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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 > Mesothelioma & Joint Compound

Mesothelioma and Joint Compound

Risks of Asbestos Exposure:

According to a publication by the Consumer Product Safety Commission in the July 29, 1977, Federal Register, a potential health risk occurs when asbestos fibers become airborne, such as by mixing, sanding, or clean-up operations when using patching compounds. A single individual engaged in such a process may be exposed to potential asbestos fiber inhalation risk and may also cause exposure of other individuals in the vicinity. (See Federal Register, Vol. 42, No. 146). This publication states that "asbestos is known to be carcinogenic in humans, causing lung cancer, mesotheliomas, and pleural lesions." Id.

So what does this mean for individuals who may have had exposure to asbestos-containing joint compound? An investigation by the Environmental Sciences Laboratory Department of Medicine of The Mount Sinai School of Medicine of the City University of New York revealed that asbestos disease was an important hazard in the joint compound trade and that appropriate control measures were required. Occupational and Community Asbestos Exposure from Wallboard Finishing Compounds by William J. Nicholson, Ph.D., A. Rohl, Ph.D., S.A. Fischbein, M.D. and I.J. Selikoff, M.D. (1975).

The Consumer Product Safety Commission, on the basis that airborne asbestos fibers present the hazards of cancer, including lung cancer and mesothelioma, banned consumer patching compounds containing asbestos, which were manufactured or initially introduced into commerce after January 16, 1978. See 16 C.F.R. §1304.4.

Recently, in a Press Release dated April 1, 2009, the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services Office of the Surgeon General stated that "there is no level of asbestos exposure that is known to be safe and minimizing your exposure will minimize your risk of developing asbestos-related disease." See http://www.surgeongeneral.gov/news/pressreleases/pr20090401.html.

In short, both dry mix and ready-mix joint compound containing asbestos has the potential to cause mesothelioma and other asbestos-related diseases. If you or a loved one worked in the construction field or completed home renovations, where exposure to joint compound took place, it is important to mention this to your doctor. If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with mesothelioma or another asbestos-related disease, our attorneys can help you obtain financial compensation to pay for your medical bills and lost income, and to provide financial support for your family. We urge you to contact us today regarding your legal rights.