Honoring Workers and Remembering Hidden Dangers This Labor Day
Every year on the first Monday of September, Americans pause to honor the people who built and continue to power this country—its workers. Labor Day began in the late 19th century, when long hours and unsafe conditions pushed workers to organize. In 1882, thousands marched in what became the first Labor Day parade, leading Congress to make it a federal holiday in 1894.
Labor Day is not only about progress, it’s also about sacrifice. Many workers faced dangers that were little understood at the time, including asbestos.
Asbestos in the Workplace
For decades, asbestos was everywhere: in insulation, construction, and shipyards. Its durability and low cost made it attractive to industry, but exposure carried deadly risks.
By the early 1900s, researchers linked asbestos to lung damage. Britain recorded the first asbestos-related death in 1906. In the U.S., the Bureau of Labor Statistics reported high mortality among asbestos workers as early as 1918.
Still, asbestos use surged through the mid-20th century. Between 1940 and 1979, approximately 27 million Americans were exposed. Many later developed mesothelioma, asbestosis, or lung cancer—diseases that can take decades to develop.
Labor unions fought for better wages, better hours, and worker safety. These unions raised awareness about the dangers of asbestos exposure and pushed for protections.
One leader, Tony Mazzocchi, worked in the 1960s and 1970s to expose chemical hazards. His advocacy helped shape the Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA) of 1970, which set stronger workplace standards, including asbestos regulation.
While most countries have banned the use of asbestos, asbestos use hasn’t disappeared entirely. Many homes and buildings in the U.S. built before 1980 may contain asbestos Because illnesses often surface 20 years or more after exposure, families today are still dealing with its impact.
This Labor Day, we celebrate progress but also remember the price workers paid. Their struggles won the protections we now rely on and remind us that worker safety must remain a priority.
If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with mesothelioma, lung cancer, or another asbestos-related illness, call 412-471-3980. Our team is here to help you understand your rights and pursue justice.
