The job of a metalworker often involves intense fire and heat, which led to a heavy reliance on asbestos and its heat-resistant properties. Metalworkers have suffered higher rates of mesothelioma and asbestos-related lung disease as a result of occupational exposure.
Written by Sean Marchese, MS, RN | Scientifically Reviewed by Arti Shukla, Ph.D. | Edited by Walter Pacheco | Last Update:
Asbestos-Related Disease Risk:
High
States with Highest Employment:
California, Florida, Louisiana, Michigan, New York, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Texas
Metalworkers in the U.S. military and private sector experienced significant asbestos exposure, putting them at risk of mesothelioma and other asbestos-related diseases. Even their protective heat-resistant gear, including the gloves and aprons metalworkers wore to shield themselves from heat and flame, often contained asbestos.
Asbestos-lined boilers, furnaces, pipes and tanks released toxic fibers into the air when metalworkers disturbed them in the course of their jobs. The spaces they worked in around these asbestos fibers were often poorly ventilated. As a result, metalworkers have historically had high rates of mesothelioma.
This occupational exposure affected the following metalworkers: blacksmiths, forge men, foundry workers, iron workers, metal lathers, sheet metalworkers, smelters, steel mill workers, structural metal craftsmen, tinsmiths and welders. Workers’ families also faced secondary exposure when asbestos fibers were accidentally brought home on work clothes, skin and hair.
Metalworkers maintained, manufactured, used and worked around many products made with asbestos. The mineral was considered ideal for use in metalwork for its resistance to high temperatures.
Common Asbestos Products Metalworkers Encountered
Each time these products were moved, replaced or damaged, asbestos fibers could be released. These microscopic fibers are invisible to the naked eye and can linger in the air, posing health risks long after welding work is completed.
Construction, textile and other manufacturers produced asbestos-containing safety gear and materials used in steel mill work, welding and other types of metalwork. Many of these companies later became the subject of mesothelioma lawsuits.
After facing mounting litigation, some of these manufacturers declared bankruptcy. As part of their chapter 11 proceedings, they created asbestos trust funds to set aside money for future claims and compensate harmed workers.
Companies Known for Asbestos Products Metalworkers Used
Metalworkers often had no idea the products they used every day as welders, steel mill workers, etc., could harm them. Even small, routine jobs could lead to dangerous exposure over time, with health effects showing up decades later.
Get answers about treatment, top doctors, and clinical trials from the nation’s most trusted mesothelioma resource.
Get Your Free GuideMesothelioma has been linked to asbestos exposure in metalwork, especially when workers were in close contact with insulated surfaces or worn fireproof gear. Several studies have linked various types of metalwork with higher mesothelioma incidence rates.
Two 2024 studies found welding and steel mill work both had high asbestos exposure rates and risk of disease. One study in Journal of Occupational and Environmental Hygiene confirmed steel mill workers performing maintenance and furnace work had significant concentrations of asbestos fibers found in their lungs. Another study in Ultrastructural Pathology reported welding put workers and anyone working nearby at risk.
According to the International Agency for Research on Cancer, welders have a higher incidence of lung-related diseases, including mesothelioma. And a study in the Journal of Exposure Science & Environmental Epidemiology in 2023 found metalworkers had a significantly higher risk of developing mesothelioma.
Metalworkers, including sheet metalworkers, steel mill workers and welders, who have been diagnosed with mesothelioma may be eligible for compensation. Successful asbestos claims can help cover medical treatment, lost income and travel expenses related to care.
Patient Advocates, particularly those who are VA-accredited claims agents, can help guide mesothelioma survivors through filing for VA benefits. They can also help people find the right legal help for them to file asbestos trust fund claims or a lawsuit.
Common Legal and Financial Options
Two ex-welders who utilized asbestos products from Lincoln Electric sued the company in 2007 over asbestos exposure that caused their mesothelioma and lung cancer diagnoses. The jury awarded them more than $6 million in damages.
Legal options vary based on diagnosis, work history and the companies responsible for exposure. Filing a claim doesn’t interfere with your access to medical care. An experienced asbestos attorney can help ensure deadlines are met and compensation is maximized.
Recommended ReadingYour web browser is no longer supported by Microsoft. Update your browser for more security, speed and compatibility.
If you are looking for mesothelioma support, please contact our Patient Advocates at (855) 404-4592
The Mesothelioma Center at Asbestos.com has provided patients and their loved ones the most updated and reliable information on mesothelioma and asbestos exposure since 2006.
Our team of Patient Advocates includes a medical doctor, a registered nurse, health services administrators, veterans, VA-accredited Claims Agents, an oncology patient navigator and hospice care expert. Their combined expertise means we help any mesothelioma patient or loved one through every step of their cancer journey.
More than 30 contributors, including mesothelioma doctors, survivors, health care professionals and other experts, have peer-reviewed our website and written unique research-driven articles to ensure you get the highest-quality medical and health information.
My family has only the highest compliment for the assistance and support that we received from The Mesothelioma Center. This is a staff of compassionate and knowledgeable individuals who respect what your family is experiencing and who go the extra mile to make an unfortunate diagnosis less stressful. Information and assistance were provided by The Mesothelioma Center at no cost to our family.LashawnMesothelioma patient’s daughter
Marchese, S. (2026, February 12). Metalworkers. Asbestos.com. Retrieved April 30, 2026, from https://www.asbestos.com/occupations/metal-workers/
Marchese, Sean. "Metalworkers." Asbestos.com, 12 Feb 2026, https://www.asbestos.com/occupations/metal-workers/.
Marchese, Sean. "Metalworkers." Asbestos.com. Last modified February 12, 2026. https://www.asbestos.com/occupations/metal-workers/.
An occupational scientist or another expert who specializes in occupational hazards reviewed the content on this page to ensure it meets current scientific standards and accuracy.
Arti Shukla, Ph.D., is an internationally renowned asbestos researcher known for her achievements in identifying biomarkers that cause mesothelioma. She is the director of the Shukla Research Lab, as well as a professor of pathology at The University of Vermont Larner College of Medicine.
Our fact-checking process begins with a thorough review of all sources to ensure they are high quality. Then we cross-check the facts with original medical or scientific reports published by those sources, or we validate the facts with reputable news organizations, medical and scientific experts and other health experts. Each page includes all sources for full transparency.
Please read our editorial guidelines to learn more about our content creation and review process.
