10–25% | Moderate |
| Roofing shingles | 10–30% | Moderate |
| Siding | 20–40% | Moderate |
| Underlayment | Variable | Moderate |
How Carpenters Were Exposed
Joint Compound Work
Drywall joint compound (mud) containing asbestos was widely used from the 1940s through 1970s. Carpenters:
- Mixed powdered joint compound
- Applied it to seams and nail holes
- Sanded dried compound, creating heavy dust
This sanding process released significant asbestos fibers into the air.
Ceiling and Flooring Work
Carpenters installed various asbestos-containing materials:
- Acoustic ceiling tiles for dropped ceilings
- Vinyl asbestos floor tiles
- Sheet flooring with asbestos backing
- Underlayment materials
Carpenters today still face asbestos exposure when renovating or demolishing buildings constructed before 1980. Disturbing old joint compound, ceiling tiles, and flooring releases asbestos fibers.
Work Environments
Carpenters worked in all types of construction:
- Residential construction: Home building and renovation
- Commercial construction: Office buildings, schools
- Industrial construction: Factories, warehouses
- Shipyards: Ship fitting and finishing
- Institutional: Hospitals, government buildings
Related Occupations
Carpenters worked alongside:
- Drywallers — Drywall installation
- Roofers — Roofing installation
- Tile setters — Floor tile installation
- Painters — Surface preparation
- Demolition workers — Building teardown
Related Industries
Health Consequences
Carpenters with asbestos exposure are at risk for:
- Mesothelioma: Cancer of the chest or abdominal lining
- Asbestosis: Lung scarring causing breathing difficulty
- Lung cancer: Especially combined with smoking
- Pleural plaques: Calcified scarring on lung lining
Mesothelioma typically develops 20–50 years after asbestos exposure. Carpenters who worked in the 1960s–1980s are now being diagnosed.
Legal Options
Carpenters diagnosed with mesothelioma may pursue:
Asbestos Trust Funds
Manufacturers of building materials containing asbestos:
- U.S. Gypsum Trust (joint compound)
- Georgia-Pacific Trust
- Various ceiling tile and flooring manufacturers
Additional Claims
- Product liability lawsuits: Against building material manufacturers
- Premises liability: Against property owners
- VA benefits: For military service exposure
- Workers’ compensation: Through employer coverage
An experienced attorney can help identify all potential sources of compensation based on your specific work history and product exposure.