Overview
Electricians faced asbestos exposure through multiple pathways: asbestos-containing electrical products they installed, and proximity to asbestos materials in the buildings, ships, and industrial facilities where they worked. While exposure levels were often lower than for insulators, electricians still face elevated mesothelioma risk.
Asbestos in Electrical Products
| Product | Asbestos Purpose | Exposure Level |
|---|---|---|
| Electrical panels | Arc shields, insulation | High |
| Wire insulation | Heat resistance | Moderate |
| Electrical tape | Wire wrapping | Moderate |
| Fuse boxes | Fire protection | Moderate |
| Circuit breakers | Arc suppression | Moderate |
| Wiring ducts | Fireproofing | Low-Moderate |
How Electricians Were Exposed
Building Work
Electricians routinely worked in close proximity to asbestos materials:
- Drilling through asbestos drywall and fireproofing
- Fishing wires through spaces packed with asbestos insulation
- Working above asbestos-containing ceiling tiles
- Installing panels in boiler rooms and mechanical spaces
Industrial and Shipyard Work
Electricians in shipyards, power plants, and refineries faced higher exposure from pervasive asbestos insulation in these facilities.
Electricians often worked alongside other trades. When insulators or pipefitters disturbed asbestos materials nearby, electricians inhaled the released fibers.
Work Environments with High Exposure
- Power plants — Extensive asbestos insulation
- Shipyards — Ship electrical systems
- Oil refineries — Process area wiring
- Commercial buildings — HVAC and mechanical rooms
- Industrial facilities — Factory and plant wiring
Related Occupations
Electricians often worked alongside:
- Maintenance workers — Building systems
- Pipefitters — Mechanical systems
- Sheet metal workers — HVAC systems
- Carpenters — Building construction
- Plumbers — Building systems
Health Risks
Electricians with asbestos exposure history are at risk for:
- Mesothelioma — Cancer of the lung or abdominal lining
- Asbestosis — Lung scarring causing breathing difficulty
- Lung cancer — Especially combined with smoking
- Pleural plaques — Scarring on lung lining
Mesothelioma typically develops 20–50 years after exposure. Electricians who worked before the 1980s should inform their doctors of potential asbestos exposure.
Legal Options
Electricians diagnosed with mesothelioma may pursue compensation:
Asbestos Trust Funds
Manufacturers of electrical products containing asbestos:
- Johns-Manville Trust
- Various electrical equipment manufacturer trusts
Additional Claims
- Product liability lawsuits — Against manufacturers
- Premises liability — Against building/facility owners
- VA benefits — For military service exposure
- 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.