Overview
Painters faced asbestos exposure from multiple sources: surface preparation that disturbed asbestos-containing materials, asbestos additives in paints and coatings, and working in environments where other trades were installing asbestos products.
Asbestos Exposure Sources
| Exposure Source | Description | Exposure Level |
|---|---|---|
| Surface sanding | Sanding joint compound, plaster | High |
| Texture coatings | Spray-on ceiling textures | High |
| Paint additives | Some paints contained asbestos | Moderate |
| Caulks/putty | Window glazing, sealing | Moderate |
| Bystander exposure | Working near other trades | Moderate |
How Painters Were Exposed
Surface Preparation
The most significant exposure occurred during prep work:
- Sanding walls covered with asbestos joint compound
- Scraping and sanding plaster with asbestos content
- Preparing surfaces near asbestos insulation
- Creating dust throughout work areas
Coating Application
Some painting products contained asbestos:
- Textured ceiling sprays
- Certain industrial paints
- Fire-retardant coatings
- Masonry sealers
Painters spent more time preparing surfaces than applying paint. Sanding asbestos-containing materials created significant fiber exposure during this preparation work.
Work Environments
Painters worked in all settings:
- Residential: Homes and apartments
- Commercial: Office buildings, retail
- Industrial: Factories, power plants
- Shipyards: Ship painting
- Institutional: Schools, hospitals
Related Occupations
Painters worked alongside:
- Drywallers — Wall finishing
- Plasterers — Plaster work
- Carpenters — Building construction
- Glaziers — Window work
- Laborers — Cleanup
Related Industries
Health Consequences
Painters 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
Legal Options
Painters diagnosed with mesothelioma may pursue:
Asbestos Trust Funds
Manufacturers of joint compound, texture coatings, and other products have established trusts.
Additional Claims
- Product liability lawsuits: Against product manufacturers
- Premises liability: Against building owners
- Workers’ compensation: Through employer coverage