In all, 96 members took advantage of the screenings that were held June 17 and 18 at the Laborers' Hall.

Local Business Manager Loren Bloyd arranged for the screenings based on the typically high exposure rate of construction craft laborers and the need for early detection of asbestosis -- a debilitating and often deadly disease.

"Because of the work we do, many of our members have been exposed to asbestos products for prolonged periods of time," Bloyd said. "It is well documented that exposure can be dangerous to your health and we have to make every effort to encourage testing and early detection when possible."

The local encouraged all members age 45 or above with exposure beginning prior to 1972, who were not already represented by an attorney in an asbestos related claim and who had not been tested for at least one year, to come in for the 30 minute test that was provided free to each member.