Occupational Disease in Construction: New York City Metro Area

Construction workers have long faced—and continue to face—inherent dangers in their line of work. Historically, they were exposed to harmful materials without proper protection, such as asbestos, which was once common in insulation and building products, and silica dust from cutting or drilling stone, concrete, and brick. While regulations have improved, the risks remain. Workers still face exposure to hazardous substances like asbestos, silica, and lead, and the ongoing dangers contribute to diseases like lung conditions and lead poisoning.

In 1970, the federal government created the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). OSHA set rules for safety in the workplace. Over the following years, some materials were banned or limited. For example, the use of asbestos was reduced in the late 1970s, and lead was removed from paint and gasoline. Even with these changes, the damage was already done for many older workers. This is because diseases resulting from occupational exposure often take decades to manifest. For example, mesothelioma caused by asbestos exposure may not appear until 30 or 40 years after a worker first inhaled the fibers.

In the 1980s, more attention turned to occupational disease. Reports showed that thousands of workers died each year from work-related illnesses. Many more were disabled by breathing problems, hearing loss, or musculoskeletal disorders. Over time, better awareness led to more rules, training programs, and protective equipment. Still, new cases continue to emerge, especially when employers neglect safety regulations or workers are not sufficiently protected.

Today, there are better regulations and more enforcement. Many construction firms try to prevent harmful exposures. Yet occupational disease remains a concern. Each year, new cases of lung problems, lead poisoning, or hearing loss are reported among construction workers. Some diseases are tied to past exposures. Others result from current conditions, such as cutting modern materials that still produce dangerous dust.

The workforce in New York City is very diverse. Many workers are immigrants or work for smaller, non-union contractors. They may not receive proper training or personal protective equipment (PPE). As a result, these workers commonly face higher risks. Additionally, the city is filled with older buildings that may contain asbestos or lead. During demolition or renovation, these materials can be released into the air. Without proper controls, workers may inhale dangerous levels of dust or fumes.

Some newer projects also involve materials like composite stone. This can have high levels of silica. Cutting and shaping these slabs can cause silicosis if the dust is not controlled. Even though deaths from silicosis have decreased over time, new cases still occur. Noise exposure is also still a major issue. On many job sites, the noise level is above safe limits, yet workers may not wear hearing protection. This can lead to permanent hearing loss.

Below are the major types of illnesses that affect construction workers. They vary in how they occur, but many share the same root cause: exposure to hazards over a long time.