Asbestos Cement Pipe Causes Mesothelioma
Asbestos cement pipe was a product commonly used in the construction industry between approximately the 1950s and the early 1990s. It was used primarily for water, sewer and irrigation systems. Use of asbestos in the manufacture of cement pipes was stopped after a link between the exposure to the asbestos and development of mesothelioma was clearly established.
Before, the pipes consisted of asbestos fiber, cement and silica. The pipe had a cementitious texture and was gray in color. It was manufactured in various widths, ranging from 3 to 18 inches, and usually came in 10’ – 13’ lengths.
During installation, the pipe was typically cut with a power saw using a carborundum blade, and then beveled on each end. Sections of the pipe were joined together with a coupling (often made out of asbestos-cement pipe) or a gasket. The cutting of asbestos-cement pipe caused the release of hazardous levels of respirable asbestos fiber and dust from the pipe into the breathing zone of the worker.
Asbestos-cement pipe was manufactured by various companies including Johns-Manville (“JM”), Certainteed, Capco, Flintkote, Keasbey & Mattison, Kubota, and Eternit. Typically, asbestos-cement pipe was generally referred to as “Transite” pipe in the trades. However, “Transite” was the specific brand name of asbestos-cement pipe manufactured by JM. JM also manufactured corrugated asbestos-cement board which was manufactured in 4’ x 8’ sheets. It was known as Transite board. This product was commonly used to insulate and fireproof walls in power plants and other industrial facilities.
If you have any known history of working with or around cement pipes, please contact our mesothelioma attorneys. Clapper, Patti, Schweizer and Mason specialize in handling only asbestos lawsuits, and therefore are experts in helping clients through the legal process as well as linking them with medical resources.
