Asbestos was historically used in a variety of products due to its heat-resistant and insulating properties. Among these products, asbestos-containing pipes were quite common, particularly in industries and buildings for their fireproofing and insulating capabilities.
Unfortunately, we now know that exposure to asbestos fibers can cause many different health concerns. If you’ve been exposed to asbestos in the past, contact Bailey & Glasser, LLP for a free no obligations consultation to talk to our experienced team of lawyers about your options.
Pipes and Asbestos
Asbestos was used in different types of pipes, including water supply lines, sewage pipes, and, in some cases, ventilation systems. The material was often mixed with cement or other binding agents to form strong, durable pipes.
Asbestos pipes were valued for their resistance to heat and corrosion, durability, and good insulating properties. This made them especially useful when pipes needed to withstand high temperatures or aggressive chemicals.
Manufacturers produced various types of asbestos-containing pipes, including water and sewage pipes, flue pipes, and conduits for electrical wiring. The versatility of asbestos-cement materials made them suitable for a range of applications.
Asbestos pipes were used in the following ways:
- Drinking water distributions
- Wastewater collection and removal
- Sewage
- Gases and fumes
They were often used in:
- Residential Homes: In older homes, asbestos pipes were often used for water heating systems, and some homes had asbestos sewer pipes.
- Commercial Buildings: Larger buildings, including factories and office buildings, used asbestos pipes for their heating systems, water supply, and industrial processes that required durable piping.
- Civic Structures: Public infrastructure like schools, hospitals, and government buildings constructed before the widespread restrictions on asbestos also incorporated these pipes for various utilities.
Manufacturers of Asbestos Containing Pipes
Numerous companies worldwide engaged in the production of asbestos-containing pipes, capitalizing on the material’s widespread acceptance for its advantageous properties. These manufacturers supplied products for municipal, industrial, residential, and commercial use.
In the production of asbestos pipes, asbestos fibers were mixed with cement or other binding materials. This process often involved the release of asbestos dust into the air, particularly during the mixing and shaping stages, posing a health risk to workers.
Some of the companies that used to manufacture pipes containing asbestos include:
- Capco: Also known as Cement Asbestos Products Co, produced asbestos pipes.
- CertainTeed: Produced a variety of building materials, including cement, gypsum wallboard, fiberglass, cement pipes, and joint compounds.
- GAF Corporation: A manufacturer of construction materials, including pipe insulation, pipe covering, and pressure pipes.
- Johns Manville: A large brand producing construction products. In 1929, Johns Manville released a range of asbestos boards and pipes called Transite.
- The Flintkote Company: Flintkote initially produced and sold roofing products, but they later branched out and manufactured piping, paper products, and gypsum.
The legacy of asbestos pipe manufacturers is complex, as many of these companies contributed to widespread asbestos exposure. Some have been held responsible for providing compensation to affected workers and consumers, while others have faced bankruptcy due to the financial burden of lawsuits.
Asbestos Exposure from Pipes
Exposure to asbestos from pipes, like exposure to asbestos from other sources, can lead to several serious health issues. These health problems typically arise from inhaling asbestos fibers, which can become airborne during the installation, repair, or demolition of asbestos-containing pipes. The major health issues associated with asbestos exposure include:
- Asbestosis: This is a chronic lung disease caused by inhaling asbestos fibers. It leads to scarring (fibrosis) of lung tissue, which can cause shortness of breath, coughing, and permanent lung damage. Symptoms often take many years to develop after exposure.
- Lung Cancer: Asbestos exposure significantly increases the risk of lung cancer. The risk is especially high in individuals who have a history of smoking. Lung cancer caused by asbestos exposure also has a long latency period and can develop decades after the initial exposure.
- Mesothelioma: This rare and aggressive form of cancer primarily affects the lining of the lungs (pleural mesothelioma) but can also affect the lining of the abdomen (peritoneal mesothelioma) and other organs. Mesothelioma is almost exclusively caused by exposure to asbestos and is particularly dangerous because it can take many years to develop and is often diagnosed at an advanced stage.
- Pleural Thickening: Chronic inhalation of asbestos fibers can cause the pleura (the lining around the lungs) to thicken and harden. This condition, known as pleural thickening, can restrict lung expansion, leading to breathing difficulties and reduced lung function.
- Pleural Plaques: These are areas of fibrous thickening on the pleura. While they are generally not harmful and don’t usually impact lung function, their presence is an indicator of significant asbestos exposure and can be a precursor to more serious conditions.
- Other Respiratory and Cardiovascular Issues: Asbestos exposure can also lead to other respiratory complications and has been linked to an increased risk of heart-related problems in cases of severe asbestosis.
It’s important to note that these health issues typically have a long latency period, meaning symptoms may not appear until many years after exposure to asbestos. This delayed onset is one of the reasons why asbestos-related diseases continue to be diagnosed in individuals who were exposed decades ago. Additionally, there is no known safe level of asbestos exposure, so even minimal contact with asbestos-containing materials can pose a risk.
Occupations Affected by Asbestos-Containing Pipes
Asbestos-containing pipes, prevalent in various industries and construction practices before the health risks were fully understood, have had a significant impact on certain occupations. Workers in these fields were often exposed to asbestos fibers, especially during the installation, maintenance, or removal of these pipes.
- Drillers and blasters
- Electricians and engineers
- Factory workers
- Laborers
- Mechanics
- Miners
- Pipefitters
- Smelters
These occupations, among others, highlight the breadth of asbestos exposure risk associated with asbestos-containing pipes. The latency period for asbestos-related diseases can be several decades, meaning that individuals exposed in the past may only be developing symptoms now. This ongoing risk underscores the importance of safety regulations, proper protective equipment, and awareness in managing and removing asbestos-containing materials.
Pipes Asbestos Exposure Compensation Options
In the event of a mesothelioma diagnosis for yourself or a family member, there could be a legal entitlement to financial restitution through several routes. This might involve making an insurance claim, starting a lawsuit, or tapping into an asbestos trust fund. Options also include taking legal action against your employer or a product maker, pursuing a workers’ compensation claim, or looking into claims for veterans, among other possibilities.
The team at Bailey & Glasser, LLP understands the deep impact of being diagnosed with mesothelioma on families and individuals. We are here to offer essential legal support, guidance, and information, guiding you through these challenging times and assisting in your pursuit of deserved compensation.
