Asbestos Products

Dry Mix Joint Compound

Joint compound is commonly used to seal drywall seams in construction and home repair. It generally contains water, limestone and a number of chemicals. It may also contain chrysotile asbestos fibers to give it cohesiveness. Joint compound is most commonly available ready mixed today, but dry mix joint compound is also available. Until 1978, it was common for dry mix joint compound to contain asbestos. Dry mix joint compound was a major source of asbestos dust and asbestos fibers on construction sites.

Joint compound was also commonly used in do it yourself projects by homeowners. It was used by plumbers and pipe fitters to seal joints where there was some flexibility desired. There have been a number of mesothelioma lawsuits that named the manufacturers of dry mix joint compounds as defendants in their suit.

Construction workers, pipe fitters and drywall installers are among the occupational groups who are most likely to develop mesothelioma, a deadly cancer that is caused by the inhalation of asbestos fibers in the air. Asbestos fibers may have been released when dry mix compound was poured for mixing with water, and when it is sanded after it dries. While a good paper filter mask will reduce the chance of inhaling asbestos fibers while working with joint compound, the manufacturers and suppliers of asbestos concealed the dangers of asbestos dust from their customers and workers until a series of highly publicized lawsuits brought it to public attention. Because workers who handled the toxic dust knew nothing of its dangers, they were deprived of the possibility of taking basic safety precautions when working with substances that contained asbestos.

Since the 1970s, many asbestos containing materials have been banned in the United States. Dry mix joint compound containing asbestos is still available, but there are many asbestos free alternatives. Removing drywall in older houses may release asbestos dust into the air because of the asbestos in both the drywall and the joint compound used to seal the seams. Replacing pipes that were sealed with joint compound containing asbestos may pose the same hazard. Demolition workers, maintenance workers, plumbers and insulation workers all are placed at risk when dealing with materials that contain asbestos.

If you worked in a plant that made joint compound, or if you used dry mix joint compound in your workplace before 1980, you may have been exposed to asbestos, and are at risk of developing mesothelioma. It is important that you be aware of the symptoms of the three types of mesothelioma, and that you contact your doctor immediately if you experience any of those symptoms. While mesothelioma is invariably fatal, an early diagnosis of mesothelioma can extend your life and open many more options for treatment. For the same reason, it's important that your doctor be aware of your history of asbestos exposure, since it is one of the major risk factors for developing mesothelioma.

In addition, if you have been diagnosed with mesothelioma, you may be entitled to compensation from the companies that were responsible for your exposure to asbestos. The courts have already decided in favor of many plaintiffs who brought suit against the companies that supplied or manufactured materials containing asbestos to which they were exposed, and awarded them millions of dollars in compensation for their illness and in damages. An experienced mesothelioma attorney can evaluate your case and help you decide whether a mesothelioma lawsuit is in your best interest.

Show Your Support

Get Your Own Asbestos      Awareness Wristband
Attention Veterans
Related News