The 1980s marked a pivotal era in the U.S. construction industry—an era when drywall installation and taping were among the most common trades. While these jobs fueled infrastructure growth, they also came with a hidden and deadly danger: asbestos exposure. For drywall installers and tapers, especially those active in the 1980s, this meant a heightened risk of developing mesothelioma, a rare but aggressive cancer caused by asbestos. Despite a decline in asbestos use by the late 1970s, remnants of the hazardous material lingered in many construction supplies, continuing to pose risks well into the following decade.
This article examines the mesothelioma risk in drywall installers and tapers from the 1980s, highlighting the source of exposure, the materials involved, scientific studies, health implications, legal rights, and efforts toward prevention.
Asbestos in the 1980s Drywall Industry
The Prevalence of Asbestos in Drywall Products
During the 20th century, asbestos was used extensively for its fire-resistant and insulating properties. In drywall work, asbestos-containing products were routine. Common materials included:
- Joint compounds (also called “mud”)
- Taping compounds
- Texture paints and ceiling finishes
- Plaster and caulks
Though asbestos use began declining after regulations in the 1970s, many manufacturers continued producing and distributing materials containing asbestos into the early 1980s. In fact, some stockpiled materials stayed in circulation for years.
Drywall Installation and Taping as High-Risk Jobs
Drywall installers and tapers were at high risk primarily due to the nature of their work:
- Sanding joint compounds created clouds of dust, releasing friable asbestos fibers into the air.
- Cutting and finishing drywall panels released particles from older asbestos-containing boards.
- Confined workspaces, such as attics and basements, increased the concentration of airborne fibers.
Without modern protective equipment or ventilation standards, these workers were frequently exposed to hazardous levels of asbestos over extended periods.
Health Effects of Asbestos Exposure
What Is Mesothelioma?
Mesothelioma is a cancer that affects the lining of the lungs (pleural), abdomen (peritoneal), or heart (pericardial). It is almost exclusively caused by asbestos exposure, which damages cells over time, eventually leading to malignancy.
Key mesothelioma facts:
- Latency period: 20 to 50 years after exposure
- Symptoms: Chest pain, shortness of breath, fatigue, and weight loss
- Prognosis: Poor, with a median survival of about 12 months post-diagnosis
Why Drywall Workers Were Vulnerable
Studies show that tradespeople like drywallers who worked in environments with frequent, low-level exposure were not immune to asbestos-related diseases. The cumulative effect of inhaling microscopic asbestos fibers—even in small doses—could cause cellular mutations years later.
A 2009 study published in Occupational and Environmental Medicine found elevated rates of mesothelioma in construction workers, including drywall installers, compared to the general population [1].
Documented Cases and Scientific Studies
Epidemiological Evidence
Several case studies and government reviews have linked drywall work with increased mesothelioma incidence:
- NIOSH Reports (1980s-1990s) documented occupational asbestos exposure among drywallers, showing contamination in joint compounds and texture finishes.
- A 1984 study by Selikoff and colleagues in Environmental Research reported mesothelioma among non-industrial workers like drywall tapers due to incidental exposure [2].
- A 2007 study in Journal of Occupational Medicine and Toxicology concluded that long-term drywall work was a statistically significant risk factor for pleural mesothelioma [3].
These studies support legal and medical acknowledgment of mesothelioma as an occupational disease for drywall workers.
Legal and Regulatory Context
Asbestos Regulation Timeline
While many believe asbestos was banned in the U.S. in the 1970s, the reality is more nuanced:
- 1973: The EPA banned spray-applied asbestos insulation.
- 1977: Joint compounds with asbestos were phased out—but stockpiles remained.
- 1989: EPA attempted to ban most asbestos-containing products (overturned in 1991).
Thus, workers in the early-to-mid 1980s continued to encounter asbestos-containing materials during routine drywall work.
Legal Rights of Exposed Workers
Drywallers diagnosed with mesothelioma decades later may still have legal recourse:
- Workers’ compensation: In some states, mesothelioma is recognized as an occupational illness.
- Asbestos trust funds: Established by bankrupt asbestos manufacturers to compensate victims.
- Personal injury lawsuits: Plaintiffs can sue surviving manufacturers, contractors, or property owners.
Successful cases have awarded millions in damages for pain, suffering, medical expenses, and wrongful death.
Protective Measures and Modern Guidelines
Modern Safety Standards
Today, drywall workers benefit from OSHA-enforced safety standards, including:
- HEPA-filtered respirators
- Air monitoring for asbestos concentrations
- Protective clothing and training
- Regulated material handling
These measures significantly reduce asbestos exposure but don’t eliminate the risk when working in buildings constructed before 1985.
Ongoing Risk from Renovation Work
Drywall professionals involved in renovation or demolition are still at risk when disturbing asbestos-laden materials. Old buildings may hide:
- Joint compounds and texture sprays with asbestos
- Asbestos cement boards behind drywall
- Contaminated caulking and sealants
Proper identification, abatement procedures, and certified removal teams are essential.
Advocacy, Education, and Support
Unions and Worker Advocacy
Construction unions and advocacy groups have pushed for:
- Stronger disclosure laws in real estate and construction
- Medical screening programs for retirees and former tradespeople
- Public awareness campaigns about legacy asbestos in homes
Organizations like the Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization (ADAO) and Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation (MARF) also offer resources and legal guidance.
Education for the Next Generation
Trade schools and apprenticeships now emphasize:
- Hazard recognition
- Asbestos-safe work practices
- OSHA certification training
Raising awareness can prevent a repeat of the 1980s exposure crisis.
Conclusion
Drywall installers and tapers who worked during the 1980s faced significant mesothelioma risk due to prolonged exposure to asbestos in joint compounds, taping materials, and other construction products. Although modern practices have evolved, the legacy of asbestos still haunts many workers who were unknowingly exposed decades ago.
If you or a loved one worked in drywall installation during the 1980s and are now facing a mesothelioma diagnosis, it is vital to seek medical, legal, and financial help immediately. A combination of advocacy, education, and strict enforcement of asbestos regulations is necessary to protect current and future generations of construction workers.
References
<a id=”1″>[1]</a> Tse, L. A., et al. (2009). “Occupational exposure and cancer: a review of epidemiologic literature.” Occupational and Environmental Medicine, 66(12), 852–860.
<a id=”2″>[2]</a> Selikoff, I. J., et al. (1984). “Asbestos exposure and neoplasia.” Environmental Research, 33(1), 86–99.
<a id=”3″>[3]</a> Burdorf, A., & Swuste, P. (2007). “An expert judgment model to estimate occupational exposure to asbestos.” Journal of Occupational Medicine and Toxicology, 2(1), 18.
<a id=”4″>[4]</a> U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. (1989). Asbestos: Manufacture, Importation, Processing, and Distribution in Commerce Prohibitions; Final Rule.
<a id=”5″>[5]</a> National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH). (1990). Asbestos exposure in the workplace: Case studies in construction.
<a id=”6″>[6]</a> Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). (2024). Asbestos Safety and Health Topics.
