Plumbers, like many other professionals who work with building structures, can potentially be exposed to asbestos if they work in older buildings that were constructed before the 1980s. Asbestos was commonly used in construction materials due to its fire-resistant and insulating properties. However, it was later discovered that asbestos fibers can become airborne when these materials are disturbed or damaged, posing a significant health risk to those who inhale or ingest these fibers.
Many plumbers are at risk of developing health issues from being exposed to asbestos. If you’re one of them, contact the experienced team at Bailey & Glasser, LLP, for information about your options.
How are Plumbers at Risk?
When plumbers work, they may do things like cutting, sawing, or sanding asbestos-wrapped insulation, drilling into materials containing asbestos, or cutting or joining pipes, they may inadvertently release asbestos fibers into the surrounding air.
When working on renovations or repairs in older buildings, plumbers should be cautious and consider the possibility of encountering asbestos. Any suspected materials should be tested for asbestos content before proceeding with work.
Plumbers often work alongside other tradespeople in construction projects. Communication and collaboration are important to ensure everyone knows potential asbestos risks and takes necessary precautions.
Asbestos Sources
Plumbers can come across asbestos in older buildings and structures, especially those constructed before the 1980s when asbestos use was more prevalent. Asbestos was used in various construction materials due to its fire resistance, insulating properties, and durability. Plumbers might encounter asbestos in the following sources:
- Pipe insulation: Asbestos-containing pipe insulation was commonly used in older plumbing systems. This insulation can be found on pipes in boiler rooms, utility areas, or even in ceilings. It is often wrapped around pipes to provide thermal insulation.
- Gaskets and seals: Asbestos-containing gaskets and seals were used in plumbing connections and joints to prevent leaks. Plumbers might encounter these gaskets when repairing or replacing pipes, valves, or other plumbing components.
- Cement and mortar: Asbestos was sometimes added to cement and mortar mixtures to increase their strength and fire resistance. Plumbers working on repairs or renovations might encounter asbestos-containing cement or mortar used in plumbing fixtures or pipes.
- Duct insulation: Asbestos-containing duct insulation could be present in heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems. Plumbers might encounter asbestos in these systems when performing maintenance or repairs.
- Boiler and furnace insulation: Plumbers working on heating systems, boilers, or furnaces in older buildings may come across asbestos-containing insulation surrounding these appliances.
- Ceiling tiles: Asbestos was used in some ceiling tiles for its fire-resistant properties. While this is not directly related to plumbing work, plumbers working in buildings with suspended ceilings may disturb these tiles during their work.
- Pump packing: Asbestos was used in packing materials for pumps and valves to create a seal. Plumbers working with pumps and valves may encounter asbestos-containing packing.
- Older fixtures: Some older plumbing fixtures, such as sinks and bathtubs, might have asbestos-containing components or coatings.
Asbestos Health Risks
Prolonged exposure to airborne asbestos fibers can lead to serious health issues, including lung diseases like asbestosis, lung cancer, and mesothelioma (a rare and aggressive form of cancer primarily caused by asbestos exposure). The latency period between exposure and the onset of symptoms can be quite long, sometimes spanning several decades.
- Asbestosis: Asbestosis is a chronic and progressive lung disease caused by the inhalation of asbestos fibers over an extended period. These fibers become trapped in the lungs, leading to inflammation and scarring of lung tissue. Symptoms include shortness of breath, persistent coughing, and chest tightness. Severe cases of asbestosis can result in respiratory failure and death.
- Lung cancer: Long-term asbestos exposure significantly increases the risk of lung cancer. Asbestos-related lung cancer is often aggressive and can develop many years after initial exposure. Symptoms include coughing, chest pain, difficulty breathing, and coughing up blood.
- Mesothelioma: Mesothelioma is a rare and aggressive cancer that affects the lining of the lungs, abdomen, or heart. It is almost exclusively caused by asbestos exposure. Mesothelioma has a long latency period, with symptoms often appearing decades after exposure. It is challenging to treat, and the prognosis is generally poor.
- Pleural plaques: Pleural plaques are areas of thickening in the lining of the chest cavity and lungs. While not cancerous, they are indicative of asbestos exposure and can cause chest pain and breathing difficulties.
- Pleural effusion: Asbestos exposure can lead to pleural effusion, the buildup of fluid between the layers of the pleura (the lining around the lungs). This condition can cause chest pain and difficulty breathing.
- Pleural thickening: Prolonged exposure to asbestos can result in pleural thickening, which is the scarring and thickening of the pleura. This can restrict lung expansion and impair lung function.
Manufacturers of Asbestos-Containing Plumbing Parts
Many manufacturers produced asbestos-containing plumbing parts in the past due to the material’s heat-resistant and insulating properties. However, as awareness of the health risks associated with asbestos exposure grew, its use in construction and manufacturing declined. Using or working with asbestos-containing materials is now highly regulated in most countries due to these health risks.
Some of the manufacturers that were known for producing asbestos-containing plumbing parts include:
- American Standard, Inc.: Started in 1929, American Standard, Inc. is a leading manufacturer of plumbing products.
- Armstrong International, Inc.: Known for producing steam traps, liquid drainers, pipe strainers, and vents.
- Celotex Corporation: Celotex made heat panels and boards used around water heaters.
- CertainTeed Corporation: Produced materials that were used in a variety of industries, including construction, water utilities, and shipbuilding.
- DAP, Inc.: Established in 1865, DAP, Inc. produces sealing wax, putty, caulk, and other sealants.
- E.J. Bartells Company: Produced cement, adhesives, and sealants, as well as pipe insulation and insulation pads.
- GAF Corporation: Known for producing numerous products, including cement, pipe insulation, millboard, and boiler jackets.
- Garlock Sealing Technologies: Known for being a specialist in producing sealing products.
- Goulds Pumps, Inc.: Goulds Pumps supplied pumps across mining, lumber, agriculture, ranching, and manufacturing industries.
- Hercules Chemical Company: Hercules Chemical Company, Inc. created several chemical products for the plumbing industry.
- John Crane Company: Known for creating mechanical sealing systems in the mining, oil, gas, pharmaceutical, paper, and pulp industries.
- Johns-Manville: JM’s asbestos cement, Transite, was the most widely used brand. Transite pipes were used for wastewater, drinking water, gases, and fumes.
- Kaiser Gypsum Company: Produces construction materials such as cement, joint compound, and fiberboard.
- Keene Corporation: Became popular selling insulation and fireproofing products.
- Kentile Floors: Kentile specialized in making durable tiles out of rubber, vinyl, and cork.
- Owens-Illinois, Inc.: Owens-Illinois made asbestos insulation, pipe covering, and block insulation under the brand name Kaylo.
- Pittsburgh Corning: Bought out the Unibestos product line to produce pipe insulation and insulation block.
- Union Carbide: Known for producing adhesives, asbestos cement, joint compound, and wallboard.
Final Thoughts
Due to the well-documented health risks associated with asbestos, its use in construction and manufacturing has been heavily regulated in many countries. If you suspect asbestos exposure or have been exposed in the past, it is important to seek medical advice and monitoring to detect any potential health issues as early as possible.
If you’re already experiencing health issues as a result of asbestos exposure, reach out to the team of lawyers at Bailey & Glasser, LLP, who are waiting to help you explore your options and see if you’re entitled to any compensation.
