Members of the International Union of Bricklayers and Allied Craftworkers (BAC) — and in particular the refractory-mason branch — allegedly have a documented elevated incidence of asbestos-related disease. The exposure pathway is direct and daily: contact with asbestos-bonded refractory brick, dust generated during mixing and pouring of asbestos-refractory castable, aerosolized fiber during pneumatic gunning of asbestos-reinforced gunning mixes, and airborne fiber during cutting of asbestos-refractory ceramic fiber blanket and module. Federal occupational-health research has documented mesothelioma rates among refractory workers well above the general-population baseline, along with elevated rates of asbestos lung cancer, asbestosis, and pleural disease.
Mesothelioma
A rare cancer of the mesothelial lining of the lungs (pleural mesothelioma), abdomen (peritoneal), or heart (pericardial). Latency is typically 20 to 50 years from initial asbestos exposure. Refractory masons — driven by the fiber release from brick tear-out during furnace rebuilds and by castable and gunning-mix dust during application — allegedly have mesothelioma incidence rates a substantial multiple of the general-population rate for career members of the 1950s-1980s era.
Asbestos lung cancer
Lung cancer caused or contributed to by asbestos exposure. The risk is multiplied by smoking — a synergistic effect that compounds beyond the additive risk of either factor alone. For career BAC refractory masons who were also smokers, the lung cancer incidence rate is allegedly documented at extreme multiples of the general population.
Asbestosis
A chronic, non-malignant scarring of the lung tissue caused by inhaled asbestos fibers. Asbestosis causes progressive shortness of breath, persistent cough, and reduced lung function. It does not improve with treatment, and it is a recognized basis for a claim under most asbestos trust funds and civil claims. Refractory masons who spent decades tearing out spent brick and mixing asbestos-refractory castable in unventilated furnace interiors are allegedly at elevated risk.
Pleural disease
Including pleural plaques, pleural thickening, and benign pleural effusion. Common in long-career refractory masons even without other asbestos disease. Eligibility to file a claim under trust funds varies — some trusts pay for pleural disease alone; others require demonstrated functional impairment.
Other recognized diseases
Asbestos has also been linked to laryngeal cancer, ovarian cancer, and certain gastrointestinal cancers, each recognized under various asbestos trust schedules and case-law authorities. Eligibility and proof requirements vary by claim type.
If you or a family member is a current or former BAC bricklayer or refractory mason with any asbestos-related diagnosis, an experienced asbestos attorney can evaluate which trusts and claims are applicable to your specific facts.
Free, confidential case evaluation: Speak with O’Brien Law Firm — (314) 237-3332