Cement Wallboard - Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure Risks

One of the most commonly used construction materials that contained asbestos was Portland cement wallboard. Cement wallboard containing asbestos is resistant to fire and corrosion and was an ideal material for use in building homes, as it added insulation to the other properties of the walls. It was available in smooth and ridged sheets, large enough to sheath interior walls easily.

Flat transite panels made by the Johns-Manville Company are an example of cement wallboard used in construction. The sheets could be cut easily, drilled and shaped. Unfortunately, those who were cutting, sanding, drilling and shaping the cement wallboard often released asbestos fibers into the air, where they could be inhaled or ingested into the body. The dust and asbestos fibers could then become lodged in the pleural lining of the lungs, where it could remain for decades, eventually causing an asbestos-related disease to develop.

Generally, homes built after 1980 did not contain asbestos wallboard. Unfortunately homes built prior to the 1980s have a greater chance of containing asbestos products, including asbestos wallboard. However, the mere presence of asbestos in the home is not necessarily dangerous. Cement wallboard only becomes a hazard when it starts to deteriorate. At that point, it can release asbestos fibers into the air.

If you worked in home or building construction prior to 1980, you were likely exposed to asbestos, either from cement wallboard or from another asbestos-containing product. It is important that you make sure your doctor is aware of your history of asbestos exposure. If your doctor is aware of your exposure history, he or she can watch for signs and symptoms that might be otherwise dismissed. If you would like additional information about asbestos exposure and related illnesses, please fill out the packet request form at the top, right of this page.

Asbestos Containing Products & Materials - Cement

Asbestos-containing cement was widely used in the construction industry throughout the majority of the 20th century. The addition of asbestos to cement created an extremely durable material that could easily be molded to create asbestos siding and roofing shingles.

Those who worked in cement plants before the 1970s may be at a higher risk of developing an asbestos-related disease such as mesothelioma. However, even construction workers today who work with asbestos-containing cement products may be exposed to asbestos. Construction workers and demolition crews often unknowingly damage or disturb materials containing asbestos cement. Some of the most common cement materials that contained asbestos include:

Additional Cement Products: