ISSN: 1546-962X
CODEN: JAIOAD
Published Online: 3 December 2010
Page Count: 14

Mesothelioma in Drywall Finishing Workers

McCoy, Michael J.
Environmental Health and Safety, GZA GeoEnvironmental, Inc., Waukesha, WI

Wolter, Matthew E.
Environmental Health and Safety, GZA GeoEnvironmental, Inc., Waukesha, WI

Anderson, Kim E.
Senior Principal/Director of Toxicology, Environmental Health and Safety, GZA GeoEnvironmental, Inc., Waukesha, WI

(Received 16 October 2009; accepted 28 October 2010)

Abstract

In this manuscript, we evaluate the context in which workers were exposed to drywall joint compound based on the state-of-the-art of the construction industry during the post-World War II era through the 1970s and conduct a review of the scientific literature associated with the drywall trade and occupational exposure to airborne asbestos from drywall finishing work practices. Specifically, this manuscript evaluates the epidemiologic literature describing the apparent lack of association of mesothelioma to asbestos fibers utilized in drywall finishing materials in workers who were potentially occupationally exposed to short-fiber chrysotile asbestos contained in some drywall joint compound products during the post-World War II era through the early to mid-1970s. This manuscript also provides an understanding of the state-of-the-art in drywall joint compound manufacturing during this period.

Keywords:
chrysotile, asbestos, mesothelioma, drywall joint compound, drywall tapers, short-fiber

Paper ID: JAI102786
DOI: 10.1520/JAI102786
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