Refinery workers, like many industrial workers, have historically faced risks related to asbestos exposure. Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that was commonly used in various industries for its heat resistance, strength, and insulating properties. However, it has been linked to serious health risks, particularly respiratory diseases and various forms of cancer.
If you or someone you know has become sick after working in an oil refinery and think it may be connected to asbestos exposure, contact Bailey & Glasser, LLP, so you can fully understand your options moving forward.
How are Refinery Workers at Risk?
In the context of refinery workers, asbestos was often used in the construction of refineries and in equipment such as pipes, boilers, and insulation materials. Workers who handled or were in close proximity to these materials faced the risk of inhaling asbestos fibers, which can become airborne when disturbed. Once inhaled, these fibers can become lodged in the lungs and other parts of the respiratory system, leading to health issues over time.
Asbestos Sources
Asbestos was historically used in various materials and components due to its heat-resistant and insulating properties. These materials and components could potentially become sources of asbestos exposure for refinery workers. Some common sources of asbestos in refineries include:
- Insulation materials: Asbestos-containing insulation materials were widely used in refineries to insulate pipes, boilers, tanks, and other equipment. These materials could release asbestos fibers into the air if they become damaged or deteriorate over time.
- Pipes and pipe coverings: Asbestos-containing materials were used to cover pipes and provide insulation. When these pipes are maintained, repaired, or replaced, there’s a risk of asbestos fibers becoming airborne.
- Boilers and furnaces: Asbestos insulation was used in boilers, furnaces, and other heat-generating equipment to prevent heat loss. Repairing or working around these systems could lead to asbestos exposure.
- Gaskets and seals: Asbestos-containing gaskets and seals were used in refinery equipment to prevent leaks. Disturbing or removing these components could release asbestos fibers.
- Valve packing: Asbestos-containing packing material was used in valves to prevent leaks. Maintenance and repair of valves could release asbestos fibers.
- Electrical equipment: Asbestos was sometimes used in electrical components for its heat-resistant properties. Working on or around electrical equipment that contains asbestos can result in fiber release.
- Insulating cement: Asbestos-containing insulating cement was used to cover surfaces in refineries for fireproofing and insulation. Over time, this material could deteriorate and release asbestos fibers.
- Ceiling and floor tiles: Asbestos-containing tiles may have been used in administrative and common areas of refineries. If these tiles are disturbed, fibers can be released.
- Brake and clutch linings: Refineries may have equipment such as vehicles or machinery with asbestos-containing brake and clutch linings. Maintenance and repair of these components could lead to exposure.
- Protective clothing: Asbestos was sometimes woven into clothing used by workers as protective gear against heat and fire. However, this clothing could release fibers over time.
It’s important to note that many modern refineries have taken steps to remove or replace asbestos-containing materials with safer alternatives. However, older facilities may still have asbestos-containing materials present. Proper safety protocols, including asbestos identification, containment, and removal by trained professionals, are essential when dealing with potential asbestos sources in refineries.
Asbestos Health Risks
The primary health risks associated with asbestos exposure for refinery workers include:
- Asbestosis: This is a chronic lung disease caused by the inhalation of asbestos fibers. It leads to scarring of lung tissue, which can result in breathing difficulties and decreased lung function.
- Lung cancer: Asbestos exposure increases the risk of developing lung cancer, especially among smokers. Combining smoking and asbestos exposure significantly raises the likelihood of lung cancer.
- Mesothelioma: This is a rare and aggressive form of cancer that primarily affects the lining of the lungs but can also impact other areas, such as the abdomen and heart. Asbestos exposure is the leading cause of mesothelioma.
Given the serious health risks associated with asbestos exposure, many countries have implemented regulations to limit or ban its use in various industries, including refineries. However, there are still older refineries and facilities where asbestos-containing materials may be present. In such cases, proper safety measures, including asbestos abatement and personal protective equipment, are crucial to minimizing the risk of exposure.
Manufacturers of Asbestos-Containing Refinery Parts
Many manufacturers historically produced asbestos-containing refinery parts and equipment due to the material’s heat-resistant and insulating properties. However, it’s important to note that asbestos use has significantly declined in recent decades due to the well-documented health risks associated with asbestos exposure.
Many of these companies have either gone out of business, changed their product lines, or ceased the production of asbestos-containing materials.
- A.W. Chesterton Company: Chesterton manufactured products used in many oil refineries, including gaskets, seals, packing, and hydraulic and pneumatic sealing devices.
- Armstrong International, Inc.: Armstrong International produced steam traps, liquid drainers, pipe strainers, and vents used in oil refineries.
- Garlock Sealing Technologies: Garlock made gaskets, seals, pump packing, valve packing and other types of packing for industrial settings. They filed for bankruptcy in 2010 due to asbestos liabilities.
- Hercules Packing Corporation: Known for producing gaskets used in oil refineries.
- Johns Manville: Produced various construction materials for building factories, refineries, and other industrial buildings. They filed for bankruptcy in 1982 due to a flood of asbestos-related lawsuits.
- North American Refractories Company (NARCO): Known as one of the top manufacturers of refractory products, supplying products to factories and oil refineries.
- Owens Corning: Owens Corning produced a wide range of asbestos-containing insulation materials, including those used in refineries. They faced numerous lawsuits and filed for bankruptcy in 2000.
- Philip Carey: Philip Carey manufactured industrial products commonly used at oil refineries.
- Pittsburgh Corning: Created insulation under the brand name Unibestos and used at many oil refineries.
- Quigley Company: Known for producing refractory products.
Final Thoughts
Many asbestos-related lawsuits have resulted in the creation of trusts to compensate asbestos victims. This means that you may be able to claim compensation for your illnesses if they were related to your work at a refinery.
If you’re dealing with health problems because of asbestos exposure, reach out to the team of lawyers at Bailey & Glasser, LLP. They’re here to help you explore your options and check if you might be entitled to compensation.
