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Four Dangerous Diseases Construction Workers Need to Know About

New York and New Jersey construction workers labor in a dangerous industry. They must be aware of both the immediate threats to their personal safety posed by construction accidents and the long-term threats to their health from exposure to various substances. There are three substances, asbestos, lead, and silica, that can prove dangerous, and possibly fatal, even years-sometimes decades-after exposure.

Asbestos: Asbestosis and Mesothelioma

Until the mid-1970s, asbestos was commonly used in U.S. Construction, often as insulation. While asbestos is no longer considered safe to use in construction, workers must be aware of it and the serious diseases it can cause for two reasons. First, these diseases can develop decades after exposure: construction workers who worked with asbestos in the mid 20th century are just now being diagnosed with asbestos-related diseases. Second, asbestos is still present in many buildings built prior to the ban and may be a factor in renovations or demolitions.

When inhaled, asbestos fibers can significantly affect the lungs, resulting in asbestosis or mesothelioma. Asbestosis is a breathing disorder that cannot be cured and is often deadly. Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that affects the lining around internal organs such as the lungs and is almost always caused by asbestos exposure. It is also almost always fatal.

Lead: Lead Poisoning

Lead exposure is a real risk to construction workers who are involved in welding, sanding, blasting, working with steel, or painting with lead-based paint. Lead particles can become airborne and enter the blood stream, resulting in lead poisoning. As lead poisoning spreads through the blood stream it can affect the nervous system and lead to brain damage, neurological disorders, convulsions, seizures, and death.

Silica: Silicosis

Silica is naturally found in things such as quartz, sand, and granite. When construction workers perform such common construction work as sandblasting, masonry work, cutting, and paving, silica crystals can become airborne and be inhaled. This can result in a dangerous disease of the lungs called silicosis. Silicosis occurs when silica dust gets into the lungs and respiratory system and creates scar-like tissue that can interfere with proper respiratory function. While silicosis has been a lethal problem for construction workers since ancient times, OSHA currently has standards meant to protect workers from this deadly disease.

Construction diseases are a real threat to many U.S. construction workers, many of whom suffer from painful and often fatal illnesses that could have been prevented. A New Jersey or New York construction injury lawyer can help you determine whether your disease, or the death of one of your loved ones, was due to your employer's negligence. Call Hofmann & Schweitzer today to discuss your case.
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