Overview
Demolition workers face some of the highest current asbestos exposure risks. Tearing down buildings constructed before 1980 disturbs multiple layers of asbestos-containing materials — insulation, flooring, ceiling tiles, roofing, and fireproofing — releasing massive quantities of asbestos fibers.
Unlike many other occupations where asbestos exposure is historical, demolition workers continue to face significant asbestos exposure today. Any building constructed before 1980 may contain asbestos materials.
Asbestos Materials in Buildings
| Material | Building Location | Exposure When Disturbed |
|---|---|---|
| Spray-on insulation | Structural steel, ceilings | Extreme |
| Pipe insulation | Mechanical systems | Very High |
| Floor tiles/adhesive | Throughout building | High |
| Ceiling tiles | Dropped ceilings | High |
| Roofing materials | Roof systems | High |
| Drywall compound | Walls throughout | Moderate |
How Demolition Workers Are Exposed
Types of Demolition Work
- Complete building demolition: Total structure teardown
- Interior demolition: Gutting for renovation
- Selective demolition: Removing specific elements
- Mechanical demolition: Equipment and systems removal
Why Exposure Is Severe
Demolition creates the most hazardous asbestos exposure conditions:
- Physical breaking of materials releases maximum fibers
- Dust clouds envelop entire work areas
- Multiple asbestos sources disturbed simultaneously
- Work continues for extended periods in contaminated air
Federal regulations require asbestos abatement before demolition of buildings with known asbestos materials. However, some contractors illegally skip abatement, putting workers at extreme risk.
Related Industries
Related Occupations
Demolition crews include:
- Laborers — General demolition work
- Operating engineers — Equipment operation
- Ironworkers — Structural dismantling
- Carpenters — Interior demolition
- Roofers — Roof removal
Health Consequences
Demolition workers are at elevated risk for:
- Mesothelioma: Cancer of the chest or abdominal lining
- Asbestosis: Progressive lung scarring
- Lung cancer: Risk multiplied by exposure
- Pleural disease: Thickening of lung lining
Legal Options
Demolition workers diagnosed with mesothelioma may pursue:
Asbestos Trust Funds
Building material manufacturers have established trusts for compensation claims.
Additional Claims
- Product liability lawsuits: Against material manufacturers
- Premises liability: Against building owners
- Contractor negligence: Against employers who skipped abatement
- Workers’ compensation: Through employer coverage