Asbestos Fireproofing & Spray-On Products: Exposure & Trust Fund Compensation
Sprayed asbestos fireproofing was applied to structural steel members in commercial buildings, hospitals, schools, and high-rise construction throughout the 1940s-1970s. Spray applicators, construction trades, and post-installation workers had significant exposure.
Were you exposed to fireproofing & spray-on products?
What is asbestos fireproofing & spray-on products?
Sprayed asbestos fireproofing was used to protect structural steel members in commercial and institutional buildings from fire damage. The material was a mixture of crocidolite or amosite asbestos with binders, sprayed onto steel beams, columns, and decking. Major brand names included W.R. Grace's Monokote and various USG products. EPA banned sprayed asbestos for most building uses in 1973 — making this product's exposure window narrower than most asbestos products but the exposure intensity was unusually high due to the spray-application method.
Manufacturers and bankruptcy trusts that cover this product
The following asbestos manufacturers produced fireproofing & spray-on products products during the asbestos era and now have bankruptcy trusts that compensate exposed claimants:
Exposure mechanism
Fireproofing exposure:
- Spray application — the highest-intensity asbestos exposure activity in construction; aerosolized chrysotile/amosite/crocidolite directly into the breathing zone
- Cross-trade exposure — other trades working in buildings during fireproofing application were exposed to overspray
- Maintenance and renovation — workers disturbing aged fireproofing released asbestos fibers
- Demolition — removing fireproofing during commercial building demolitions exposed workers to high fiber concentrations
Common occupations exposed to fireproofing & spray-on products
- Spray applicators
- Steel workers
- Construction trades (cross-exposure)
- Building maintenance
- Demolition workers
Frequently asked questions
When was sprayed asbestos fireproofing banned?
EPA banned sprayed asbestos for most building uses in 1973. Some specialty applications continued briefly afterward. The bulk of asbestos fireproofing installations date from 1945-1973.
I was a spray applicator — what trusts apply?
Spray applicators have very high cumulative exposure due to the application method. File W.R. Grace (Monokote primary), USG, plus other relevant trusts. Combined trust compensation typically substantial due to high exposure intensity.
What about other trades working in buildings during spray application?
Other construction trades (electricians, plumbers, HVAC, ironworkers) working in buildings during fireproofing application had significant cross-trade exposure to overspray. Cross-trade exposure documentation can establish eligibility.
Did high-rise construction use the most asbestos fireproofing?
Yes. Steel-frame high-rise commercial buildings built between 1945 and 1973 used substantial sprayed asbestos fireproofing on structural members. Workers on major high-rise projects from this era have particularly strong exposure documentation.
What about demolition of old high-rises?
Demolition of pre-1973 high-rise buildings releases substantial asbestos when fireproofing is disturbed. Demolition workers, abatement contractors, and even surrounding outdoor workers can have eligible exposure during these projects.
Were you exposed to asbestos fireproofing & spray-on products?
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