A court ordered the state and nine makers of building materials on Friday to pay 216 million in damages to former construction workers and their families for illnesses they developed after being exposed to asbestos at construction sites. A total of 27 plaintiffs, including former workers who developed lung cancer and mesothelioma, had sought a total of 1 billion in damages from the state and 32 supply makers, saying the state knew of the need to take measures against asbestos exposure by 1971 and that the makers should take responsibility over asbestos products they made and sold.
