Pipefitters and Plumbers

Pipefitters and plumbers faced frequent and significant exposure to asbestos during the installation, maintenance, and repair of asbestos-insulated pipes, gaskets, cement fittings, and sealants. Throughout the 19th and much of the 20th centuries, asbestos was widely regarded as an indispensable material in plumbing and pipefitting work due to its exceptional heat resistance, durability, and insulating properties. However, the very qualities that made asbestos so valuable in these trades also posed severe health risks, as the handling and disturbance of asbestos-containing materials released dangerous airborne fibers that workers unknowingly inhaled during their daily tasks.

Plumbers were routinely exposed to asbestos while working with pipe insulation, joint compounds, and adhesives, particularly in older buildings, industrial facilities, and municipal systems. These materials were commonly used to insulate and seal pipes, especially in high-temperature or high-pressure environments. Tasks such as cutting, sawing, or removing deteriorating asbestos insulation often released fibers into the air, putting plumbers at risk of inhalation. Similarly, pipefitters encountered asbestos-containing gaskets and seals while installing and maintaining high-pressure steam pipes in refineries, power plants, and other industrial settings. Routine maintenance, such as replacing worn gaskets or seals, frequently disturbed asbestos fibers, further increasing exposure risks.

Sprinkler system installers and HVAC pipe workers also faced asbestos exposure while handling insulated ductwork, pipe fittings, and cement linings. These materials were commonly used in heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems, as well as fire suppression systems, to provide thermal insulation and fireproofing. During installation or repair work, asbestos fibers were often released into the air, exposing workers to hazardous levels of contamination. Municipal water workers, on the other hand, were frequently exposed while repairing or replacing asbestos cement pipes used in water distribution systems. These pipes, valued for their strength and resistance to corrosion, were widely installed in municipal infrastructure but posed significant health risks when cut, broken, or removed.

The nature of pipefitting and plumbing work often required workers to cut, saw, drill, or remove asbestos-containing materials, activities that generated substantial amounts of asbestos dust. Without adequate protective measures or awareness of the dangers, these workers unknowingly inhaled asbestos fibers, which became lodged in their lungs and other tissues. Over time, this exposure significantly increased their risk of developing serious asbestos-related diseases, including mesothelioma, lung cancer, and asbestosis. The long latency period of these illnesses meant that many workers did not experience symptoms until decades after their initial exposure, underscoring the devastating impact of asbestos use in these trades.

Industries with High Asbestos Exposure for Pipefitters and Plumbers

Pipefitters and plumbers were routinely exposed to asbestos across a variety of high-risk industries where asbestos-containing materials were integral to construction, maintenance, and repair work. In the construction and building maintenance sector, asbestos was widely used in insulation, joint compounds, and pipe cement for residential, commercial, and industrial buildings. These materials were valued for their fireproofing and thermal insulation properties, but their use often exposed workers to airborne asbestos fibers during installation, renovation, or demolition activities. Plumbers and pipefitters working in these environments frequently handled asbestos-laden materials, unknowingly putting themselves at risk.

Power plants and refineries were another major source of asbestos exposure for pipefitters. These facilities relied heavily on asbestos-insulated steam pipes, turbines, and boiler systems to manage extreme heat and pressure. Pipefitters tasked with installing, maintaining, or repairing these systems often disturbed asbestos insulation, releasing hazardous fibers into the air. Routine maintenance activities, such as replacing gaskets or repairing worn-out components, further heightened the risk of exposure in these high-temperature industrial settings.

Manufacturing and industrial facilities also posed significant risks, as factories and processing plants commonly used asbestos-containing gaskets, seals, and pipe coverings. Maintenance workers and pipefitters in these environments were regularly exposed to asbestos while repairing or replacing worn components in machinery and piping systems. The constant need for upkeep in these facilities meant that workers were frequently in contact with asbestos materials, often without adequate protective measures.

Municipal water systems presented another source of asbestos exposure, particularly for city water workers responsible for installing and replacing asbestos cement pipes. These pipes, which were widely used in water distribution systems due to their strength and resistance to corrosion, contained asbestos fibers embedded in the cement. During repairs or replacements, workers often disturbed these materials, releasing asbestos fibers into the air and increasing their risk of inhalation.

The shipbuilding and maritime industry also exposed pipefitters and shipbuilders to asbestos, as ships were constructed with asbestos-lined piping and high-pressure steam systems to ensure fire resistance and durability. During repairs, retrofitting, or decommissioning of ships, workers frequently encountered deteriorating asbestos insulation and other asbestos-containing materials. The confined spaces aboard ships further exacerbated the risk, as disturbed asbestos fibers could linger in the air, increasing the likelihood of inhalation. Across all these industries, the widespread use of asbestos in critical systems and materials left pipefitters and plumbers vulnerable to long-term health risks, including mesothelioma, lung cancer, and asbestosis.

Asbestos-Containing Products Used by Pipefitters and Plumbers

Pipefitters and plumbers were frequently exposed to asbestos due to its widespread use in pipe insulation, gaskets, cement fittings, and sealants. Because asbestos was highly resistant to heat, corrosion, and moisture, it was a standard material in commercial, industrial, and residential plumbing systems for much of the 19th and 20th centuries. Throughout their careers, pipefitters and plumbers frequently worked with or around a variety of asbestos-containing products, many of which were integral to their trade.

