Custodians, Janitors and Mesothelioma

Why Custodians and Janitors Were Exposed to Asbestos

During the 20th century, asbestos was widely used in building materials because it is fire-resistant, durable, and inexpensive. Many old buildings from the 20th century still contain asbestos. This is called legacy asbestos, indicating it has persisted for several decades by now. Custodians and janitors can be exposed to legacy asbestos when they:

• Clean up dust or debris from deteriorating asbestos-containing materials
• Work in areas where maintenance, renovation, or demolition disturbs asbestos
• Perform routine tasks that damage or abrade old materials
• Handle water damage, leaks, or floods that break down asbestos materials and spread debris

For general background, see occupational asbestos exposure and legacy asbestos exposure.

Where Asbestos Exposure Occurred in Custodial and Janitorial Work

Custodians were most likely to encounter asbestos during the 20th century through building materials and cleanup conditions.

Floor Tiles and Flooring Materials

Many old buildings used asbestos in floor tiles and the adhesives or mastic beneath them. Custodians could be exposed today when:

• Stripping or buffing old floors
• Sanding or scraping floor materials during repairs
• Removing old tile or cleaning up after tile damage
• Handling debris after renovations

Ceiling Tiles and Insulation Above Ceilings

Asbestos-containing materials may be present above ceilings in some old buildings. Custodians could be exposed when:

• Accessing ceiling spaces for maintenance support
• Cleaning after ceiling tile breaks or water damage
• Working near renovation activity above ceilings

Pipe Insulation and Boiler Room Debris

Custodians and janitors in old schools, apartment buildings, and commercial buildings sometimes cleaned mechanical rooms, basements, and boiler rooms. Asbestos was commonly used on:

• Insulated steam pipes
• Boiler insulation
• Valves and fittings in utility areas

Even if custodians did not perform repairs, they could be exposed while sweeping or cleaning dust and debris in these areas.

Drywall, Plaster, and Building Repairs

Some old construction materials and drywall compounds contained asbestos. Custodians might encounter exposure when:

• Assisting with minor repairs
• Cleaning after drilling, cutting, or sanding by maintenance staff
• Handling dust from damaged wall systems

Fireproofing and Damaged Building Materials

Certain old buildings used spray-applied fireproofing or other asbestos-containing fire-resistant materials. Exposure risk increases when those materials become damaged, deteriorate, or are disturbed during renovation, leading to dust in common areas.

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Custodial Tasks Increasing Exposure Risk

Custodians and janitors were often exposed to asbestos through repeated, low-to-moderate dust events rather than a single job. Higher-risk tasks and situations include:

• Dry sweeping dusty debris in older buildings
• Using floor machines that abrade older flooring materials
• Cleaning up after water damage that breaks down ceiling and insulation materials
• Removing debris after maintenance or renovation without proper containment
• Working in boiler rooms, basements, and utility tunnels where insulation is present
• Using compressed air for cleanup in dusty areas

If you remember routine work in old school basements, boiler rooms, or frequent cleanup after renovations, those details can matter.

Job Settings Where Custodians Faced Higher Asbestos Risk

Custodians and janitors worked in many building types, but risk historically increased in old facilities such as:

• Public schools and universities
• Hospitals and nursing homes
• Government buildings
• Older office buildings and downtown commercial properties
• Apartment complexes and public housing
• Industrial plants and warehouses with old infrastructure
• Older theaters, arenas, and public venues

The building age and the frequency of repairs and renovations are key factors.

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Mesothelioma Risk and Latency for Custodians and Janitors

Mesothelioma is a cancer that forms in the lining around the lungs (pleural) or abdominal cavity (peritoneal). A key issue for custodians is latency, which is how long a disease takes to form. Asbestos-related diseases often take many years to develop after exposure. Many people are diagnosed long after working in old buildings. This makes diagnosis difficult since victims do not connect the disease to long-ago asbestos exposure.

Common Mesothelioma Symptoms

Symptoms for mesothelioma vary by type and may resemble other illnesses.

Pleural Mesothelioma Symptoms

Peritoneal Mesothelioma Symptoms

If you worked as a custodian or janitor and have developed symptoms, tell your doctor about the types of buildings you worked in and whether you cleaned after renovations, water damage, or boiler room work.

Does Asbestos Exposure Still Happen for Custodians Today?

Risk is lower in many modern buildings, but exposure can still occur in old properties with legacy asbestos. Risk increases when asbestos materials are disturbed during:

Legal Options for Custodians and Janitors Diagnosed With Mesothelioma

Custodians and janitors with mesothelioma may qualify for compensation from filing legal claims against the companies responsible for their exposure to asbestos. Many claims focus on manufacturers and suppliers of asbestos-containing building materials rather than direct employers. Legal strategy typically involves identifying the buildings worked in, the time period, and the specific asbestos-containing materials likely present.

Mesothelioma Lawsuits

A lawsuit for mesothelioma may be filed against companies that made or supplied asbestos-containing products in buildings, such as flooring, insulation, fireproofing, or related materials. Evidence often includes:

• Work history and building locations
• Tasks performed, especially floor work and cleanup after renovations
• Witness statements from coworkers
• Medical documentation confirming diagnosis

Asbestos Trust Fund Claims

Some asbestos companies established bankruptcy trust funds. Trust claims can be important when a person’s exposure history involves products tied to bankrupt manufacturers of building materials and industrial products. Companies that file for bankruptcy must establish these asbestos trust funds to ensure victims receive some financial help for their disease.

Compensation Overview

Compensation for mesothelioma may help cover:

What Custodians and Janitors Should Document

You do not need perfect records to start. Useful details include:

• Building names and locations where you worked
• Years worked and job titles
• Whether you performed floor stripping, tile removal, or maintenance support tasks
• Whether you cleaned after renovations, pipe repairs, or ceiling work
• Any boiler room, basement, or tunnel cleaning assignments
• Coworker names who can confirm duties and building conditions
• Medical documentation confirming diagnosis, including pathology reports

To connect locations and industries, see asbestos exposure sites.

Frequently Asked Questions About Custodians, Janitors and Mesothelioma

Can Floor Work Expose Custodians to Asbestos?

It can, especially in older buildings. Stripping, sanding, scraping, or removing old flooring materials may release asbestos dust if those materials contained asbestos.

I Only Cleaned and Did Not Do Repairs. Could I Still Have Been Exposed?

Yes. Cleanup after repairs, renovation, water damage, or damaged insulation can involve asbestos debris, especially in older buildings.

Can Family Members Be Affected?

Secondary asbestos exposure can occur if asbestos fibers were brought home on clothing or gear. Legal options for family members with an asbestos disease may exist depending on the exposure facts and jurisdiction.

Sources & Author

About the Writer, David Statman

David Statman is a Content Writer for Mesothelioma Guide. He received both his bachelor's and master's in journalism from West Virginia University, and has been in medical publishing since January 2022. He previously worked in sports journalism, primarily reporting on West Virginia sports for a number of publications.

He lives in Delaware with his wife, dog and two cats, and avidly competes as a professional wrestler in the Philadelphia area.