Boiler Engineer Develops Mesothelioma From Asbestos Insulation in Power Plant

In recent news about the dangers of asbestos exposure, a man who began his career as a boiler engineer in power plants was just diagnosed with mesothelioma.

He began his engineering work when the boilers were being insulated with asbestos material before the 1970s.

The boiler engineer was diagnosed with mesothelioma in 2002 at age 65 after he complained to his doctor about shortness of breath.

Now, he wants to know, "If asbestos makers knew the product was dangerous, they weren't telling their workers, the stores they supplied, the customers who bought the boilers or the boiler engineer who serviced their product."

Boiler rooms were often lagged with asbestos and older heating equipment can contain gaskets, asbestos paper and asbestos string. These materials placed the boiler engineer in harm's way of asbestos dust and fibers.

Installing a boiler typically entailed hammering and sanding, thus making the cancerous asbestos fibers airborne.

Because boiler engineers and boilermakers were tasked with the maintenance and repair of boilers with asbestos-containing materials, their exposure was continuous.

This is because boilers can last for decades; many old boilers containing asbestos are still in operation. This, in turn, continues to expose unsuspecting boiler engineers to the dangerous asbestos fibers and dust.

In addition, boilers were often placed in small areas with poor ventilation, further increasing the risk of asbestos fiber inhalation.

Many boiler engineers have come forward to say their work environment led to a diagnosis of mesothelioma, asbestosis or lung cancer from asbestos.

If this has been your experience, we may be able to help.

For over two decades, Weitz & Luxenberg P.C. has handled some of the most legally complicated and groundbreaking asbestos litigation in the country. Men and women diagnosed with mesothelioma or lung cancer caused by asbestos exposure or secondary exposure may be entitled to compensation from the companies responsible for their disease.

If you would like a free consultation or more information about your legal options, please complete the form on this page, and a representative of our law firm will contact you as soon as possible.