Asbestos Insulation and Refractory products: One of the most common sources of exposure was asbestos insulation and refractory products, which were widely used to insulate steam pipes, boiler systems, and industrial plumbing. These materials were prized for their ability to withstand high temperatures and prevent heat loss, but they posed a significant hazard when disturbed during repairs, maintenance, or replacements. The process of removing or cutting through deteriorated insulation often released asbestos fibers into the air, putting workers at risk of inhalation.

Asbestos Cement Products: These were another major source of exposure, particularly for pipefitters and municipal workers tasked with installing or repairing asbestos cement pipes. These pipes, commonly used in water distribution and sewage systems, contained asbestos fibers embedded in the cement to enhance durability and resistance to corrosion. However, cutting, drilling, or replacing these pipes during maintenance activities disturbed the fibers, creating a hazardous environment for workers.

Asbestos Gaskets and Seals: These products also presented a significant risk. These components were commonly found in pipe joints, valves, and pumps, where they provided a tight seal to prevent leaks. Plumbers and pipefitters often had to scrape away old, worn-out gaskets and replace them with new ones, a process that frequently released asbestos fibers into the air. The repetitive nature of this task, combined with the lack of awareness about the dangers of asbestos at the time, made it a particularly insidious source of exposure.

Asbestos Adhesives, Coatings, Paints, and Sealants: These products were widely used in plumbing connections, pipe coatings, and waterproofing applications. Over time, these materials would deteriorate, and workers tasked with removing or replacing them were exposed to asbestos fibers. The removal of old coatings or adhesives often required sanding, scraping, or grinding, all of which could release hazardous fibers into the air.

Construction Materials: Plumbers working on renovations or demolitions also encountered asbestos construction materials, such as floor tiles, drywall, and ceiling panels. These materials often contained asbestos to improve fire resistance and durability. During renovation or demolition projects, cutting, breaking, or removing these materials released asbestos fibers, further increasing the risk of exposure.

Because pipefitters and plumbers regularly cut, drilled, scraped, and replaced asbestos-containing materials, they unknowingly inhaled asbestos fibers on a routine basis. This prolonged exposure significantly increased their risk of developing serious health conditions, including mesothelioma, lung cancer, and asbestosis. The widespread use of asbestos in their trade, combined with the lack of protective measures during much of the 20th century, left many workers vulnerable to these life-threatening diseases.

Medical Conditions Linked to Asbestos Exposure for Pipefitters and Plumbers

Pipefitters and plumbers were frequently exposed to asbestos while installing, maintaining, and repairing asbestos-insulated pipes, gaskets, cement fittings, and sealants. Because asbestos was highly resistant to heat, corrosion, and moisture, it was a standard material in commercial, industrial, and residential plumbing systems for much of the 19th and 20th centuries. Below are the most common diseases linked to pipefitters and plumbers’ asbestos exposure.

Mesothelioma: A rare but aggressive cancer caused exclusively by asbestos exposure. Pipefitters and plumbers frequently handledasbestos pipe insulation, gaskets, and cement, unknowingly inhaling fibers.

Lung Cancer: Long-term exposure to asbestos-containing plumbing materials and industrial piping systems significantly increased the risk of lung cancer.

Asbestosis: A chronic lung disease caused by scarring from inhaled asbestos fibers, leading to severe breathing difficulties and reduced lung function.

Throat & Gastrointestinal Cancers: Pipefitters and plumbers who cut, sawed, and removed asbestos-laden materials were at risk of laryngeal, stomach, and colorectal cancers due to prolonged fiber exposure.

Many pipefitters and plumbers were exposed while repairing and replacing aging asbestos materials, leading to serious health conditions decades later.

Our Law Firm Assists Pipefitters and Plumbers Affected by Asbestos Exposure

Pipefitters and plumbers were frequently exposed to asbestos while installing, repairing, and maintaining piping systems in industrial facilities, commercial buildings, and residential homes. Asbestos was commonly used in pipe insulation, gaskets, joint compounds, and cement due to its heat-resistant and fireproofing properties. Workers who cut, removed, or handled asbestos-containing materials often inhaled airborne asbestos fibers, putting them at high risk for developing serious illnesses such as mesothelioma, lung cancer, and asbestosis. If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with an asbestos-related disease, you may be entitled to compensation. Our law firm is committed to guiding pipefitters and plumbers through the legal process, providing comprehensive support in the following areas:

Asbestos Trust Claims: Many manufacturers and suppliers of asbestos-containing pipe insulation, gaskets, and plumbing materials have established trust funds to compensate workers diagnosed with asbestos-related diseases. Filing a claim with these trusts does not require a lawsuit and can provide financial relief for medical expenses, lost wages, and other costs. Our legal team can help determine your eligibility and ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.

Asbestos Lawsuits: Manufacturers and suppliers of asbestos-containing plumbing and pipefitting materials can be held accountable through legal action. Workers exposed to asbestos while installing or repairing pipe insulation, removing old plumbing systems, or working in confined spaces may be eligible to file a lawsuit. Compensation from these lawsuits can help cover medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages. Our experienced attorneys are dedicated to fighting for the rights of pipefitters and plumbers who were unknowingly exposed to asbestos.

Asbestos Disability Claims: Workers diagnosed with asbestos-related conditions may qualify for Social Security disability benefits if their illness prevents them from working. Additionally, veterans who were exposed to asbestos while installing and maintaining piping systems on military bases, naval ships, or defense-related projects may be eligible for veterans’ disability benefits. These claims provide essential financial support for affected individuals and their families.