In the late 1930s, wall-building technology switched from plaster to drywall. Drywall taping was much quicker than the long process of plastering, which required several application and drying cycles. During the Second World War, there was a need for quicker construction of military buildings, and drywall came to satisfy that demand.

Sheetrock, which had been invented some decades earlier, consisted of gypsum covered by durable paper on both sides. As it did away with the need for plastering, it came to be known as drywall. The speed added to construction work made drywall popular. This popularity continued after the war and through the 1950s.

Drywall taper's occupational exposure to asbestos

The drywall taper´s work involves putting up the drywall and taping. The smoothing of the wall is achieved through the use of putty and the taping of joints. These activities release substantial amounts of asbestos dust. Before the 1980s, the putty mix and tape used in the process were rich in asbestos. This means that the dust liberated contained dangerous asbestos fibers, which can cause fatal diseases.

In fact, even drywall workers today can be exposed to asbestos, when they perform maintenance work on walls built prior to 1980. Other than putty compound and tape, there are various items used by drywall workers, which used to contain asbestos. These are plaster, panels made of cement, and compounds for wall patching. Regrettably, asbestos dust can also be carried home in workers` clothes, shoes, and hair; thus putting the lives of their loved ones at risk. 

Drywall tapers and asbestos diseases- mesothelioma, lung cancer, asbestosis

People exposed to asbestos on a regular basis, like drywall tapers, were found to be developing serious diseases starting in the 1970s. Brought on by asbestos exposure in almost 100% of the cases, mesothelioma is a very aggressive type of cancer that can develop in the lungs, heart, and abdomen. Asbestosis is exclusively caused from asbestos exposure. It involves the formation of scar tissue in the lungs, as a result of asbestos inhalation. This reduces both breathing capacity and blood flow.

While lung cancer can have different causes, asbestos fibers can cause it as well, especially when the people exposed to asbestos happen to be smokers. Studies have shown that a combination of asbestos exposure and smoking raises the chances of contracting lung cancer by about 90%. Drywall tapers who continued to smoke because they were not aware of this fact have been severely affected by the industry´s failure to honestly disclose the dangers of asbestos exposure.  

All three diseases can be fatal and they have one other factor in common: symptoms can take decades to manifests themselves. Today, 10,000 people die every year as a result of suffering from one of these conditions. If you were ever in the drywall taping trade, you may be in danger.

About Weitz & Luxenberg mesothelioma lawyers

Weitz & Luxenberg is a leading law firm that specializes in representing people who have been diagnosed with asbestos diseases such as mesothelioma, lung cancer and asbestosis. The firm's asbestos attorneys have been recognized as the "Best lawyers of New York" by New York Magazine. The firm has won billions of dollars for thousands of workers with mesothelioma and asbestos-related lung cancer. These workers include mechanics, construction workers, plumbers and sheet metal workers.  

To determine whether you or a loved one is eligible for financial compensation due to an asbestos illness such as lung cancer or mesothelioma, please complete the form on this page. Our lawyers will review your submission and respond promptly so please check your e-mail and phone messages regularly.