If you’ve gotten sick after exposure to asbestos as an appliance installer, you might be eligible to seek monetary compensation, either through workers’ compensation claims or by filing lawsuits against those responsible. Contact Bailey & Glasser, LLP today to book a free consultation and discuss your options.
How are Appliance Installers at Risk?
Appliance installers may be at risk of asbestos exposure in specific scenarios, particularly when dealing with older appliances or working in older buildings.
Some of the potential risks include:
- Older appliances and insulation: Some older appliances, especially those manufactured before the 1980s, may contain asbestos as insulation. This includes items like ovens, boilers, and some types of heaters.
- Installation in older buildings: When installing new appliances in older buildings, there is a risk of disturbing asbestos-containing materials. These materials could be present in old floor tiles, ceiling tiles, insulation, or other building materials.
- Repair and removal of older appliances: The risk is not limited to installation. When removing or repairing old appliances that contain asbestos, there is a risk of asbestos fibers becoming airborne. When fibers are airborne, they can become lodged in the lungs and cause health issues over time.
Asbestos Sources
Asbestos was commonly used for its heat-resistant properties and durability. Examples of appliances that may contain asbestos include:
- Heating appliances: Old furnaces, boilers, and heating systems often contained asbestos insulation. This was especially true for components that needed to withstand high temperatures.
- Ovens and stoves: Older ovens and stoves, both domestic and industrial, might have asbestos insulation. This was used to retain heat and protect surrounding areas from high temperatures.
- Hair dryers: Some old hair dryers used asbestos for heat shielding. However, these were generally phased out by the late 1970s.
- Ironing boards and iron rests: Asbestos was used in some ironing board pads, and iron rests due to its heat-resistant properties.
- Toasters and small kitchen appliances: Certain models of toasters and other small kitchen appliances contained asbestos as insulators.
- Electrical panels: Asbestos was sometimes used in and around electrical panels and components to insulate and protect against fire.
- Space heaters: Some older space heaters used asbestos as insulation to protect against heat and fire.
- Pipe insulation: In older homes, asbestos might have been used to insulate pipes, including those connected to appliances.
Manufacturers of Asbestos-Containing Appliance Parts
- Blodgett Corporation: An oven manufacturer founded in 1854, produced steamer ovens, convection ovens, and pizza deck ovens.
- Conair: Produces consumer products for hair and beauty, they sold hand-held hair dryers with asbestos insulation.
- Durez Plastics: A resin manufacturer that created paint, adhesives, automotive parts, and electrical appliances.
- Electrolux: Manufactured powered kitchen and cleaning appliances, such as cookers, refrigerators, washing machines, and vacuum cleaners.
- General Electric Company: An electronics manufacturer, General Electric produced electricity and power-generating equipment, light bulbs, and consumer electronics.
- Proctor Electric Company: Created a household toaster that contained asbestos insulation.
- Suter Avante: Produced hooded hair dryers that contained asbestos elements.
- Union Carbide Corporation: Union Carbide produced asbestos plastic used to make parts for appliances such as trim and knobs.
- Whirlpool: Distributed an asbestos washer specifically used in oven doors.
Final Thoughts
If your work as an appliance installer has exposed you to asbestos, leading to health issues, Bailey & Glasser, LLP offers a free consultation to help. Our team is adept in advocating for mesothelioma patients and their families and understands the deep impact and uncertainties of a mesothelioma diagnosis. We stand ready to help you through this challenging time.
