Asbestos Valves, Valve Stem Packing and Valve Rings
Asbestos, a toxic mineral initially praised for its ability to withstand heat and fire, was used prevalently during the 20th century in a variety of products, including valves, valve stem packing and valve rings. Though asbestos was banned in 1977 by the Consumer Product Safety Commission due to serious health and safety concerns, the mineral can still be found in various products today.
Valves
Valves are devices commonly used in industrial machinery and mechanical systems to regulate the flow of gases, liquids and other fluids through passageways. By opening and closing a valve, the flow of fluids can be controlled and modified in various ways for commercial, residential, transportation and military purposes.
Valves are commonly used in the following industries:
- Chemical plants (waste processing, slurry processing, etc.)
- Mining operations
- Oil and gas (refining, processing, etc.)
- Power plant generators
- Residential plumbing
- Ships (war ships, Navy ships, submarines, etc.)
- Turbines
- Vehicle engines
- Water supply (desalination, ground water management, water treatment plants, etc.)
Unfortunately the manufacturers of valves made prior to the 1980s often used asbestos fibers to insulate valve rings, valve stem packing, valve gaskets and other components of valves that were exposed to extreme temperatures.
Valve Stem Packing
Valve stem packing is commonly used to seal a valve and prevent leaking. Valve stem packing can be found nearly everywhere valves are present and in both commercial and residential properties. Around the stems of the valves, asbestos was commonly used to aid in the insulation of the valves and inhibit the transference of heat in boilers, ducts and other equipment.
Valve Rings
The use of asbestos in valve rings was implemented due to the mineral's strong resistance to heat. Commonly used in the automotive industry, asbestos valve rings were used in nearly every car to aid in the transportation of gases and fluids. This placed those building or repairing automobiles at an increased risk of asbestos exposure.
Hazards of Valves, Valve Stem Packing and Valve Rings
Over time, the insulation lining of valves made with asbestos can deteriorate from extreme pressures, corrosion, excessive handling, vibrations and normal wear and tear. The deterioration of asbestos lining can cause microscopic asbestos fibers to become airborne, where they can then be inhaled by workers and other individuals nearby.
Valve stem packing made with asbestos also presented a hazard when asbestos particles were released into the air. This frequently occurred aboard navy vessels and on shipyards, as valves and valve stem packing were commonly used aboard many ships.
Asbestos fibers may have also entered the air when valves, valve rings or valve stem packing was disturbed. During battle or even during the maintenance and repair of ships, cars, homes or buildings, valves, valve rings and valve stem packing could release toxic asbestos fibers into the air where anyone around the products could inhale or ingest the tiny particles.
Asbestos Valve Stem Packing and Mesothelioma
Once asbestos fibers are released into the air, if they are inhaled or ingested into the body, the fibers can become lodged can cause irritation and inflammation to occur. Overtime, serious health conditions may develop, including mesothelioma.
While those who worked in the construction and shipbuilding industries were often exposed to asbestos, it was not uncommon for asbestos fibers to enter the homes of these workers on their clothing or in their hair. Once in the home, family members and loved ones may inhale or ingest the fibers, putting them at risk of developing serious health issues.
Additionally, machinists who installed, repaired and maintained valves on ships and other machinery during World War II, the Korean War and the Vietnam War may be at a particularly high risk of asbestos exposure.
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© 2012 The Mesothelioma Center |
Last Modified Tuesday, December 20th, 2011 | Disclaimer | Privacy Policy |
The information provided by The Mesothelioma Center is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.
Sponsored by a law firm concentrating in asbestos litigation, The Peterson Firm, LLP with offices at 1350 Connecticut Ave, NW, Fifth Floor, Washington DC 20036.
