Cement Masons

Cement Masons Asbestos Exposure
Asbestos cement products created sustained occupational exposure
Risk Level	Moderate-High
Stomach Cancer PCMR	133 (33% elevated)
AC Pipe Content	10-15% asbestos
AC Sheet Content	5-15% asbestos
Peak Exposure Era	1930-1980
Trust Funds	$30+ Billion (60+ funds)
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Cement Masons and Asbestos Exposure: NIOSH Mortality Study Documents PCMR 133 for Stomach Cancer from Asbestos Cement Products (1930-1980)

Executive Summary

Cement masons—including concrete finishers, cement finishers, and plasterers working with cementitious materials—experienced significant asbestos exposure from asbestos cement (AC) products used extensively in construction from the 1930s through 1980. A NIOSH-sponsored mortality study of unionized construction plasterers and cement masons documented a proportionate cancer mortality ratio (PCMR) of 133 for stomach cancer—a 33% elevation above expected rates that reflects occupational exposure to asbestos-containing materials. Asbestos cement pipes contained 10-15% asbestos, while AC roofing and siding sheets contained 5-15% asbestos—products that released fibers when cut, drilled, or broken. Major manufacturers including Johns-Manville, CertainTeed, and Keasbey & Mattison produced hundreds of millions of square feet of asbestos cement products installed throughout American infrastructure. Cement masons now qualify for compensation through more than 60 bankruptcy trusts holding over $30 billion.

Key Facts

Key Facts: Cement Masons and Asbestos Exposure

NIOSH Study Finding: Proportionate cancer mortality ratio (PCMR) of 133 for stomach cancer—33% elevated risk Study Population: Unionized construction plasterers and cement masons followed through mortality analysis AC Pipe Asbestos Content: 10-15% chrysotile asbestos in pressure and non-pressure pipes AC Sheet Asbestos Content: 5-15% asbestos in roofing, siding, and flat sheets AC Powder Additives: Variable asbestos content in cement-based repair compounds Peak Production Period: 1930-1980 (hundreds of millions of square feet installed) Major Manufacturers: Johns-Manville, CertainTeed, Keasbey & Mattison, Eternit Product Trade Names: Transite (pipes, sheets), Colorbestos (siding), Eternit (roofing) Construction Sector Cases: 3,574 mesothelioma cases with "certain" occupational exposure (Italian Registry) Mean Latency Period: 47.8 years from first exposure to diagnosis Current Risk: Legacy AC products remain in millions of buildings requiring renovation/demolition Trust Fund Compensation: 60+ active trusts with $30+ billion available Average Settlement Range: $1 million to $1.4 million for mesothelioma cases

Why Did Cement Masons Face Asbestos Exposure?

Cement masons encountered asbestos through multiple pathways related to their work with cementitious construction materials. While traditional Portland cement concrete does not contain asbestos, specialized asbestos cement products and exposure through renovation work created substantial occupational risk.

Asbestos cement products dominated mid-century construction. Manufacturers discovered that adding chrysotile asbestos fibers to Portland cement created materials with superior strength, fire resistance, and weather durability. The resulting asbestos cement (AC) products—pipes, roofing sheets, siding panels, and flat boards—became ubiquitous in American construction from the 1930s through 1980.

Cement masons worked with AC products in multiple contexts:

• Installation of AC pipes for water mains, sewer systems, and drainage
• Cutting and fitting AC sheets for roofing and siding applications
• Mixing cement-based repair compounds containing asbestos additives
• Demolition and renovation of structures containing AC materials
• Working alongside trades using asbestos insulation, fireproofing, and coatings

Fiber release occurred during fabrication work. While intact asbestos cement products are relatively stable, the cutting, drilling, sawing, and breaking required during installation released substantial quantities of respirable asbestos fibers. Cement masons performing these operations without respiratory protection accumulated significant exposure over working careers.

"Cement masons often don't realize they worked with asbestos because the products looked like ordinary concrete. But Transite pipes, AC roofing sheets, and cement siding all contained significant asbestos—typically 10-15% by weight. Every time these materials were cut or drilled, workers inhaled dangerous fibers."

— Rod De Llano, Founding Partner, Danziger & De Llano

What Does the NIOSH Mortality Study Show About Cement Masons?

A NIOSH-sponsored mortality study of unionized construction plasterers and cement masons, published in 2000 and updated in 2001, provided epidemiological evidence of elevated cancer risks among these workers.

Study Design and Population

The study examined mortality patterns among members of the Operative Plasterers and Cement Masons International Association (OPCMIA), tracking deaths and causes of death over an extended observation period. The combined analysis of plasterers and cement masons provided data on occupational disease burden in these related trades.

