Overview
Boilermakers — skilled workers who build, install, and repair boilers, tanks, and large vessels — faced some of the most intense asbestos exposure of any trade. Working inside boilers surrounded by asbestos insulation, and in confined spaces aboard ships and in power plants, boilermakers inhaled dangerous concentrations of asbestos fibers.
Boilermakers often worked inside boilers and pressure vessels during construction and repair. These enclosed spaces trapped asbestos fibers, creating extremely high concentrations that workers breathed for hours or days at a time.
Asbestos in Boiler Systems
| Component | Asbestos Content | Exposure Level |
|---|---|---|
| Boiler insulation | 15–50% | Extreme |
| Refractory cement | 10–40% | Extreme |
| Door gaskets | 60–90% | Very High |
| Tube sheet packing | 80–100% | Very High |
| Baffles and shields | 15–35% | High |
| External lagging | 15–50% | High |
How Boilermakers Were Exposed
Interior Boiler Work
The most hazardous work occurred inside boilers:
- Inspecting and repairing tube sheets
- Replacing refractory brick and cement
- Welding patches and repairs
- Cleaning accumulated scale and debris
Workers entered through small manholes and worked surrounded by asbestos-containing materials.
Shipboard Boiler Work
Boilermakers working in shipyards and aboard naval vessels faced particularly intense exposure. Ship boiler rooms were cramped, poorly ventilated, and packed with asbestos-insulated equipment.
Industries Employing Boilermakers
- Power plants: Steam generating boilers
- Shipyards: Marine boiler construction and repair
- Oil refineries: Process heaters and boilers
- Steel mills: Blast furnace systems
- Chemical plants: Process vessels
Related Occupations
These trades worked closely with boilermakers:
- Insulators — Applied boiler insulation
- Pipefitters — Connected boiler piping
- Steamfitters — Steam distribution systems
- Welders — Boiler fabrication and repair
- Ironworkers — Structural boiler supports
Navy Boilermakers
Naval boilermakers, known as “Boiler Technicians” or “BTs,” faced extreme exposure aboard ships:
Navy boiler technicians who served before the 1980s were exposed to asbestos throughout their service. Veterans may qualify for VA disability benefits in addition to other compensation.
Health Consequences
Boilermakers are at elevated risk for:
- Mesothelioma: Cancer of the chest or abdominal lining
- Asbestosis: Severe lung scarring
- Lung cancer: Risk multiplied by asbestos exposure
- Pleural thickening: Reduced lung capacity
Legal Options
Boilermakers diagnosed with mesothelioma may pursue:
Asbestos Trust Funds
Major manufacturers have established trusts:
- Johns-Manville Trust
- Babcock & Wilcox Trust
- Combustion Engineering Trust
- Foster Wheeler Trust
Additional Claims
- Product liability lawsuits: Against responsible manufacturers
- Premises liability: Against plant owners
- VA benefits: For veterans
- Workers’ compensation: Through employer coverage
An experienced attorney can help identify all potential sources of compensation based on your specific work history and product exposure.