Insulators and Asbestos Exposure

For most of the 20^th 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.