Hod Carriers and Asbestos Exposure Risks

Hod carriers faced asbestos exposure from handling and mixing construction materials. Learn about exposure sources and legal options.

By MesoWatch Editorial 2 min read
Published: Updated:

Overview

Hod carriers — construction laborers who carry materials and mix mortar for masons and other trades — faced asbestos exposure from handling and mixing asbestos-containing materials. As material handlers and assistants to multiple trades, hod carriers encountered asbestos throughout construction sites.

Moderate-High
Risk classification
Material handling
Primary exposure
1940–1980
Peak exposure years

How Hod Carriers Were Exposed

Key Facts
Mixed mortar and cement containing asbestos
Carried asbestos insulation materials
Handled bags of asbestos-containing products
Cleaned up debris containing asbestos
Worked throughout contaminated job sites

Material Mixing

Hod carriers prepared materials for skilled trades:

  • Mixing mortar with asbestos additives
  • Preparing refractory cement containing asbestos
  • Mixing plaster compounds with asbestos
  • Opening bags of dry materials (maximum dust release)

Material Handling

Carrying and staging materials created exposure:

  • Moving bags of asbestos insulation
  • Stacking asbestos building materials
  • Transporting asbestos-containing products
  • Supplying materials to other trades

Cleanup Work

End-of-day cleanup involved asbestos:

  • Sweeping debris from work areas
  • Disposing of scrap asbestos materials
  • Cleaning work spaces contaminated with fibers
Mixing Hazard

Mixing dry materials created intense asbestos exposure. Opening bags, pouring powder, and mixing released dense clouds of asbestos-containing dust.

Work Environments

Hod carriers worked on all types of construction:

  • Commercial construction: Office buildings, retail
  • Residential construction: Homes, apartments
  • Industrial construction: Factories, power plants
  • Infrastructure: Roads, bridges

Hod carriers assisted:

Health Consequences

Hod carriers with asbestos exposure are at risk for:

  • Mesothelioma: Cancer of the chest or abdominal lining
  • Asbestosis: Progressive lung scarring
  • Lung cancer: Especially combined with smoking
  • Pleural disease: Thickening of lung lining

Hod carriers diagnosed with mesothelioma may pursue:

Asbestos Trust Funds

Building material manufacturers have established trusts for compensation.

Additional Claims

  • Product liability lawsuits: Against material manufacturers
  • Premises liability: Against building owners
  • General contractor liability: Against prime contractors
  • Workers’ compensation: Through employer coverage