Bricklayers

A bricklayer is a tradesperson who builds structures from brick or stone. This may include homes, commercial buildings, and factories, in addition to smaller structures like pathways or retaining or decorative walls. The bricklayer generally uses some sort of mortar or cement between the bricks or stones to insure the stability of the materials and, hence, the structure.

There is also a group of bricklayers that specialize in working with high-temperature furnaces and other equipment and in the building of fireplace walls, laying a product known as fire brick. Fire brick is made to withstand extreme heat and will not burst like normal brick when it reaches a high temperature.

Bricklaying is an age-old profession. Bricklayers constructed the Great Pyramids of Egypt as well as any number of other historic structures. The Chinese were considered experts in bricklaying, having constructed the amazing Great Wall of China.

While bricklaying may appear to be a simple process, it can be very grueling work, especially when the job involves being outside in extreme weather or other unfavorable conditions.

Bricklayers and Asbestos

Though asbestos is no longer in use in the manufacture of construction products, bricklayers faced the dangers of asbestos inhalation on the job for several decades. For many years, asbestos was used in various kinds of mortars and may have also been found in the cement blocks so often used in construction. In addition, asbestos was used in firebricks for many decades as it was believed to be the best insulator available, withstanding high temperatures and preventing fires.

That means, of course, that any bricklayers who practiced their profession prior to 1980 may have been using materials that contained asbestos. Furthermore, a bricklayer who is working on the repair or restoration of an old building where asbestos is present in bricks, blocks, or mortar may be exposed to tiny airborne asbestos products while on the job, even decades after use of the toxic mineral was halted.

Bricklayers who specialize in building furnace walls and other similar structures may also encounter dangers from old fire bricks that contain asbestos, so care should always be taken when demolishing these structures and protective gear should be worn at all times. Exposure to asbestos through any of these means could result in a diagnosis of mesothelioma later in life.

Last modified: December 09 2009.