Stomach Cancer: PCMR 133

The study documented a proportionate cancer mortality ratio (PCMR) of 133 for stomach cancer—indicating cement masons and plasterers experienced stomach cancer deaths at 33% above expected rates. This elevation is consistent with asbestos exposure, as ingested asbestos fibers can contribute to gastrointestinal cancers.

Additional Findings

The NIOSH study also documented:

• Elevated proportionate mortality for certain respiratory conditions
• Patterns consistent with construction trade exposures
• Recommendations for continued health surveillance of union members

Italian National Mesothelioma Registry Data

The Italian National Mesothelioma Registry documented the construction sector as a primary source of occupational asbestos exposure:

• 3,574 mesothelioma cases with "certain" occupational exposure in construction (1993-2018)
• Mean latency: 47.8 years from first exposure to diagnosis
• Mean age at diagnosis: 70.3 years
• Cement and masonry workers represented documented categories within construction-related cases

⚠ Latency Period Warning: The 47.8-year average latency period means cement masons exposed during the 1970s are being diagnosed with mesothelioma now in 2026. Workers exposed during the 1960s peak AC product installation era may still develop disease in coming years. If you worked as a cement mason before 1980 and experience breathing difficulties, persistent cough, or abdominal symptoms, seek medical evaluation immediately.

Which Asbestos Cement Products Did Cement Masons Encounter?

Cement masons worked with several categories of asbestos cement products. Understanding specific product exposures is critical for identifying responsible manufacturers and applicable bankruptcy trusts.

Asbestos Cement Pipes (10-15% Asbestos)

Product Type	Trade Names	Asbestos Content	Applications
Pressure pipe	Transite, J-M Pipe	10-15%	Water mains, irrigation
Non-pressure pipe	Transite, Orangeburg	10-15%	Sewer, drainage
Conduit	Transite Conduit	10-12%	Electrical, communications
Duct	AC Duct	10-15%	HVAC, ventilation

Asbestos cement pipes were installed in municipal water systems, sewer infrastructure, and irrigation systems throughout the United States. Cement masons cut, joined, and installed these pipes, generating fiber exposure with each fabrication operation.

Asbestos Cement Roofing and Siding (5-15% Asbestos)

Product Type	Trade Names	Asbestos Content	Applications
Corrugated roofing	Eternit, Super 77	8-15%	Industrial buildings, barns
Flat sheets	Transite, Flexboard	5-12%	Siding, fascia, soffits
Shingles	Colorbestos, J-M Shingle	10-15%	Residential roofing
Siding panels	Colorbestos, Century	8-12%	Exterior wall cladding

These products were widely used for agricultural buildings, industrial structures, and residential construction throughout the mid-20th century.

Cement-Based Additives and Compounds

Product Type	Asbestos Content	Use by Cement Masons
Patching compound	5-15%	Concrete repair, joint filling
Underlayment	10-20%	Floor preparation
Fireproofing additives	15-40%	Spray-applied coatings
Mortar additives	5-10%	Enhanced strength, fire resistance

"The trade names are key to building a strong case. Transite, Colorbestos, Eternit—these were household names in the construction industry. If a cement mason remembers working with these products, that's valuable evidence connecting their exposure to specific manufacturers and bankruptcy trusts."

— Paul Danziger, Founding Partner, Danziger & De Llano

Which Manufacturers Produced Asbestos Cement Products?

Several major manufacturers dominated the asbestos cement industry during the peak exposure period. Understanding these companies helps identify applicable bankruptcy trusts and potential defendants.

Johns-Manville Corporation

Johns-Manville was the largest asbestos products manufacturer in the United States, producing Transite pipes, sheets, and shingles along with dozens of other asbestos-containing products.

AC Product Lines: Transite pipe, Transite sheets, roofing shingles, siding Market Position: Industry leader with nationwide distribution Bankruptcy: Filed 1982—one of the first major asbestos bankruptcies Trust Status: Johns-Manville Asbestos Trust (one of the largest, paying billions in claims)

CertainTeed Corporation

CertainTeed produced asbestos cement siding, roofing, and pipe products under various brand names throughout the mid-20th century.

AC Product Lines: Cement siding, roofing products, building materials Market Position: Major building materials manufacturer Trust Status: Active litigation and settlements ongoing

Keasbey & Mattison

Keasbey & Mattison was an early pioneer in asbestos cement manufacturing, producing building materials from the late 19th century through the mid-20th century.

AC Product Lines: Roofing, siding, pipe products Historical Significance: One of the earliest AC manufacturers Corporate History: Later became part of Nicolet Industries Trust Status: Claims handled through successor trusts

Additional Manufacturers

Manufacturer	Products	Trust Status
Eternit	Roofing sheets, building materials	International litigation
GAF Corporation	Roofing, building materials	Trust established
Celotex Corporation	Building boards, roofing	Trust established
Flintkote Company	Roofing, siding	Trust established
National Gypsum	Building materials	Trust established

How Did Cement Masons Get Exposed to Asbestos?

