Louisiana Boilermakers and Mesothelioma
In the 20th century, Louisiana boilermakers were among the workers with the most occupational asbestos exposure. Working on power generation boilers or process boilers in industrial plants required them to work hands-on with various asbestos-containing products. Further, boilermakers always worked closely with other trades as they used asbestos-containing products in their jobs. Almost everything in their surroundings had asbestos products applied to it due to the necessity for insulation.
Last Updated:
- May 16, 2025
According to the International Brotherhood of Boilermakers,[1] asbestos was widely used in the 20th century for its fire resistance, insulating properties, availability, low production cost, and high tensile strength. It was used extensively in construction, shipbuilding, and boiler manufacture, making boilermakers likely to encounter asbestos-containing materials on the job. When asbestos materials are disturbed, microscopic fibers become airborne. The airborne fibers can be inhaled or ingested and become lodged in the bodily tissue surrounding the lungs and other organs, potentially causing diseases like mesothelioma later in life.
Key Facts About Boilermakers
Asbestos Exposure Risk:
High
Causes of Exposure:
Working with asbestos products or around other trades using such materials
Asbestos Products:
Pipe Insulation, Block Insulation, Insulating Cements, Firebrick, Refractory Products and more
Job Sites:
Oil refineries, chemical plants, shipyards, power plants, paper mills, and more
Local Branches:
Local Lodge 37 (New Orleans) Local Lodge 582 (Baton Rouge)
Compensation Available:
Yes, if you have been diagnosed with mesothelioma, lung cancer, colon cancer, or asbestosis.
How Were Boilermakers Exposed to Asbestos in Louisiana?
Boilermakers in Louisiana were exposed to asbestos on the job by working with asbestos-containing materials and around other trades using such materials on industrial and commercial job sites. Everyone employed in the boilermaker industry while asbestos was used has a high risk of developing asbestos exposure-related health problems.
When boilermakers were installing new boilers, maintaining existing boilers or performing “shutdown maintenance” on a boiler, the asbestos materials inside and on the outside of the boilers were torn out and replaced by the boilermaker crews or other trades. The tearing out process and the installation of the new products created incredible amounts of dust containing the invisible asbestos fibers. The boilermakers and other trades would inhale the dust and asbestos fibers endangering workers and putting them at risk for diseases like mesothelioma.
A Boilermaker's Story
"Exposed to Asbestos everyday on the job"
A boilermaker was exposed to asbestos while working at petrochemical facilities along the Mississippi River between New Orleans and Baton Rouge. His work included tearing off old asbestos insulation on and around the boilers and turbines used to supply power to the plants’ processes. He also tore out old asbestos-containing firebrick and refractory materials, either by hand or using jackhammers inside the boilers. Once he tore off the old asbestos materials, other tradespeople would clean them up, exposing them.
Asbestos Products Used by Boilermakers in Louisiana
The most common asbestos products used by boilermakers were high-temperature thermal insulation products. A boiler is the central energy-generation component for steam-generating equipment. From the 1930s to the 1980s, asbestos was the main material used for thermal insulation inside and on the outside of boilers. The following products also often contained asbestos during that period:
- Pipe insulation
- Block insulation
- High-temperature insulation cements
- Firebricks
- Refractory cements
- Spray refractory products
- Asbestos gasket
- Valve packing material
Questions About Mesothelioma?
Many boilermakers are uncertain about what steps to take after receiving a mesothelioma diagnosis.
Manufacturing Companies of Asbestos-Containing Products
If you’ve been diagnosed with an asbestos-related disease like mesothelioma after working as a boilermaker or another tradesman in the past, the following asbestos manufacturers could be liable for your exposure. This list is just a few of them:
| Manufacturer | Product |
|---|---|
| Flexitallic Gasket Co. | Gaskets |
| W.R. Grace & Co. | High Temperature Insulating Cement |
| Garlock | Gaskets |
| Johns Manville | Pipe Insulation |
| Owens Corning | Pipe Insulation |
If the manufacturers had placed any warnings on the packaging of asbestos-containing products, they could have protected workers and contractors.
Which Job Sites in Louisiana Exposed Boilermakers to Asbestos?
