Pipefitter
Pipefitters are construction workers responsible for the design, assembly, installation, inspection and maintenance of high-pressure pipe systems, most often in commercial buildings or manufacturing facilities. These pipe systems often transport a variety of substances including water, steam, air, gas, chemicals, and waste. Unfortunately, because some of the materials encountered by pipefitters contain asbestos and they work in close quarters, many have suffered workplace asbestos exposure and the resulting health problems. Asbestos building materials can release fibers and dust into the air when disturbed. When inhaled, an asbestos exposure can lead to a number of health problems. These include asbestosis and the following cancers: mesothelioma, lung, esophageal, gastrointestinal, laryngeal, and pharyngeal.
Additionally, many pipefitters were employed on ships and in shipyards to work on tasks in the engine room where a large amount of asbestos insulation was present.
Pipefitters at High Risk for Asbestos Exposure and Mesothelioma
Pipefitters, who worked from about 1940 to 1980, are at the highest risk for asbestos exposure because, as mentioned above, a variety of the construction materials used during this time period contained asbestos. Asbestos was used so often because of its resistance to electrical and chemical damage and the benefits of sound absorption and tensile strength. Asbestos fibers can be distributed into the air at construction sites when many of these materials are cut, shaved or ground with power tools to fit specific dimension. Workers who did not work directly with these materials are still at risk because the fibers can float through the air for long periods of time.
Call us at (800) 278-8675 to speak with a mesothelioma paralegal
Asbestos-Containing Products Encountered by Pipefitters
• Asbestos paper
• Asbestos insulation
• Gaskets
• Amosite Sheeting
• Laminated asbestos felt
• Joint compound
• Asbestos tape
• Asbestos canvas
• Paints with asbestos
For a more exhaustive list, please check out our asbestos containing products page.
Modern Pipefitters are Still at Risk for Asbestos Exposure
Pipefitters continue to face the risks associated with asbestos exposure. It has been estimated that 1.3 million workers in the construction industry are still exposed to asbestos annually. Pipefitters need to remain aware when replacing, repairing, or demolishing older pipe systems because of the different asbestos-containing products that may be present. Also, although the United States began regulating asbestos in the 1970’s, it has not been banned entirely. Two-thirds of the modern asbestos-containing products are construction materials, although they are typically labeled as such.
Often modern pipefitters are not taught the proper safety procedures or given the required equipment to protect themselves from the dangers of asbestos. A basic precaution is wearing a ventilator or safety mask to avoid inhaling asbestos dust. Pipefitters should also be educated on the identification of asbestos containing products and the proper methods of handling disposal.
Were You Exposed to Asbestos While Working as a Pipefitter? A Mesothelioma Lawyer May be Able to Help
It is recommended that people who have spent a significant period of time working as a pipefitter get a full physical evaluation by a medical doctor. Mesothelioma, a rare and aggressive cancer caused by asbestos exposure, often takes 15-40 years to manifest and the life expectancy of a victim is around a year post-diagnosis. Thus, it is important to catch the disease in its early stages. At-risk workers should pay close attention to any mesothelioma symptoms which include fluid in the lungs, chest pain, coughing, shortness of breath and fatigue.
If you have been diagnosed with mesothelioma and believe you were exposed to asbestos for a long period of time while working as a pipefitter, you may be entitled to a mesothelioma settlement due to asbestos law. To learn more about a potential mesothelioma lawsuit and what a mesothelioma lawyer may be able to do for you, please contact us for a free legal consultation.