Tile setters are among some of the most artistic tradesmen. Whether covering the floor of hotel lobbies, museum walls, a kitchen floor, or a bathroom ceiling- tile setters must have training, experience and an eye for detail. The tiles used in these projects can be made from a variety of materials ranging from marble to vinyl. Asbestos was commonly used as a filler in many tiles putting tile setters at risk of developing mesothelioma cancer.
During the 20th century asbestos gained popularity for being an affordable, lightweight filler that could provide materials with durability, strength, and resistance to heat, flame and corrosion. For these reasons, tons of asbestos were mined in the United States and placed in thousands of products. Many of these products were construction materials used to improve the safety of buildings.
When asbestos tiles were handled and manipulated, tile setters risked breathing in dangerous asbestos fibers. As old, worn asbestos materials were removed to make way for the new tile, or when new tile was cut, drilled, and sanded to fit a project, asbestos dust was released into the air. Once airborne, these tiny fibers lingered in the air where they could easily be inhaled or ingested. When asbestos fibers enter the body, they can become lodged in organ tissue causing inflammation and scarring that may lead to the development of mesothelioma.
In addition to asbestos tiles, tile setters worked with adhesives, plaster, mortar and grout to complete projects. Mixing of mortar and grout that contained asbestos materials could create clouds of asbestos dust in the tile mason's work area. The sanding and removal of dried excess materials, as well as dusting and vacuuming, also created airborne asbestos fibers that could be ingested by tile fitters.
Sadly, millions of Americans have been exposed to asbestos over the years. Mesothelioma symptoms generally take 10 to 60 years to develop from the time of asbestos exposure. We are only now seeing the tragic effects of asbestos exposure in the workplace.
Many companies have established trust funds to compensate persons injured by asbestos.
If you have mesothelioma, or other asbestos-related injury, and wish to consult a mesothelioma lawyer about your legal rights to compensation, CLICK HERE for a free consultation.
