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How Can a Chimney Sweeper Get Mesothelioma by Occupational Exposure to Asbestos?
Chimney sweepers inspect chimneys, fireplaces, stoves and vents in accordance with applicable safety codes. This job involves the physical inspection of the structure as well as cleaning the surface. Some chimney sweepers may make repairs to structures, which may involve them to complete masonry work or relining work. Chimney sweepers clean, maintain and repair all aspects of fireplaces, including the hearth, firebox, chimney and flue.
Asbestos was often contained in fireplaces in various parts. Fireplaces built before the 1990s often contained asbestos materials, so workers who go to older homes may still be facing current-day exposure to this harmful material. Fireplaces built before 1978 might contain artificial gas log or ashes that have been contaminated with asbestos. Chimneys were often lined with asbestos insulation after they were fitted to the home. Asbestos is commonly used as a fireproofing material.
When chimney sweepers cleaned and repaired chimneys and fireplaces, they often dislodged asbestos from the products in these structures. Chimney services are largely unregulated, so even though wearing a respirator may have provided some safety from toxic airborne asbestos fibers, many chimney sweepers often worked without minimal protective equipment and were at an increased likelihood of being exposed to dangerous asbestos.
Common job duties of chimney sweepers include the following:
- Clean soot from chimneys
- Close fireplace openings and other orifices to clean chimney
- Use hand tools to remove pipes connecting furnace to flue
- Clean soot from chimney pit
- Use vacuum cleaners to clean soot and other debris
- Clean connecting pipes with brush
- Replace pipes as necessary
- Seal joints with cement
- Lower supplies and cleaning materials down flue
- Empty bags of soot
- Inspect interior of chimney and fireplaces
- Assess the need for chimney repairs
- Brush interior of chimneys, broilers and furnaces
Employment of Chimney Sweepers
There are approximately 6,500 chimney sweepers currently employed in the United States. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics does not keep statistical data on this profession and includes them with other building maintenance positions.
Similar Occupations as Chimney Sweepers
Occupations that are similar to that of chimney sweepers include the following:
- Air quality engineers
- Bricklayers
- Carpenters
- Cement masons
- Glaziers
- Heating and cooling technicians
- Janitors
- Landscapers
- Marble setters
- Painters
- Pipefitters
- Plasterers
- Plumbers
- Roofers
- Stonemasons
- Welders
Lawsuits and Settlements Involving Chimney Sweepers and Mesothelioma
Chimney sweepers who develop mesothelioma through the course of their job may have grounds to file a personal injury lawsuit against the parties responsible for their asbestos exposure. There have been reported lawsuits filed by chimney sweepers against the manufacturers who made asbestos products, including against Johns Manville, which manufactured a cement that contained asbestos and was commonly used by workers in this profession.
Studies Related to Chimney Sweepers and Asbestos
There are not very many studies that have been published related to chimney sweepers specifically. However, there have been several studies that have explored the connection between asbestos and workers involved in the construction industry and brick masons. Some of these studies have included:
- “Mortality among unionized construction plasterers and cement masons” was a 2001 study that evaluated more than 12,000 members of the Operative Plasterers’ and Cement Masons’ International Association. Researchers found that plasterers and cement masons have elevated risks for certain diseases, including stomach and lung cancers.
- A 2015 study entitled “Lung cancer risk among bricklayers in a pooled analysis of case–control studies” was published in the International Journal of Cancer. Its findings included that there was an increased risk of lung cancer in bricklayers due to their exposure to silica and asbestos. Researchers also found that disease was more likely the longer the worker was employed as a bricklayer.
- A North Carolina study found elevated rates of lung cancer in carpenters, brick masons and painters.
- A British Colombia study found an increased rate of mesothelioma for bricklayers.
- A 2013 Swedish study reported an increased rate of mesothelioma and lung cancer for chimney sweepers.
- A study of more than 10,000 members of the International Union of Bricklayers and Allied Craftsmen who were members between 1986 and 1991 found an increased number of fatalities stemming from lung cancer and asbestosis in this group of workers.
Types of Asbestos Products Used by Chimney Sweepers
Chimney sweepers may have come in close contact with products that contained asbestos, including those found in:
- Bricks
- Paints
- Sealants
- Cements
- Mortar
- Insulation
- Chimney liners
- Transite pipes and flues
- Paper plies
- Fireplace inserts
- Gas logs
- Artificial ash and embers
Manufacturers of Asbestos Products Used by Chimney Sweepers
Some of the largest manufactures who made asbestos products that chimney sweeps may have had contact with include the following:
- Certainteed Corporation
- Combustion Engineering
- Crown Cork and Seal
- Thurston & Sons
- Ehret Magnesia
- GAF Corporation
- John Crane
- Johns Manville
- Kaiser Aluminum
- Keasbey & Mattison
- National Gypsum
- Owens Corning
- Owens-Illinois
- Pacor Incorporated
- Raybestos
- Rock Wool Manufacturing
- Shook & Fletcher
- The Flintkote Company
- UNARCO
- Western MacArthur
- R. Grace & Co.
