Tile Setters
In the past, the tile setters were craftspeople, who were largely responsible for the complicatedly-patterned mosaics and other tile masterpieces that can be found in churches and other buildings created by older societies. Tile setters were highly-trained as they had to design pictures and other beautiful figures.
Tile setting is not that detailed now-a-days though there are still craftsmen that lay intricate patterns on the walls, floors, and ceilings of churches, homes and many other buildings. At present, there are more than 35,000 professional tile setters employed in the United States. Majority of them work for flooring retailers or contractors.
Tile Setters and Asbestos Exposure
Tile Setters are at high risk of exposure to asbestos on the Job. Several materials that the tile setters work with may contain asbestos. These materials include mastic, vinyl sheet, and floor tiles. It is quite possible that the tile and adhesive contain asbestos if the tile floor was installed prior to 1980. Acoustic ceiling tile also may contain asbestos. So, tile setters who have installed tiles to floors, ceilings and roof decks before 1980 and those who work with or around those tiles currently are at risk of inhaling deadly asbestos particles.
Tiles don’t often fit absolutely into the space for which they are meant for. So, tile setters frequently saw, sand, scrap, cut or drill tiles and associated materials so that they fit perfectly. These actions can cause asbestos to become airborne. Tile setters inhale these fibers which would cause deadly asbestos-related diseases such as asbestosis and mesothelioma. These diseases can be diagnosed only decades after the initial exposure.
Asbestos tiles are deteriorated by several factors such as age, weather, heat and water. Even trivial renovations made without using protective gear can result in discharge and inhalation of asbestos fibers. Work at enclosed, improperly ventilated places often intensifies the health risks of tile setters and other construction workers. Workers must use protective gear, especially face mask, when dealing with asbestos.