Overview
Steamfitters — specialists who install and maintain high-pressure steam heating systems — faced among the highest asbestos exposure levels in the construction trades. Steam systems require extensive insulation to contain heat and prevent burns, and asbestos was the insulation material of choice for decades.
Steamfitters, along with insulators and pipefitters, consistently rank among the occupations with the highest mesothelioma rates due to constant exposure to asbestos-containing pipe insulation.
Asbestos in Steam Systems
| Component | Asbestos Content | Exposure Level |
|---|---|---|
| Pipe insulation | 15–50% | Extreme |
| Valve packing | 80–100% | Very High |
| Steam trap insulation | 15–35% | Very High |
| Flange gaskets | 60–90% | High |
| Expansion joints | 15–40% | High |
| Pump packing | 80–100% | High |
How Steamfitters Were Exposed
Pipe Repair Work
Steamfitters routinely accessed insulated pipes for repairs:
- Cutting through pipe insulation to reach connections
- Stripping insulation from valve bodies
- Working in clouds of asbestos dust from deteriorating insulation
- Repairing pipes in confined mechanical spaces
New Installation
During new construction, steamfitters:
- Installed piping that would be insulated with asbestos
- Worked in areas where spray insulation was being applied
- Handled pre-insulated fittings and components
Industries with Steam Systems
Steamfitters worked wherever high-pressure steam was used:
- Power plants: Steam generation systems
- Oil refineries: Process heating
- Large buildings: Steam heating systems
- Shipyards: Marine propulsion
- Industrial facilities: Manufacturing processes
Related Occupations
Steamfitters worked closely with:
- Pipefitters — General piping
- Insulators — Insulation application
- Boilermakers — Steam generation
- Plumbers — Building systems
- Operating engineers — System operation
Health Consequences
Steamfitters are at elevated risk for:
- Mesothelioma: Cancer of the chest or abdominal lining
- Asbestosis: Severe lung scarring
- Lung cancer: Risk multiplied by exposure
- Pleural disease: Thickening of lung lining
Mesothelioma typically develops 20–50 years after exposure. Steamfitters who worked in the 1960s–1980s are in the peak period for diagnosis.
Legal Options
Steamfitters diagnosed with mesothelioma may pursue:
Asbestos Trust Funds
Insulation and gasket manufacturers have established trusts:
- Johns-Manville Trust
- Garlock Sealing Technologies Trust
- John Crane Trust
Additional Claims
- Product liability lawsuits: Against responsible manufacturers
- Premises liability: Against 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.