Cement masons encountered asbestos through multiple exposure mechanisms during typical work activities.

Cutting Asbestos Cement Products

Cutting AC products generated the highest exposures. Cement masons used:

• Circular saws: Power cutting generated substantial dust clouds
• Hand saws: Manual cutting released fibers with each stroke
• Snap cutters: Breaking pipe along score lines released fibers
• Grinders: Edge finishing created fine respirable dust

Each cutting operation on asbestos cement products released fibers at concentrations dependent on cutting method, ventilation, and work practices.

Drilling and Fastening

Installing AC sheets and panels required drilling holes for fasteners. Each drill penetration through asbestos cement material released fiber-laden dust directly into the worker's breathing zone.

Breaking and Demolition

Demolition work created particularly intense exposures. Removing old AC roofing, siding, or pipe required breaking brittle asbestos cement materials. Aged AC products become increasingly friable, releasing more fibers when disturbed than freshly manufactured material.

Mixing Cement Compounds

Cement masons mixed various cementitious compounds for patching, leveling, and repair work. Some of these products contained asbestos additives that generated dust during mixing operations.

Renovation of Older Structures

Working in buildings constructed before 1980 exposed cement masons to legacy asbestos materials:

• AC roofing and siding on existing structures
• Asbestos cement pipes in existing infrastructure
• Asbestos-containing fireproofing and insulation
• Vinyl asbestos floor tiles in older buildings

Bystander Exposure

Working on construction sites alongside other trades contributed additional exposure:

• Insulators applying pipe and equipment insulation
• Pipefitters cutting and joining asbestos-insulated pipe
• Electricians working with asbestos wire insulation
• Demolition crews removing asbestos materials

ℹ Did You Know: Asbestos cement pipes remain in service in municipal water systems throughout the United States. When these aging pipes are repaired, replaced, or removed, workers face exposure to the same asbestos that endangered cement masons during original installation decades ago.

Are Cement Masons Still at Risk from Asbestos Today?

While new asbestos cement products are no longer manufactured in the United States, legacy AC materials in existing infrastructure and buildings create ongoing exposure risk for cement masons performing renovation, repair, and demolition work.

Legacy Asbestos Cement Infrastructure

Millions of feet of asbestos cement pipe remain in service in:

• Municipal water systems: Aging infrastructure requiring replacement
• Sewer systems: Deteriorating pipes needing repair
• Irrigation systems: Agricultural infrastructure maintenance
• Industrial facilities: Process piping systems

Legacy AC Building Materials

Asbestos cement roofing, siding, and panels remain in place on:

• Agricultural buildings: Barns, silos, storage structures
• Industrial facilities: Warehouses, factories, processing plants
• Commercial buildings: Older retail and office structures
• Residential properties: Homes with original siding and roofing

High-Risk Current Activities

• Water main replacement: Cutting and removing old AC pipe
• Sewer rehabilitation: Disturbing deteriorated AC pipe
• Roof replacement: Removing AC shingles and panels
• Siding removal: Disturbing AC exterior cladding
• Building demolition: Breaking apart structures with AC materials

OSHA Regulations for Current Workers

OSHA's Construction Industry Asbestos Standard (29 CFR 1926.1101) establishes requirements for cement masons encountering asbestos cement products:

• Permissible Exposure Limit: 0.1 f/cc (8-hour TWA)
• Class II Work: Removal of asbestos cement pipes, sheets, and panels
• Required Controls: Wet methods, HEPA vacuums, proper bagging
• Respiratory Protection: Required when exposures may exceed PEL
• Training: Required before working with asbestos-containing materials

⛔ Critical Safety Warning: Never cut, drill, break, or remove cement pipe, roofing, or siding from structures built before 1980 without professional asbestos testing. Products labeled "Transite," "Eternit," or similar trade names almost certainly contain asbestos. Contact a licensed asbestos inspector before any work on older cement-based building materials or infrastructure.

What Compensation Is Available for Cement Masons with Mesothelioma?

Cement masons diagnosed with mesothelioma, asbestosis, or asbestos-related lung cancer may recover substantial compensation through multiple sources.

Asbestos Bankruptcy Trust Funds

More than 60 active asbestos bankruptcy trusts hold over $30 billion available for qualified claimants. Cement masons typically qualify for claims against multiple trusts based on exposure to products from various manufacturers.

