Plumbers

Plumbers found employment at a number of facilities including residences, commercial buildings, factories and ships. These workers were responsible for designing, installing and maintaining the pipes and fixtures that made up the plumbing systems for each jobsite. Some plumbers also installed fixtures such as sinks, showers, water heaters and toilets. Plumbers often work with pipefitters on larger scale jobs and industrial projects.

Before the 1980s, a number of materials that plumbers used for their work were made with asbestos such as:

• Valves
• Gaskets
• Joint compounds
• Welding rods
• Pipe cement
• Insulation

Other common household products that were made with asbestos products before the 1980s may also pose health risks to plumbers and other industrial workers.

Plumbers and Asbestos Exposure

Plumbers, pipe fitters and machinists also faced asbestos risks by handling pumps, valves and gaskets. Pumps and valves were installed to pressurize and circulate water and other fluids, while gaskets were used inside of these pumps and valves to prevent leaks. Over time, these components can wear out and may need to be replaced. When plumbers removed or replaced these asbestos-containing items, the fibers were frequently released into the air where they could be easily inhaled by the workers.

Although most plumbing materials are no longer manufactured with asbestos, plumbers may still come into contact with asbestos if they worked in older building. If you have worked or currently work as a plumber, you may benefit from medical screenings for asbestos-related illnesses. The Mesothelioma Center’s Doctor Match Program can help you find a mesothelioma specialist in your area.

Resources for Plumbers

One plumber filed an asbestos lawsuit against Union Carbide for asbestos-related illnesses that he developed after handling the company’s joint compound during his plumbing career. The plumber said that drywall tradesman contaminated his workspace by sanding and sweeping up dust from joint compounds in the area that they shared. If you have been diagnosed with mesothelioma and would like more information about your legal options as well as medical and treatment opportunities, please fill out the form on this page.