Asbestos packing
For centuries, wise individuals touted the amazing qualities of asbestos, particularly its excellent ability to resist heat and fire and to provide insulation or noise reduction. The Industrial Revolution prompted a huge increase in the use of asbestos-containing materials and by the 20th century, the use of asbestos as an insulating material was the norm.
Still available from China and other countries that mine asbestos, asbestos packing was used in various industries and often lined boiler doors, valves, and pumps. However, it’s most widespread use may have been aboard the ships built by the U.S. Navy, particularly during the years of World War II and the Korean Conflict. Asbestos packing is just one of the reasons why Navy veterans and former civilian shipyard employees have suffered from such a high rate of asbestos-related diseases, such as asbestosis and mesothelioma. Other industries where asbestos packing was probably used included power plants, refineries, steel mills, paper mills, and other similar businesses.
Asbestos packing was not a hazard as long as it was intact. However, in order to fit certain applications, it was usually cut, sawed, grinded, sanded, or otherwise manipulated. Damaged asbestos packing caused asbestos dust and fibers to be released, which could be inhaled by those working in the area. This was especially dangerous on ships, where quarters are tight and inhalation of the dust was more likely to occur.
Evidence shows that many individuals knew about the dangers of asbestos packing and other similar materials long before that information was made public. However, workers in various industries were allowed to keep working with the material despite its dangers, and because they were unprotected, many have now developed asbestos-related diseases, like asbestosis and mesothelioma. In addition, family members of shipyard workers and others who were exposed to asbestos packing and similar materials have been sickened as well because their loved ones brought dangerous asbestos dust home on their clothing and hair.
Today, individuals who are employed in jobs that might cause them to encounter asbestos packing – including boilermakers, pipefitters, and steamfitters – need to be especially diligent when working on an old ship or other structure that might contain the material. Protective gear should always be worn.
But for many, it’s too late. If you or someone you know worked with asbestos packing and has developed an asbestos-related disease, the news is not good. Mesothelioma, for example, is a very aggressive disease that is usually diagnosed in its late stages, throwing one’s life into a tailspin and usually causing debilitating symptoms and a quick death.
If you’ve been diagnosed with malignant mesothelioma due to exposure to asbestos packing or similar materials, you may have a right to compensation for your injuries. To determine your legal rights, fill out our information request form to learn more about the disease and its ramifications.
