Asbestos and Insulation Workers

Insulation workers once handled materials full of asbestos. Insulation manufacturers used asbestos for decades, putting workers at risk of exposure and for illnesses like mesothelioma and lung cancer. Current workers may still face risks when working in older buildings with outdated asbestos insulation.

If you or a loved one have been diagnosed with mesothelioma, asbestosis, or asbestos-related lung cancer, you may be eligible for substantial compensation. There is currently over $30 billion in asbestos trust funds set up for victims of asbestos-related diseases. We invite you to fill out our form today for a free Financial Compensation Packet, filled with information about experienced mesothelioma lawyers in your area, how to get paid in 90 days, how to file an asbestos trust fund claim, and much more. 

Asbestos Insulation Locations

In both residential homes and commercial buildings, asbestos-containing insulation is most commonly found in:

• Pipes: Pipes and pipe coverings were once made with asbestos in order to prevent the temperatures of hot pipes becoming too high. Most of the pipes built with asbestos still remain today, and still remain a threat to people.
• Attics: Zonolite insulation was once used heavily in the majority of homes and buildings built prior to the 1980s.
• Walls: Asbestos-containing insulation was built into walls so that the temperatures inside could be more easily regulated.

How Insulation Workers Are Exposed to Asbestos

Insulation workers install, replace, and repair insulation materials, many of which contain asbestos. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, insulators typically work indoors and in confined spaces where insulation materials, including asbestos, getting in the eyes, lungs, and hair.

Insulation workers who work around asbestos-containing insulation today have a bigger risk than in the past in that the asbestos is old and crumbles easily. Asbestos fibers can easily become airborne and permeate throughout the facility.

Fortunately, state and national laws indicate that everyone who works around asbestos must have the proper safety gear, including a HEPA-filtered respirator that thoroughly covers the mouth and nose.

If you’re currently an insulation worker and you are not provided the proper gear, contact your employer immediately.

In addition, your employer must always tell you when you’ll be working around asbestos and the exact location of the materials.

Failure to provide proper protection to workers and inform them if they’ll come into contact with asbestos while at work is against state and federal laws.

Asbestos Insulation Manufacturers

Numerous manufacturers were responsible for supplying asbestos-containing insulation to companies throughout the nation. Soe of the most notable manufacturers of past asbestos insulation are:

• Certainteed Corporation
• EaglePicher
• National Gypsum Company
• C. E. Thurston & Sons
• A C & S
• A. P. Green Industries
• Kaiser Aluminum
• Combustion Engineering
• Johns Manville
• Owens Corning
• W.R. Grace
• Celotex
• Rock Wool Manufacturing
• Ehret Magnesia
• Armstrong World Industries

Many asbestos manufacturers knew of the dangers asbestos posed to people, but decided to keep the information well-hidden to make a profit.

In turn, numerous manufacturers have faced and continue to face mesothelioma lawsuits.

Studies on Asbestos and Insulation Workers

In a study published by the U.S. National Institutes of Health (NIH), researchers and scientists found that 2,270 asbestos-related deaths occurred among 17,800 insulation workers in the U.S. and Canada.

The study was conducted from 1967 to 1976, and scientists and researchers observed that the dormancy period for the workers’ diseases ranged anywhere from two to four decades.

The most common diseases among the asbestos workers were pleural and peritoneal mesothelioma.

In another study, published in the British Journal of Industrial Medicine, over 140 insulation workers who worked in Belfast during 1940 were studied for incidents of asbestos-related diseases.

The results state the men, who were between the ages of 16 and 66, died at an alarming rate due to asbestos illnesses.

Talk to an asbestos law firm right away if you worked with insulation in the past and now have an asbestos illness. They can help you take legal action and seek compensation.

Additional Help and Resources for Insulation Workers

If you’ve been injured by mesothelioma, asbestosis, or asbestos-related cancer, keep in mind that there is a good chance that you’ll qualify for considerable compensation. Don’t forget to fill out our form to get our free Financial Compensation Packet, filled with information on the experienced asbestos and mesothelioma attorneys in your area.