Key trusts for cement masons include:

Trust Fund	Products Covered	Typical Payment Range
Johns-Manville Trust	Transite pipe, sheets, shingles	$7,000 - $350,000+
Celotex Trust	Building boards, roofing products	$4,000 - $160,000+
GAF Trust	Roofing, building materials	$3,000 - $125,000+
Flintkote Trust	Roofing, siding products	$3,500 - $140,000+
National Gypsum Trust	Building materials, compounds	$2,500 - $100,000+
Owens Corning/Fibreboard Trust	Building and insulation products	$4,000 - $200,000+

Trust fund claims do not reduce your ability to pursue lawsuits, workers' compensation, or other compensation sources—these can be pursued simultaneously.

Personal Injury Lawsuits

Cement masons may file lawsuits against companies that manufactured, distributed, or sold asbestos-containing products without adequate warnings. Construction worker mesothelioma verdicts have included:

• $250 million - Indiana steelworker (largest mesothelioma verdict on record)
• $60 million - New York laborer
• $7.3 million - School construction asbestos exposure

Average mesothelioma settlements for construction workers range from $1 million to $1.4 million.

Wrongful Death Claims

Family members of cement masons who died from mesothelioma may file wrongful death claims to recover:

• Medical expenses incurred before death
• Lost income and future earnings
• Loss of consortium and companionship
• Pain and suffering damages
• Funeral and burial expenses

"Cement masons may not realize they worked with asbestos because the products looked like ordinary concrete. But when we reconstruct work histories and identify specific products like Transite pipe or Colorbestos siding, we can connect workers to the manufacturers and trusts responsible for compensating them."

— Rod De Llano, Founding Partner, Danziger & De Llano

What Documentation Supports a Cement Mason's Compensation Claim?

Building a successful compensation claim requires documenting work history, products used, and medical diagnosis. An experienced mesothelioma attorney will help gather and organize this evidence.

Employment Documentation

• Operative Plasterers and Cement Masons International Association (OPCMIA) records: Union membership, dispatch records, pension history
• Social Security earnings records: Documents employers and work periods
• W-2 forms and tax returns: Verify employment dates
• Contractor records: Project documentation, material specifications
• Co-worker testimony: Affidavits about products used and working conditions

Product Identification

• AC product brands used: Transite, Colorbestos, Eternit
• Infrastructure projects: Water main, sewer, drainage installations
• Building projects: Structures with AC roofing, siding, or materials
• Project specifications: Engineering documents listing specified materials
• Photographs: Images of job sites, pipe installations, AC products

Medical Documentation

• Pathology reports: Confirming mesothelioma or cancer diagnosis
• Imaging studies: CT scans, X-rays showing disease
• Treatment records: Surgery, chemotherapy, radiation documentation
• Pulmonary function tests: Documenting respiratory impairment
• Physician statements: Connecting diagnosis to occupational exposure

✓ Good News for Cement Masons: The NIOSH mortality study documenting elevated cancer rates among plasterers and cement masons provides epidemiological support for individual causation claims. Courts recognize that these workers faced occupational asbestos exposure from AC products.

How Do Cement Masons File Asbestos Compensation Claims?

The claims process involves multiple steps, but experienced mesothelioma attorneys handle all aspects on a contingency fee basis—no upfront costs, payment only if you recover compensation.

Step 1: Free Case Evaluation

Contact an experienced mesothelioma attorney for confidential consultation at no cost. The attorney will review your diagnosis, discuss work history including AC product exposure, explain legal options, and answer questions with no obligation.

Step 2: Case Investigation

Your legal team reconstructs complete employment history, identifies asbestos cement products and manufacturers, determines responsible companies and applicable trusts, gathers medical evidence, and calculates potential compensation.

Step 3: Claims Filing

Claims filed with applicable bankruptcy trusts (Johns-Manville, Celotex, etc.), courts for personal injury lawsuits, workers' compensation boards, and insurance carriers as appropriate.

Step 4: Resolution

Most cases settle without trial through negotiation. Your attorney keeps you informed throughout and prepares for trial if fair settlement cannot be reached.

Timeline Expectations

• Trust fund claims: 3-12 months typical processing
• Lawsuit settlements: 6-18 months typical resolution
• First payments: May arrive in as little as 90 days for trust fund claims

Get Help Today

If you worked as a cement mason, concrete finisher, or cement finisher before 1980 and have been diagnosed with mesothelioma, asbestosis, or asbestos-related lung cancer, you may be entitled to substantial compensation. Asbestos cement products like Transite pipe and Colorbestos siding contained hazardous asbestos that manufacturers failed to adequately warn workers about.

Time limits apply to mesothelioma claims. Statutes of limitations vary by state, with some allowing only 1-2 years from diagnosis. Texas allows 2 years from diagnosis or discovery of asbestos-related disease.

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