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  1. About Mud
    1. When Did Joint Compound Contain Asbestos?
    2. Manufacturers and Distributors of Asbestos-Containing Joint Compounds
    3. Drywall vs. Plaster Installation
    4. Job sites in New York Where Joint Compound Was Used
      1. University At Buffalo
        1. University at Buffalo’s North Campus and Exposure to Asbestos
        2. University at Buffalo Image Gallery
        3. Our Clients Describe Their Asbestos Exposure at the University at Buffalo
          1. Electrician describes his exposure to asbestos during the construction of the U.B. Law School
          2. Plasterer describes the use of asbestos-containing fireproofing at the University at Buffalo
      2. Amherst Central High School
      3. Cornell University
        1. Cornell University Image Gallery
      4. Emerson Vocational School
      5. Hudson Plastering Corporation
      6. Marine Midland Center
      7. Marine Midland Plaza, Rochester
      8. Mercy Hospital
      9. Monroe Community College
      10. Rochester Davis-Fetch Corporation
      11. 9 more items...
  2. Exposure to Joint Compound
    1. Home Exposure to Joint Compound
    2. Building Renovations and Asbestos Abatement
    3. Exposure Through Drywall Installation
      1. Exposure Through Set-Up and Mixing
      2. Exposure Through Sanding
      3. Exposure Through Clean-Up
  3. U.S. Government Position on Asbestos
    1. Failure to Warn
    2. Countries That Have Banned Asbestos
  4. Mesothelioma & Joint Compound
    1. What is Mesothelioma?
    2. Symptoms of Mesothelioma
    3. Mesothelioma Diagnosis
    4. Legal Claims for Mesothelioma
    5. Joint Compound Legal Decisions
    6. Settlements for Joint Compound Workers
    7. Questions About Our Mesothelioma Practice
    8. Mesothelioma Book Request

Home > Exposure to Joint Compound > Home Exposure to Joint Compound

Home Exposure to Joint Compound

Home Exposure to AsbestosThe vast majority of our clients were exposed to asbestos through their hands-on use of asbestos-containing products at their respective jobsites. This can also hold true for the use of asbestos-containing joint compounds, because the home is one of the most common job sites associated with joint compounds. Starting in the 1950's, many manufacturers of asbestos-containing building products, including joint compounds, advertised heavily toward the do-it-yourself market. Because asbestos was an ingredient in many joint compounds until the late 1970's, household exposures were commonplace. Additionally, and because of inadequate warnings, many people were unknowingly exposed to asbestos during this time period.

The use of asbestos-containing joint compound in the home not only exposes the worker to asbestos, but also any bystanders (including family members) who are present while the work takes place. Based on Environmental Protection Agency (E.P.A.) testing, once airborne, asbestos fibers can take between four and eighty hours to fall from a ceiling height of nine feet in still air. These time periods increase if there is any turbulence in the air from individuals moving around. The potential for exposure increases when asbestos fibers remain airborne and can become easily inhaled.

The potential for asbestos exposure does not stop here. Because asbestos is an aerodynamic mineral that is practically indestructible, the fibers can permeate every location of the home, including rugs, curtains, clothing, and bedding. If not properly cleaned up, these asbestos fibers can remain in these locations for years. Once asbestos fibers enter the home, they can be repeatedly re-circulated or re-entrained into the air, further exposing family members.

The attorneys at Lipsitz & Ponterio, LLC have represented many individuals who have developed mesothelioma or lung cancer as a result of household exposure to asbestos. If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with mesothelioma or lung cancer, we urge you to contact us regarding your legal rights.