Tile Setters
Centuries ago, tile setters were the individuals who were largely responsible for the intricately-patterned mosaics and other tile masterpieces that can be found in churches and other buildings of old. Often designing pictures and other beautiful illustrations, tile setters were highly-trained, and new individuals in the field were apprenticed to master tile workers before they were able to set out on their own.
Today, tile setting isn't always as detailed though there are still craftspeople that lay intricate patterns on the walls, floors, and ceilings of homes, churches, and other buildings. Tiles of this era, however, are mostly pre-fabricated rather than being made from marble, wood, or clay, as was true many years ago. Still, the tile setter has similar responsibilities to those of old, despite the fact that the tiles themselves have changed.
Tile Setters and Asbestos
Asbestos has always been lauded for its fire- and heat-resistant properties. Because of that, in the 1920s, tile manufacturers began using asbestos in their products. First combined with asphalt and later vinyl, asbestos-containing tiles were designed to protect buildings from dangerous fires and prevent harm to the individuals inside.
However, tiles weren't the only materials that tile setters worked with that may have contained asbestos, especially prior to 1980. Asbestos was also found in the paper-like backings, mastics, adhesives or glues used in laying tiles. Acoustic ceiling tiles often used in schools, performance halls, and other commercial locations, also contained asbestos.
Tiles rarely fit perfectly into the space for which they are intended, so tile setters usually cut, saw, or sand tiles and accompanying materials so that everything fits properly. The very act of altering the tiles or backings in this way resulted in damage to the asbestos and the release of asbestos fibers into the air. Tile setters and those working around them were prone to inhaling the fibers which - decades later - would cause asbestos-related diseases and disorders, such as pleural plaques, asbestosis, or mesothelioma.
Protective gear, especially face masks, should always be worn when dealing with asbestos but, unfortunately, its dangers were not made known to tile setters and others who often worked with the hazardous material. Because of that, few wore protection.
Tile setters of today still face the dangers of asbestos when working in homes or buildings that were constructed prior to the mid-1970s, when asbestos-containing tiles and associated materials were commonplace. Those working in older buildings should always inspect for asbestos before attempting to repair or replace existing floor, wall, or ceiling tiles and should dispose of the material properly.
