
Insulators and Asbestos Exposure
Occupational Asbestos Exposure for Insulators
For most of the 20th century, nearly all insulation products contained asbestos due to its heat-resistant and fireproofing qualities. This put insulators at an especially high risk of exposure to asbestos and later developing asbestos-related diseases, like mesothelioma.
At SWMW Law, our award-winning trial team has fought on behalf of countless steelworkers diagnosed with life-altering illnesses resulting from asbestos exposure on the job. If you or a loved one worked in the steel industry and was later diagnosed with mesothelioma or another asbestos-related disease, we want to help.
SWMW Law proudly serves construction workers, building trades workers, and families across the country. Call (855) 744-1922 or contact us online for a FREE consultation.
How Insulators Were Exposed to Asbestos
Insulators were tasked with measuring, cutting, installing, sealing, and replacing insulation across a vast range of industries and in many types of jobsites. Just a few examples include industrial manufacturing facilities, steel mills, refineries, chemical plants, powerhouses, US Naval ships and maritime vessels, government and municipal buildings, construction and building sites, and even residential buildings. Until the 1970’s, nearly all insulation products contained asbestos because it was an effective way to provide heatproofing and fireproofing, but all the while putting countless insulators at risk of exposure.
Any time asbestos insulation was manipulated or disturbed, it risked releasing millions of toxic asbestos fibers into the air. Cutting was especially disruptive to the material, and asbestos insulation usually needed to be cut to size to fit pipes, boilers, turbines, furnaces, pumps, or valves before being sealed with asbestos gaskets and packing.
Whether thermal pipe, block, cement, spray-on, loose-fill, foam, or millboard insulation, asbestos commonly appeared in insulation used in structures constructed in earlier decades. At one time, insulators were called “asbestos workers” because of how closely linked asbestos was to insulation materials.
In addition to all these hazards, insulation was often installed in small, enclosed, poorly ventilated spaces like boiler rooms, below deck in naval ships, and even in confined residential spaces. Without proper ventilation or protective garments, insulators who worked in these tight spaces were at an even higher risk for inhaling higher quantities of asbestos.
Tragically, most insulators were never made aware of the dangers of asbestos or the long-term health consequences of exposure. Many spent their entire careers performing work in, and around, buildings that put their health and livelihoods at risk.
Sources of Asbestos Exposure for Insulators
Insulators faced risk of asbestos exposure through a variety of asbestos-containing products and materials. A partial list of asbestos-containing products reveals how widespread asbestos use and exposure has been for insulators.
Insulation
- Thermal Pipe
- Thermal Block
- Insulating and Refractory Cement
- Spray-on
- Loose-fill
- Foam
- Millboard
Mechanical Products and Equipment
- Boilers
- Compressors
- Furnaces
- Tanks
- Vessels
- Turbines
- Pumps
- Valves
- Gaskets
- Packing
- Firebrick
- Steam Pipes
- Chemical Pipes
At highest risk for first-hand asbestos exposure are those who worked directly with or alongside asbestos-containing materials; however, we know today that there is no safe amount of asbestos exposure. Even the smallest amount of exposure increases the chances of developing asbestos-related diseases.
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How Asbestos Exposure Can Cause Mesothelioma in Insulators
Asbestos exposure is considered the primary cause of mesothelioma in insulators. Mesothelioma is an aggressive and deadly form of cancer that affects the lining around the lungs, abdomen, or other parts of the body. Insulators are particularly at risk due to their working with asbestos-containing materials on a regular basis.
Asbestos fibers become airborne when disturbed and can easily be inhaled into the body, leading to long-term health issues such as mesothelioma. When asbestos fibers are ingested, the particles become embedded in the linings of the lungs and other surrounding organs. Over time, these fibers can cause extensive scarring, inflammation, and tissue damage.
Unfortunately, it can take multiple decades for symptoms of mesothelioma and other diseases linked to asbestos to present themselves after the initial exposure has occurred, making it difficult to detect and diagnose early.
The prognosis for mesothelioma patients is generally poor. There is no cure, but surgery and other treatments can be used to alleviate symptoms and improve quality of life, especially if it is caught at the earlier stages. Therefore, it is important for insulators who are aware of past exposure to get frequent medical screenings to check for signs of mesothelioma and other illnesses.


Compensation and Justice for Insulators Exposed to Asbestos
Companies have known about the dangers and toxicity of asbestos since the 1930s, and yet they continued to manufacture and distribute hazardous asbestos-containing products, or they failed to appropriately notify people of the risks.
Holding asbestos companies and their insurers responsible for their negligence and harm can be accomplished with the advocacy of responsible, experienced, and dedicated asbestos lawyers like those with SWMW Law.
If you or a loved one were diagnosed with mesothelioma, lung cancer, or another asbestos-related disease after working as a steelworker, you may have options to seek compensation for:
- Past and future medical expenses
- Lost income and future earnings
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional injuries suffered by loved ones
- Other economic and non-economic losses
At SWMW Law, our legal team has extensive experience representing insulators in legal actions that seek compensation for occupational asbestos exposure. This includes claims seeking compensation from asbestos bankruptcy trusts established by companies that reorganized or went out of business, as well as civil lawsuits against solvent companies that used asbestos and negligently endangered workers.
Because every case is different, the best way to evaluate your available options and the potential value of your case is to have it reviewed personally by an attorney from our firm.
Learn more about your rights and legal options.
Call For a FREE Consultation: (855) 744-1922
SWMW Law is a nationally recognized plaintiffs firm known for litigating mesothelioma and asbestos exposure cases on behalf of victims nationwide. Comprised of award-winning attorneys, we have extensive experience representing victims who were diagnosed with devastating health conditions after working in at-risk occupations, like steelworkers, and have recovered over $750 million in compensation for our clients.
If you have questions about your legal options and how we may be able to help you pursue a claim for compensation, call (855) 744-1922 or contact us online.


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