Acoustical Plaster
Throughout several decades of the twentieth century, asbestos was used in hundreds – perhaps thousands – of products, ranging from small household appliances like toasters and hair dryers to commonly used building industry items, like siding, tiles, and cement. Asbestos could be found both inside and outside and the threat of asbestos cancer was ever present for those who were exposed to the dangerous mineral.
From the 1950s until the 1970s, a popular decorating trend put many individuals at risk for developing asbestos-related diseases. During those decades, the use of acoustical plaster was widespread. Acoustical plaster was often sprayed on ceilings and walls to create a textured finish, such as a so-called “popcorn” ceiling. Acoustical plaster was not only popular because of the way it looked but due to the fact that it also provided an acoustical barrier and eliminated echoes inside a room. For this reason, it was widely used in rooms that demanded good acoustics, such as meeting or conference rooms, classrooms, and music studios.
As long as asbestos-containing acoustical plaster remained in tact, it does not present a problem. However, 30, 40, and 50 years later, existing acoustical plaster ceilings and walls may now be dangerous as they begin to crack and crumble and the asbestos becomes friable, releasing dangerous airborne fibers. The fibers can then be inhaled by those in the vicinity, causing the potential of future asbestos-related diseases.
Furthermore, contractors involved in the installation of textured ceilings using acoustical plaster were also exposed to dangerous fibers during the very act of mixing and then applying the plaster. Unfortunately, most individuals who worked with acoustical plaster and textured ceilings and walls did not wear protective masks because they were unaware that the inhalation of asbestos was a concern. Sadly, their superiors often knew that asbestos was dangerous but allowed their employees to continue to work with the toxic mineral anyway. If those who were aware of asbestos’ hazardous properties would have shared their knowledge, many asbestos-related deaths could have been avoided. But profits always triumphed over the health and safety of employees.
Asbestos-related diseases caused by acoustical plaster and other similar products are debilitating. For example, both asbestosis and the more serious mesothelioma cancer cause serious and painful symptoms, including shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, chest pain, coughing, and fatigue. Unfortunately, there is no cure for either disease and conventional cancer treatments rarely enjoy success in the mesothelioma treatment of patients. That means victims are subject to a painful death that usually occurs within 6 months to a year of diagnosis. Families are left devastated because of someone else’s lies and cover-up.
However, if you worked with acoustical plaster and now have mesothelioma, you do have some options. Try to determine where the exposure occurred and take time to consult an experienced asbestos lawyer to learn about your rights to compensation including money that can help handle medical bills or cover loss of income due to the inability to work. For more information on the disease and to learn more about your legal rights, order our free mesothelioma information kit.
Last modified: October 15 2008.
