For most of the 20th century, bricklayers and masons worked in environments filled with a hidden danger: asbestos. While constructing the very foundations of modern cities, these skilled tradespeople were unknowingly breathing in toxic fibers that would take decades to reveal their deadly consequences. Today, the legacy of asbestos exposure continues to affect thousands of workers and their families.
This article explores how bricklayers and masons were exposed to asbestos without their knowledge, the materials and practices that led to exposure, the resulting health impacts, and the legal options available to victims today.
What Is Asbestos?
Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral known for its strength, heat resistance, and insulating properties. For decades, it was used extensively in construction materials to improve fireproofing and durability. However, when asbestos fibers are disturbed, they become airborne and can be inhaled. Inside the lungs, these fibers cause inflammation, scarring, and eventually deadly diseases such as mesothelioma, lung cancer, and asbestosis.
The danger lies in the microscopic size of the fibers—workers could be exposed without seeing or feeling anything unusual.
Why Asbestos Was Common in Masonry Work
From the 1930s through the late 1980s, asbestos was embedded in many of the materials that bricklayers and masons handled on a daily basis. These included:
- Cement and mortar mixtures
- Insulation for pipes and boilers
- Firebricks and refractory bricks
- Asbestos gloves and protective gear
- Joint compounds and plasters
Because the material was inexpensive and effective at resisting heat and fire, it was a popular choice in both residential and industrial construction.
Hidden Exposure: How It Happened Without Warning
1. Mixing Mortar with Asbestos
Many bricklayers used pre-mixed or dry mortar that contained asbestos fibers. When the dry materials were poured or mixed on-site, fine dust would be released into the air. Workers often did this mixing without masks or ventilation systems, especially on older job sites.
2. Cutting Fire-Resistant Bricks
Special bricks used in fireplaces, furnaces, and kilns—known as firebricks or refractory bricks—were often made with asbestos. When masons cut or shaped these bricks, it released asbestos particles into the air.
3. Insulation and Fireproofing
Bricklayers and masons frequently worked near other trades who installed insulation around pipes and boilers. These insulation materials were typically made with asbestos, and disturbing them during repairs or installations released hazardous fibers into the air.
4. Cracking or Removing Old Materials
In demolition or renovation projects, bricklayers often removed or worked around old asbestos-containing plasters, cements, and joint compounds. As these aged materials crumbled, asbestos dust was released.
5. Contaminated Work Clothes
Asbestos fibers would cling to workers’ clothing, shoes, and hair, allowing them to bring the danger home to their families—unknowingly exposing spouses and children to secondary asbestos exposure.
Lack of Warning and Protective Measures
During the mid-20th century, most bricklayers and masons had no idea that the materials they used daily could kill them. Employers rarely warned workers about the dangers of asbestos. There were no labels on products, no training on safe handling, and no protective gear required.
Some manufacturers knew the risks of asbestos as early as the 1930s but concealed the information to protect profits. It wasn’t until the 1970s that regulations began to emerge, and even then, enforcement was lax in many industries.
Health Effects of Asbestos Exposure
Asbestos-related illnesses often take decades to appear. A mason exposed in the 1960s might not receive a diagnosis until the 1990s or 2000s.
Common diseases include:
- Mesothelioma: A rare and aggressive cancer affecting the lining of the lungs or abdomen. Almost exclusively caused by asbestos exposure.
- Asbestosis: A chronic lung disease that causes severe scarring and breathing problems.
- Lung Cancer: Asbestos exposure significantly increases the risk of lung cancer, especially in smokers.
- Pleural Plaques: Thickened areas on the lining of the lungs that can lead to breathing issues and signal prior asbestos exposure.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), thousands of deaths each year are still attributed to past asbestos exposure, despite modern bans and regulations 1.
Real-World Stories: Bricklayers Who Paid the Price
John’s Story
John worked as a union bricklayer in Pennsylvania from 1962 to 1985. He regularly mixed mortar and installed firebricks in industrial boiler rooms. In 2008, he was diagnosed with pleural mesothelioma. He had never heard of asbestos until his diagnosis.
Maria’s Loss
Maria’s father was a mason for over 30 years. She remembers hugging him every day when he came home from work—covered in dust. In 2012, she was diagnosed with peritoneal mesothelioma at age 45. Doctors linked it to secondary exposure from her father’s clothing.
What Changed: The Decline of Asbestos Use
Due to mounting evidence and legal pressure, the U.S. government began regulating asbestos in the 1970s. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) established limits on exposure, and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) banned many asbestos-containing products.
However, asbestos has never been fully banned in the United States. Many older buildings still contain asbestos, and repair or demolition work can still pose a risk.
Legal Options for Affected Workers
Bricklayers and masons who have developed asbestos-related illnesses may be eligible for compensation through:
1. Asbestos Trust Funds
Many manufacturers of asbestos products declared bankruptcy and were required to set up trust funds to pay victims. Over $30 billion remains in these trust funds.
2. Lawsuits Against Employers or Manufacturers
If exposure can be traced to a specific product or job site, victims may file a personal injury lawsuit or wrongful death claim.
3. Workers’ Compensation
In some cases, state workers’ comp systems may provide partial reimbursement for medical costs or lost wages.
It’s essential to consult with an experienced mesothelioma attorney who understands the complex timelines and proof requirements in asbestos litigation.
How to Protect Today’s Bricklayers and Masons
While new construction materials are generally asbestos-free, risks still exist, especially in renovation or demolition work. Here’s how today’s workers can stay safe:
- Use proper personal protective equipment (PPE): Respirators, gloves, and disposable coveralls.
- Request asbestos testing before beginning work in older buildings.
- Follow OSHA standards for handling and disposing of asbestos-containing materials.
- Report unsafe conditions to union reps or state labor boards.
Final Thoughts: The Legacy of a Hidden Killer
Bricklayers and masons helped build the modern world, laying the literal foundation for progress. Tragically, many paid for it with their health—victims of a slow, silent killer they couldn’t see or smell. Awareness, legal accountability, and safer practices are vital to ensuring that this chapter in construction history is never repeated.
As society reckons with the long-term impact of asbestos, honoring the experiences of these skilled tradespeople is a crucial step toward justice and prevention.
References
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2023). Asbestos: Worker Safety. https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/asbestos/default.html ↩