Common job sites in Louisiana where boilermakers were exposed to asbestos were oil refineries, chemical plants, fertilizer plants, paper mills, and power plants. A few of the job sites are:
- ExxonMobil Refinery in Baton Rouge
- Entergy Power Plants throughout Louisiana
- Chalmette Refining in Chalmette
- International Paper in Bogalusa
- Shell Chemical in Norco
- Allied Chemical Plant in Baton Rouge
- Dow Chemical Company in Plaquemine
- Monsanto in Luling
- DuPont Chemical Plant in LaPlace
- BASF Corporation in Geismar
Meanwhile, boilermakers also may have been exposed in hospitals, churches, and commercial buildings.
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How Local Unions Support Boilermakers with Mesothelioma
The International Brotherhood of Boilermakers is a labor union representing over 50,000 skilled craftspeople and industrial workers in heavy industry, shipbuilding, manufacturing, railroads, cement, mining, and related industries. Organized in 1880, the International Brotherhood of Boilermakers services more than 200 local lodges across North America—including two in Louisiana.
Boilermaker Unions and Locals in Louisiana Include:
- Local Lodge 37 in New Orleans, LA
- Local Lodge 582 in Baton Rouge, LA
Local unions support boilermakers with asbestos exposures by providing educational materials and asking lawyers from our sponsor, Baron & Budd, P.C., to speak to the membership about asbestos diseases, possible exposures and how to avoid them.
If you have any questions, please contact the office of the AFL-CIO of Louisiana for assistance.
Our Sponsor
Baron & Budd, P.C. is an officially endorsed provider and Occupational Disease Counsel for the AFL-CIO of Louisiana and all Affiliated Local Unions. The firm’s members have cultivated long-standing friendships and business relationships with the Local leadership and members. They are frequently invited to present information on mesothelioma, lung cancer, and asbestos exposures to the Retiree Clubs and active members.
What Compensation Is Available for Boilermakers in Louisiana?
Compensation may be available for Louisiana boilermakers who were exposed to asbestos and have been diagnosed with an asbestos-related disease. Victims can file a lawsuit and may be eligible to pursue claims from one or more asbestos trust funds.
1) Mesothelioma Lawsuits: In mesothelioma lawsuits, patients diagnosed with the disease, or their families if the patient has passed away, sue the various companies that may be held liable for the asbestos exposures of the worker
2) Asbestos Trust Funds: Many asbestos companies set up trust funds to compensate present and future asbestos victims. These funds total a combined value of approximately $30 billion.
Settlements for Boilermakers with Mesothelioma
The compensation range for mesothelioma and lung cancer patients is $500,000 to $10 million. Results may vary.
Here are some noteworthy recoveries won by our sponsor, Baron & Budd, P.C., for asbestos-exposure victims:
$7 Million Settlement for a Boilermaker with Pleural Mesothelioma and His Family
In this $7 million mesothelioma case, the plaintiff worked for several different contractors in oil refineries and chemical plants along the Mississippi River between New Orleans and Baton Rouge. At these worksites, he was exposed to asbestos while performing his boilermaker duties, including tearing off old asbestos insulation and tearing out old firebrick and refractory materials inside the boilers. All the defendants in this case ultimately resolved the claims against them, and Baron & Budd, P.C. sought further compensation from the Asbestos Bankruptcy Trusts.
$6.2 Million Settlement for a Lifelong Union Boilermaker and Father of Two
The plaintiff was diagnosed with mesothelioma at just 52 years of age. A proud father of two children, he was a lifelong union boilermaker who worked at various shipyards and plants throughout Louisiana. His shipyard work often required him to perform duties in the ships’ mechanical spaces, engine rooms, and boiler rooms.
Results are not guaranteed and vary.
Contact Louisiana Mesothelioma Advocates
If you or a loved one were a boilermaker in Louisiana and suspect asbestos exposure, contact Louisiana Mesothelioma Advocates. If you desire, we will connect you with our sponsor, Baron & Budd, P.C., who can recommend the best mesothelioma physicians and may be able to help you pursue compensation. Mesothelioma is a very aggressive cancer. We urge you to act quickly.
Content Reviewed by
Todd Kale
Todd Kale meets with mesothelioma patients and their families across Louisiana to investigate their asbestos exposure, providing compassionate support and guidance during a difficult time.
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- How Were Boilermakers Exposed to Asbestos?
- Asbestos Products Used Around Boilermakers
- Louisiana Job Sites that Exposed Boilermakers
- Local Union Support for Boilermakers in Louisiana
- What Compensation May Be Available for Boilermakers?
- Mesothelioma Settlements for Boilermakers
- Contact Louisiana Mesothelioma Advocates