Occupational Safety | Asbestos Mesothelioma Information

Asbestos and the Construction Industry: Navigating Health Risks and Safety Solutions

Asbestos and the Construction Industry: Navigating Health Risks and Safety Solutions The construction industry historically stands as one of the primary arenas for asbestos exposure in the United States, playing a significant role in the widespread use of asbestos fibers across numerous trades. This extensive utilization of asbestos, particularly for fireproofing, insulation, and as a component in water distribution pipes, has left a profound impact on worker health, highlighting the urgent need for regulatory oversight and protective measures.

Asbestos in North America: From Industrial Demand to Health Crisis

The Ascent of Asbestos in North America In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, North America became a central figure in the global asbestos industry. Canada, with its vast chrysotile asbestos deposits discovered in Quebec in 1877, quickly ascended as one of the world’s leading asbestos miners. By the 1880s, these mines propelled Canada to produce half of the global asbestos supply, marking the beginning of a booming industry that would peak in the mid-20th century.