Bricklayer
A bricklayer or mason is a tradesman who lays bricks to construct brickwork. The term ‘bricklayer’ also refers to personnel who use blocks to construct blockwork walls and other forms of masonry. Bricklayers are employed by and bricklaying contractors and construction companies. They may be self-employed as well. Bricklayers are given with blueprints and specifications and they lay bricks, concrete blocks, stone etc. to build or repair walls, chimneys, fireplaces and arches.
Of course, making structures that last for decades is enormously enjoyable. But bricklayers must be vigilant because of the potential risks such as back injuries, falls, and, above all, inhaling asbestos dust.
According to a survey of unrecognized sources of asbestos exposure in British Columbia, brick masons were found to have statistically elevated cancer risks for lung cancer among male construction workers in North Carolina who resided and died in North Carolina during the period 1988-1994.
Asbestos is actually made of stone or rock and so it has unique fire-proof and heat-resistant characteristics. However, unlike most stones, asbestos is soft and flexible like cotton, and therefore can be woven into cloth, made into insulation and sprays.
Firing kilns and blast furnaces are usually heated to temperatures ranging from 1000 to 1760 degree Celsius. A normal brick can’t withstand such a high temperature. Regular mortar may explode under this condition due to its porous nature. So, asbestos was used to make special firebricks because of its resistance to fire and heat. Asbestos bricks were used to line such furnaces and fireplaces.
Most common type of asbestos used in building and home construction was chrysotile, which is also known as white asbestos. This was because white asbestos had been considered as safer than other types of asbestos. But now it is known that chrysotile is actually not safer than other types of asbestos.
For people who worked for companies manufacturing asbestos fire brick and construction workers who installed fire brick, there is a chance of developing mesothelioma. Therefore, bricklayers who worked prior to 1980s must undergo regular screenings for respiratory illnesses and other potential health hazards.
Many companies kept on using, making and installing asbestos fire brick even when the hazards were become known. Many of them did nothing to protect their employees from exposure to asbestos. If you have worked installing or manufacturing fire brick and developed cancer, a mesothelioma lawyer can help you to use your legal rights and receive a reasonable payout from the responsible entity.