Steamfitters and pipefitters/utilitiesmen

Between the 1940s - 1980s steamfitters, pipefitters and plumbers worked frequently with asbestos products and were considered to be a high-risk group for contracting an asbestos-related illness after extended exposure. The products that steamfitters, pipefitters, and plumbers worked with had to be cut or sanded down to meet size specifications for the projects they were handed.

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By cutting for fitting, a great deal of dust was generated, meaning that the workers were at risk of inhaling the dangerous dust containing the asbestos fibers.

In these men and women, asbestos-related cancer could have taken 10 years or more to manifest itself after the initial exposure whereas mesothelioma and asbestosis could take up to 30 or 40 years to begin showing signs and symptoms of the disease.

The equivalent of pipefitters, steamfitters, and plumbers in the military was the rating of utilitiesman. As a military occupation with a high risk of asbestos exposure, utilitiesmen were in charge of installing, maintaining, and repairing plumbing, heating systems, water treatment, refrigeration equipment, and fuel storage. Therefore, exposure to asbestos was tremendous, since this kind of equipment would contain large amounts of the toxic mineral. By disturbing it, asbestos fibers would become airborne and utilitiesmen would subsequently inhale and ingest them, which now places this military occupation among the most dangerous in this respect.

Civilian plumbers were sometimes sent to U.S. Air Force bases and U.S. Army bases to perform plumbing and pipefittings jobs and consequently were exposed to asbestos.

Relevant job titles

  • pipefitter
  • apprentice fitter
  • pipefitter's helper
  • pipe assembler
  • pipe coverer
  • steamfitter
  • plumber
  • maintenance plumber
  • utilitiseman
  • refrigeration repairman

Asbestos secondary exposure?

People exposed through spouse, husband, parent, relative should find more...

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Asbestos-related cancer eligible for filing a claim

If you developed one of the following cancers as a result of occupational exposure, you are eligible for compensation. If you are too ill, a family member can help you with the legal process. In the unfortunate event that you pass away before recovering compensation, your surviving family members will receive compensation on your behalf.

Lung Cancer Mesothelioma Throat Cancer Esophageal Cancer Bronchial Cancer Gastrointestinal Cancer Colorectal Cancer

If, however, you struggle with non-cancerous pleural diseases such as asbestosis, pulmonary fibrosis, pleural plaques, pleural effusion, diffuse pleural thickening, COPD (emphysema & chronic bronchitis), pleurisy, lung nodules, lung spots, asthma, pneumonitis, tuberculosis, rounded atelectasis or lung scarring, please seek a second or even a third opinion as the rate of misdiagnosis is very high among the victims of asbestos exposure.

We also Represent U.S. Veterans Exposed to Asbestos while Serving their Country 

Asbestos Exposure & Veterans

Our Attorneys also Provide Legal Representation to Labor Union Members

Legal Assistance for Union Members

How can we help steamfitters, pipefitters, and plumbers/utilitiesmen who were exposed to asbestos?

During your period working in this industry, you most likely have been exposed to asbestos. Contact us to get comprehensive information regarding your medical options because an early diagnosis can help you get treated sooner.

And if you as a plumber, pipefitter or steamfitter have been a victim to asbestos exposure, let us help you get the compensation you rightfully deserve as we will prepare and submit the required legal documents to file claims with the asbestos trust funds. If you had one of these occupations in the military, we will also seek compensation from the VA, in addition to the money you will receive from asbestos trust funds.