Overview
Plasterers — skilled workers who apply plaster to walls and ceilings — faced asbestos exposure from asbestos-containing plaster mixes, textured coatings, and fireproofing spray. The mixing, application, and finishing of these materials created significant airborne asbestos fibers.
Asbestos in Plastering Materials
| Product | Asbestos Content | Exposure Level |
|---|---|---|
| Textured ceiling spray | 5–15% | Very High |
| Acoustic plaster | 5–15% | Very High |
| Fireproof plaster | 5–20% | High |
| Base coat plaster | 2–5% | Moderate |
| Patching compound | 3–6% | Moderate |
How Plasterers Were Exposed
Mixing
Dry plaster materials were mixed on site:
- Opening bags released asbestos dust
- Mixing created additional fiber release
- Dry material accumulated on work surfaces
Application
Applying plaster exposed workers to wet and dry fibers:
- Spray application created aerosols containing asbestos
- Hand application contacted wet asbestos materials
- Troweling created additional fiber release
Finishing
Completing plaster surfaces generated dust:
- Sanding dried plaster
- Scraping high spots
- Texturing surfaces
Spray application of textured ceilings and acoustic plaster created the highest exposure, filling entire rooms with asbestos-containing mist.
Work Environments
Plasterers worked in:
- Residential: Homes and apartments
- Commercial: Office buildings, retail
- Institutional: Schools, hospitals
- Industrial: Factories, warehouses
- Renovation: Repairing existing plaster
Related Occupations
Plasterers worked alongside:
- Drywallers — Wall finishing
- Painters — Surface preparation
- Carpenters — Building construction
- Laborers — Material handling
- Hod carriers — Material supply
Related Industries
Health Consequences
Plasterers 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
Plasterers diagnosed with mesothelioma may pursue:
Asbestos Trust Funds
Plaster and coating manufacturers have established trusts.
Additional Claims
- Product liability lawsuits: Against plaster manufacturers
- Premises liability: Against building owners
- Workers’ compensation: Through employer coverage