Oil Refineries Industry & Asbestos Exposure

Refinery workers encountered asbestos throughout their shifts. Pipes, tanks, gaskets, heat shields—the entire facility was insulated with materials now known to cause cancer.

150,000+ workers affected Peak exposure: 1950-1980

Asbestos Exposure Sources

Workers in the oil refineries industry encountered asbestos through:

  • Pipe insulation
  • Tank insulation
  • Gaskets and packing
  • Heat shields
  • Fireproofing

Common Asbestos Products

Products commonly used in this industry that contained asbestos:

Johns-Manville insulationOwens-Corning productsGarlock gaskets

Affected Occupations

Workers in these job roles within the oil refineries industry faced the highest exposure:

Boilermakers Insulators Maintenance workers Pipefitters Refinery workers

Health Risks

Workers exposed to asbestos in the oil refineries industry are at increased risk for:

  • Mesothelioma — Aggressive cancer of the lung, abdominal, or heart lining
  • Lung cancer — Risk increases significantly, especially with smoking
  • Asbestosis — Progressive scarring of lung tissue
  • Pleural disease — Thickening or calcification of the lung lining

Symptoms typically appear 20 to 50 years after initial exposure, meaning workers from the peak exposure era are being diagnosed today.

Legal Options for Oil Refineries Workers

If you worked in the oil refineries industry and have been diagnosed with mesothelioma or another asbestos-related disease, you may be entitled to compensation:

  • Asbestos trust funds — Many manufacturers established trusts to compensate victims
  • Personal injury lawsuits — Claims against responsible companies
  • Workers' compensation — Available in some states for occupational exposure
  • VA benefits — For veterans with military-related exposure
Explore asbestos trust funds →