Refinery Worker Mesothelioma & Asbestos Exposure Attorneys

Working in an oil refinery carries a plethora of health concerns, from asbestos insulation found around equipment used for boiling petroleum to protective clothing such as gloves made with asbestos-containing materials. Asbestos is also commonly found in gaskets, sealants, and insulation used throughout refineries, and it can cause mesothelioma, a serious form of cancer. Refinery workers could be exposed to dangerous levels of asbestos through inhalation or contact with skin, putting them at risk of contracting mesothelioma or other illnesses related to long-term exposure.

If you are a petrochemical refinery worker who developed mesothelioma after asbestos exposure, you deserve justice. Discuss your legal options with our experienced attorneys by calling (855) 744-1922 or contacting us online today.

How Are Petrochemical Refinery Workers Exposed to Asbestos?

Before the changes made to federal law, asbestos was widely used in refineries because of its ability to resist extreme temperatures and chemical corrosion, which could potentially cause hazardous fires or explosions due to the highly combustible nature of petroleum. Occupations that put workers in contact with asbestos include millwrights and welders, pipefitters, boilermakers, electricians, and engineers. All these positions involve a significant amount of risk for occupational asbestos exposure given the presence of asbestos in machinery parts, building materials, and even safety equipment. 

Oil refinery workers are responsible for a variety of duties, including operating and controlling refining or processing units, maintaining and repairing complex machinery, and regulating the flow of oil into pipelines. Their jobs often involved working with asbestos-containing materials, such as insulation, which could lead to dangerous exposure when cut or sanded. These tasks tended to release airborne asbestos fibers that lingered in the air and could be easily inhaled by workers. When these microscopic particles entered the body, they had the potential to cause irreversible damage to the lungs and other parts of the respiratory system. 

Asbestos Products Associated with Petrochemical Refineries

Oil refineries were rife with asbestos prior to the 1970s, particularly in machinery and equipment components, building materials, and safety gear. Asbestos insulation was used to shield against potential fires due to the highly flammable nature of the contents of many refinery vessels. Unfortunately, this hazardous material was utilized without full knowledge of its dangerous properties: It was not until much later that individuals began connecting asbestos exposure with deadly illnesses such as mesothelioma and lung cancer. Workers in these environments were likely exposed to microscopic asbestos fibers through inhalation, ingestion, and contact with skin, unknowingly placing themselves at risk of developing serious medical conditions in the future.

Asbestos-containing products that likely put petrochemical refinery workers at risk include:

• Building materials (including ceilings, flooring, paneling, piping, pumps, putties, and walls)
• Insulation (including boilers, cracking units, distillation towers, dryers, furnaces, heat exchangers, ovens, pumps, reactors, and valves)
• Protective gear (including aprons, face shields, gloves, masks, shoe covers, and suits)
• Refinery equipment (including gaskets, sealants, and sheets)