Health Resources for Building Trades Retirees

Workers in the building trades who were active between roughly 1940 and 1982 may have been exposed to asbestos-containing materials at jobsites. Asbestos-related diseases — including mesothelioma, asbestosis, and asbestos-related lung cancer — can develop 20 to 50 years after exposure.

Screening and Surveillance

Early detection improves outcomes for asbestos-related conditions. If you worked in a trade with documented asbestos exposure, discuss the following with your physician:

  • Low-dose CT (LDCT) lung screening — recommended annually for high-risk individuals 50–80 years old per USPSTF guidelines
  • Pulmonary function testing — baseline spirometry for those with prolonged exposure
  • Chest X-ray — may reveal pleural plaques or other asbestos markers

Treatment Centers

Mesothelioma and advanced asbestos-related disease is best treated at centers with specialized expertise:

Support Organizations

  • Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization (ADAO) — adao.us — patient advocacy and education
  • Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation — curemeso.org — research funding and patient support
  • Asbestos Nation — asbestosnation.org — policy and exposure tracking

NIOSH Hazard Banding

The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) maintains occupational exposure band data by trade and material. Records relevant to the building trades are available at cdc.gov/niosh.

This page provides general health information only. It does not constitute medical advice. Consult a licensed physician for guidance specific to your health situation.