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Boilermakers and Pleural Mesothelioma

Because of their exposure to asbestos on the job, boilermakers are one of the at-risk occupations for pleural mesothelioma. Pleural mesothelioma is a rare cancer caused by asbestos exposure. Since boilermakers maintain, install and repair boilers or other large vessels that hold either liquids or gasses, they have come in close contact with a number of asbestos-contaminated materials.

Boilermakers and Asbestos Exposure

A boilermaker’s job can be classified as difficult and dangerous, as they have to work with hazardous acetylene torches and other tools. Many boilermakers have developed pleural mesothelioma as a result of their working environment being contaminated with asbestos, and a number of them were exposed on Navy ships and shipyards.

Since boilers produce high heat temperatures, asbestos insulation was often used to protect the boilers from fire. Many boilers are still contaminated with asbestos materials, which can be found in the insulation for both the boiler and the pipes around it. During the repair or maintenance of a boiler a boilermaker can disturb the asbestos materials, releasing asbestos dust into the environment. If a boilermaker or bystander inhales the toxic asbestos dust, they, through repeated exposure, may eventually develop pleural mesothelioma.

Other materials used by boilermakers also pose a risk of asbestos exposure, such as sealants used to patch boilers and pipes, asbestos cloth and asbestos tape used to prevent leakage of gas or liquid from boiler pipes. And the gasket used on the boiler, which serves to protect the inside of the boiler from extreme heat, contained asbestos as well.

For decades asbestos was the No. 1 material to produce gaskets for boilers and other heating units. During installation, boilermakers typically cut or manipulated the asbestos gasket so it would fit the boiler properly. As the asbestos material was cut or manipulated by the boilermaker, asbestos fibers were released into the area where they could be inhaled or ingested.

Today, most boilermakers are still at risk of asbestos exposure because boilers can last decades, thus, many boilers made and insulated with asbestos are still in use today. These boilers present a danger for the person who repairs, maintains or disassembles the boiler.

Boilermakers who have been exposed to asbestos should inform their doctor to receive regular checkups for signs of asbestos disease. Those who have been diagnosed with pleural mesothelioma have a number of resources available to them for treatment and receiving compensation to help pay for treatment. For additional information, please fill out the request form on this page to receive a complimentary information packet in the mail.