Decorative Plaster
Often, we think of asbestos as a material that was used behind walls, in roofs, around boilers, and in other places in buildings or homes that most people didn’t encounter on a regular basis. However, one material that contained asbestos was usually found inside homes or commercial buildings.
Decorative plaster, also known as acoustical plaster, was used on walls and ceilings for several decades during the 20th century and was sculpted to create unique designs. One of the most popular brands of decorative plaster was called Artex. The company that manufactured Artex was British but the plaster was indeed found around the world, both in homes and in commercial establishments.
While Artex and other decorative plastics could be fashioned into beautiful creations, the plaster contained chrysotile (white) asbestos. Those who manufactured the plaster, those who mixed it, and those who sculpted it were all susceptible to inhaling dangerous asbestos fibers that were released by the plaster.
Decorative plaster was especially popular during the 1960s and 1970s, and because asbestos diseases can take up to 50 years to develop, many individuals who worked with Artex or were exposed to decorative or acoustical plaster have only been diagnosed with asbestos diseases in recent years.
In addition, Artex and decorative plaster may still present a hazard, even though the use of the product ceased around 1980. Any tradesman or home owner who works on ceilings or walls that were sculpted using decorative plaster runs the risk of inhaling asbestos fibers during removal or renovations. That’s why it’s always necessary to wear masks or respirators when working in old buildings that contain this material.
Unfortunately, those who worked with Artex and similar products in the 1960s and 70s did not use masks or respirators. Most were uninformed as to the dangers of chrysotile and other forms of asbestos, so they did nothing to protect themselves from inhaling the sharp fibers. Once the fibers were inhaled, they would lodge in the chest, causing inflammation and sometimes tumors. The tumors were a sign of malignant mesothelioma – a form of cancer for which the only known cause is asbestos exposure.
Records show that some manufacturers knew the risks associated with asbestos yet continued to manufacture products that contained the hazardous mineral. These individuals and companies staged a massive cover-up of the dangers of asbestos and because of their negligence and lies, many tradesmen and plaster artists developed fatal asbestos-related diseases.
Did you work with asbestos-containing decorative plaster, either in a manufacturing plant or as a sculptor? If so, you were probably exposed to dangerous asbestos fibers. If you’ve been diagnosed with mesothelioma due to workplace exposure to decorative plaster, you may have a right to compensation for the expenses associated with your illness. For more details about your legal rights, order our mesothelioma information kit today.
