Asbestos and Boiler Workers

Decades of asbestos use in boilers exposed countless workers. Many boiler workers and boilermakers developed asbestos illnesses like mesothelioma. Even today, asbestos exposure remains a concern in the boiler industry, as older materials can be dangerous.

If you or a loved one have been diagnosed with mesothelioma, asbestos-related lung cancer, or asbestosis, you may be eligible for substantial compensation. Fill out our form to receive our free Financial Compensation Packet. Our packet is loaded with information on experienced mesothelioma attorneys in your area, how to file a claim for asbestos trust funds, how to get paid in 90 days, and more. 

Are Boiler Workers Exposed to Asbestos?

Boilers were once constructed with asbestos components. Boiler workers in the past were at high risk of exposure to asbestos in these materials.

Because boilers are built for very high temperatures, they need effective insulation to retain heat and protect workers. Asbestos was the insulator of choice in boilers for decades.

Asbestos exposure occurs when fibers of asbestos come loose from materials and workers inhale or ingest them. Boiler workers faced this risk as they disturbed asbestos in boiler components by installing, removing, or repairing them.

About Boilers and Asbestos Use

A boiler is a vessel used to heat fluids. Boilers are often used to produce steam to heat buildings or to turn turbines for power generation. Small boilers are used in residential buildings, while large boilers are used in industrial facilities. Ships also contain boilers.

Boilers and surrounding equipment must be well insulated to avoid heat loss, to prevent fires, and to protect workers from high temperatures. Most boilers built before the 1980s contained asbestos insulation in several components and surrounding materials:

• Pipe wrap
• Boiler lining
• Sealants
• Gaskets
• Valves
• Pumps
• Packing
• Bearings
• Access windows
• Steam traps
• Cement
• Protective materials on floors, ceilings, and walls

What Do Boiler Workers Do?

A boilermaker or boiler worker is someone who builds, repairs, installs or maintains boilers.

Boiler work is often considered a dangerous occupation. Workers are expected to handle extremely hot boilers and boiler components.

The U.S. Department of Labor indicated that boiler factory production workers must first assemble boiler machines and, later, install them correctly.

Operations workers are responsible for managing production workers and watching over the boiler rooms daily. Operations and production workers generally clean the equipment and make repairs when necessary.

How Were Boiler Workers Exposed to Asbestos?

In the past, boiler rooms were extremely small, and workers were required to do their jobs in enclosed spaces. Several aspects of boiler work made it dangerous and put workers at risk for asbestos exposure:

• Most boiler rooms were constructed with asbestos-containing materials (ACMs), such as asbestos-containing cement millboard, often used to cover ceiling spaces above boilers.

• Not only were employees working in enclosed spaces, but the boiler rooms usually didn’t have the proper ventilation, making it easier for workers to inhale loose asbestos fibers.

• In addition to asbestos in construction materials, boiler equipment was made with asbestos in many of its components.

• Many boiler workers handled asbestos materials directly, which can lead to fibers coming loose and causing exposure. Repair and maintenance work on boilers was particularly risky.

• Workers in the area of boilers who did not directly handle asbestos materials also faced risks. Anyone in the area could inhale loose asbestos fibers.

High Risk of Asbestos Exposure and Illnesses in Boiler Workers

Several studies have proven that many boiler workers were exposed to dangerously high levels of asbestos. This put boiler workers at an elevated risk of developing asbestos-related diseases, such as malignant mesothelioma, asbestosis, and asbestos-related lung cancer.

Elevated Asbestos Exposure in Boiler Workers

An independent study on boiler delagging indicated that boiler workers in charge of stripping out all of the lagging had asbestos exposure levels at least 4.5 times higher than the researchers had initially predicted.

The airborne fibers had a concentration level of 1.171 per milliliter of air.

Pleural Plaques and Respiratory Illnesses in Boiler Workers

A study conducted by researchers and scientists at Wayne State University and the University of Michigan showed that boiler workers have high rates of diagnosed pleural plaques, breathing difficulties., and interstitial fibrosis.

The study was conducted on boiler workers who had worked in the trade for at least a decade.

In addition, around 30% of boiler workers in the trade for over 20 years showed advanced pleural abnormalities during imaging scans.

Over half of the workers had loud respiratory sounds when they inhaled. Workers responsible for disposing of boiler room insulation were exposed to extremely high levels of asbestos.

Other Workers Exposed to Asbestos in Boilers

Boiler workers had high risks of exposure to asbestos, but boilers affected other workers, too. Plumbers and pipefitters, for instance, often cut into asbestos-insulated pipes connected to boilers.

Some people did their work in the same area as boiler workers, which put them at risk of exposure. Examples include electricians, engineers, shipyard workers, and ship crew members.

Are Boiler Workers Still at Risk of Asbestos Exposure?

A 2005 survey noted that over 160,000 machines currently being used at boiler companies were made more than 30 years ago when asbestos was used heavily to create them.

This means that even today, boiler workers are at risk of asbestos exposure, especially if their employers fail to train them properly on asbestos and fail to provide the necessary safety gear.

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) regulates asbestos exposure in the workplace. OSHA requirements for employers include things like properly labeling asbestos with warnings and providing workers with safety training and protective gear.

Asbestos Lawsuits Involving Boiler Workers

Some boiler workers who got sick years after working with asbestos filed lawsuits against companies that manufactured boilers and their asbestos components. These are a few examples of asbestos lawsuits involving boiler workers:

• Frank Gondar worked with asbestos boilers from several companies, including Burnham. He developed mesothelioma years later and sued the boiler companies. He received a jury award of $22 million.

• The son of a deceased pipefitter who worked with and around boilers and handled asbestos gaskets received a jury award of $8.45 million for wrongful death. His father began the lawsuit but died from asbestos illnesses before it concluded.

• Former boiler operator William Pfeifer received a settlement after suing John Crane, Inc. The company made many of the asbestos products he worked with during his career. Pfeifer received a diagnosis of mesothelioma in 2009.

If You Were Exposed to Asbestos Working with Boilers

Boiler workers should always seek medical help and undergo routine monitoring as soon as possible. Tell your doctor if you were exposed to asbestos in the past. This can lead to an earlier diagnosis and better outcome.

It’s also important to talk to an experienced mesothelioma lawyer. They can review your work history and explain your options for seeking compensation.

Depending on the companies involved in exposing you to asbestos, you could be eligible for claims with asbestos trust funds. A lawsuit may be another option to recover damages.

Additional Help and Resources for Boiler Workers

If you’ve been injured by asbestos, keep in mind that there is a good chance that you’ll qualify for considerable compensation. Remember to fill out our form to get your free Financial Compensation Packet, with information on asbestos and mesothelioma lawyers in your area. If you have questions or need additional assistance, contact us at 800-793-4540.