Masonry Fill

Through the decades of the twentieth century, myriad cement and cement-type products contained asbestos. The mineral was added to these products in order to make them more durable and to increase their ability to resist heat and fire. Asbestos could be found in such items as cement pipes, finishing cement, siding, wallboard, and masonry fill.

Masonry fill provides extra insulation when it is poured between cement blocks, cinderblock, etc., or it can be used to fill in large holes, such as those left when a swimming pool is removed. Masonry fill that contained asbestos was an especially good insulator and was extremely durable and long-lasting. Even today, one must exercise care in the use of masonry fill because much of it contains vermiculite. While most vermiculite is safe, some has been known to be contaminated with asbestos.

Who was exposed to asbestos-containing masonry fill? A variety of contractors and construction workers may have encountered the material, including brick layers, cement workers, and other tradesmen. Homeowners working on do-it-yourself projects may also have used asbestos-contaminated masonry fill for projects around the home.

Sadly, those who worked with masonry fill were usually unaware that the asbestos included in the fill to make it more durable and heat resistant was causing more harm than good. Asbestos fibers were easily released from the fill and were circulated throughout the air where they could be inhaled by workers and others in the vicinity. Though the fibers did not affect workers immediately, decades later, many developed asbestos-related disorders and diseases, such as pleural plaques, asbestosis, and mesothelioma, a very serious form of cancer. For these victims of asbestos cancer, life changed dramatically. It was no longer easy to perform everyday tasks. Breathing was difficult and coughing and chest pain was frequent. For most of the victims, their life span was cut tragically short. Mesothelioma patients rarely last more than a year beyond diagnosis. Some die much sooner.

Unfortunately, decades ago most individuals did not know about the dangers of asbestos so they worked with the mineral daily without as much as a second thought. However, scientists, doctors, and others knew about the toxic properties of the mineral long before the dangers were introduced to the general public around 1977. These individuals often informed asbestos manufacturers that their products were dangerous, but most kept up production and did nothing to warn their employees about the risks. This asbestos cover-up affected hundreds, perhaps thousands, of people in a variety of trades.

If you were exposed to masonry fill and have developed mesothelioma, you may have been a victim of the asbestos cover-up proliferated by so many company owners and executives. If so, you may have a right to compensation for your illness. To learn more about the disease and your legal rights, take a moment to order our free mesothelioma information kit today.

Last modified: December 09 2009.