01. Asbestos Use
Why Was Asbestos Used in Gaskets?
Asbestos was commonly added to gaskets due to its beneficial properties. Gaskets create a seal between pipes and other machinery components to avoid leaks. They are often used in machines exposed to high levels of heat and chemicals.
Asbestos is nonconductive, noncorrosive, fireproof and chemical-resistant. As a result, companies made asbestos-containing gaskets for much of the 20th century. Some gaskets manufactured today still contain small amounts of the mineral. Asbestos causes serious illnesses, including mesothelioma and lung cancer.
Asbestos Gaskets History at a Glance
- Other Names: Asbestos rope, cap, packing, pipe coverings, ring, seal, sheet gaskets, sheet packing, spiral wound gaskets, stopper
- Years of Manufacture: 1899 – Present
- Military Use: Barracks, military buildings, Navy ships, tanks, trucks, weapons
- Places Used: Boilers, manufacturing plants, oil refineries, power plants, ships, vehicles
- Asbestos Use Banned: No
- Noteworthy Brands: Anchor Packing Company, Durabla Manufacturing Company, Garlock Sealing Technologies, John Crane Inc.
Dangers of Asbestos in Gaskets
In 2021, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) released its findings on chrysotile asbestos. The agency’s Final Risk Evaluation for Asbestos, Part 1: Chrysotile Asbestos detailed 32 current uses of chrysotile asbestos, including certain types of gaskets.
The EPA determined some asbestos products, including certain gaskets, pose an unreasonable health risk to the general public. It also stated commercial chrysotile asbestos poses unreasonable risks to those who use these products or are simply nearby when they’re used. This type of asbestos is commonly used in various gaskets.
In 2024, the EPA released a final rule banning new uses of chrysotile asbestos. Advocates say this is a step in the right direction but continue demanding a full asbestos ban. Without a full ban, risks for asbestos exposure and related illnesses continue.
02. Product List
List of Asbestos Gaskets
Beginning in 1899, companies began producing asbestos-containing gaskets. By the 1980s, asbestos regulations limited the use of asbestos in gaskets and other products. But some types of gaskets may still contain small amounts of asbestos. These gaskets led to asbestos exposure for many workers, consumers and military personnel.
Many types of gaskets were made with asbestos. For instance, John Crane Company added asbestos to its ring-packing gaskets, rope gaskets and braided gaskets. Asbestos gaskets were used for decades across many industries, like shipbuilding and automotive manufacturing.
| Product Name | Start Year | End Year |
|---|---|---|
| Anchor Packing Anchor Gaskets | 1908 | 1984 |
| Anchor Packing Target Sheet Gaskets | 1908 | 1984 |
| Armstrong Accobest Gasketing Material | 1963 | 1967 |
| A.W. Chesterton Gaskets | 1907 | 1974 |
| Dana Corporation Gaskets | 1946 | 1969 |
| Durabla Black Compressed Gasket Material | 1913 | 2003 |
| Durabla Nitrile Gasket Material | ||
| Durabla Penpak Compressed Gasket Material | 1982 | 2003 |
| Flexitallic Spiral Wound Gasket | 1912 | 1980 |
| Garlock Chemiseal Jacketed Gasket | 1907 | 1980 |
| Garlock Pre-Cut Gasketing | 1907 | 1980 |
| Garlock Spiral Wound Gaskets | 1907 | 1980 |
| John Crane Gaskets | ||
| Johns-Manville Asbestos Gasketing | ||
| Johns-Manville Gaskets | ||
| Nicolet Asbestos Gasket Cloth | 1962 | 1972 |
| Unarco Asbestos Gaskets | 1940 | 1969 |
| Westinghouse Gaskets |
Many notable companies made and sold asbestos-containing gaskets. The table below lists several popular asbestos companies known to have manufactured compressed asbestos gaskets and asbestos rope gaskets.
03. Exposure Risks
Who Is at Risk of Asbestos Exposure From Gaskets?
The use of asbestos gaskets has put workers in many industries at risk of occupational asbestos exposure. Consumers also face exposure risks from asbestos-containing gaskets. The level of risk may vary based on various factors like the length of exposure and type of gasket.
The amount of asbestos in gaskets varied, but specific types contained high amounts of the mineral. Researchers have noted some asbestos gaskets contained up to 70% asbestos.
Workers who manufactured or used these asbestos gaskets faced exposure risks. Activities such as producing, installing, repairing, or removing asbestos gaskets could release asbestos fibers into the air. Inhaling or ingesting these fibers can lead to serious illnesses, including mesothelioma and lung cancer.
Factories, chemical plants, oil refineries and shipbuilding sites commonly relied on asbestos gaskets. Workers at many jobsites today still face exposure risks from old asbestos gaskets. Some kinds of asbestos gaskets are still in production, continuing to put public health at risk.
Consumers performing vehicle maintenance or home repairs may inadvertently handle asbestos gaskets. This risk is especially notable with older products or imported parts from other countries.
04. Lawsuits
Asbestos Lawsuits, Settlements & Other Compensation
In recent decades, people have taken legal action against companies that manufactured asbestos gaskets. This usually involves filing lawsuits against asbestos gasket manufacturers. Mesothelioma lawsuits may result in compensation through settlements or jury verdicts.
Asbestos exposure victims may also receive compensation from asbestos trust funds. Some companies that made asbestos gaskets have gone through bankruptcy proceedings. During this process, they set up trust funds to handle asbestos claims and compensate eligible claimants. Some examples include:
- Garlock Sealing Technologies trust fund was funded with at least $400 million.
- Flexitallic Gasket Company (Federal-Mogul) trust fund was funded with more than $635 million.
Compensation Following Exposure From Asbestos Gaskets
Successful asbestos gasket lawsuits have resulted in compensation for victims. In a notable example, a former mechanic and his wife were awarded $75 million. The mechanic’s wife was diagnosed with mesothelioma. They attributed this to decades of asbestos exposure through his work.
The man had worked as a maintenance mechanic and hobby race car mechanic. His wife often helped overhaul engines in his race cars. These activities required them to scrape out old gaskets. She also experienced secondary exposure from washing his clothes.
In the lawsuit, the couple named several asbestos gasket manufacturers. These companies included Dana Corporation, Crane Corporation and Federal-Mogul Corporation. The jury awarded $50 million to the wife for her mesothelioma and $25 million to the husband for the cancer’s effects on his life.
Anyone who thinks they may be eligible to file an asbestos gasket lawsuit can contact a mesothelioma law firm. Their lawyers can assemble and file lawsuits on behalf of clients.
05. Removal Safety
Safely Removing Asbestos Gaskets
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has guidelines for workers removing and handling various asbestos products, including gaskets.
OSHA’s guidelines for removing asbestos gaskets include:
- Gaskets should be removed intact whenever possible.
- Gaskets that are deteriorated need to be removed within a glovebag.
- Gaskets must be immediately placed in a disposal container.
- All scraping needs to be performed wet.
The guidelines also instruct workers handling asbestos to wear proper protective gear. This includes respirators and adequate work suits.
If at all possible, do not handle any suspected asbestos materials or products. Instead, leave this type of work to professionals who have the training and equipment to do it safely.
