Louisiana Machinists and Mesothelioma
Machinists in Louisiana were at risk of asbestos exposure throughout the 20th century. For decades, they repaired and maintained high-temperature machinery that contained asbestos. Machinists also worked closely with other tradesmen handling asbestos-containing materials, such as installing and tearing out asbestos insulation at industrial plants. Due to this prolonged exposure, many Louisiana machinists have been diagnosed with mesothelioma years later.
Last Updated:
- May 12, 2025
Key Facts About Machinists
Asbestos Exposure Risk:
High
Causes of Exposure:
Working with asbestos-containing products or around other trades using such materials
Asbestos Products:
Pipe insulation, block insulation, insulating cements, firebrick, refractory products, asbestos gaskets and packing, and more
Job Sites:
Oil refineries, chemical plants, shipyards, power plants, paper mills, and more
Local Branches:
IAMAW Local Union 470 (Lake Charles) IAMAW Local Lodge 281 (Barksdale) IAMAW Local Lodge 1317 (Lake Charles)
Compensation Available:
Yes, if you have been diagnosed with mesothelioma, lung cancer, colon cancer, or asbestosis.
What Caused Asbestos Exposure in Machinists in Louisiana?
In Louisiana, machinists were regularly exposed on the job from working directly with asbestos-containing materials such as gaskets, valves, insulation, and various friction products. They likely inhaled asbestos fibers during the cutting, grinding, and fitting processes involved in installing parts. Machinists have also been exposed by working with and around other tradespeople using asbestos-containing products.
Even though the government began imposing asbestos regulations in the 1970s, many older buildings and machinery still contain asbestos. Therefore, machinists are still at risk of exposure today from lingering asbestos-containing materials.
– American Journal of Industrial Medicine[1]
Industrial Machinist Occupations at Risk of Asbestos Exposure
Various trades fall under the machinist umbrella, leaving workers in these trades potentially at risk of asbestos exposure. Some of these trades include the following:
- Machine operators
- Maintenance machinist
- Journeyman machinist
- Industrial machinist
- Marine machinist
- Shipyard machinist
- Power plant machinist
- Precision machinist
- Machinery mechanic
- Machinist apprentice
- Mechanical contractor
- Tool and die maker
- Lathe operator
- Computer numerical control machinist
Asbestos Products Used by Machinists in Louisiana
Most of the asbestos-containing materials used by machinists were high-temperature thermal insulation products used on various equipment. These products include the following:
- Gaskets
- Valves
- Pumps
- Boilers
- Packing materials
- Wiring and electrical components
- Pipe insulation
- Valve insulation
- Asbestos cement
- Adhesives
- Sealants
- Containment liners
- Heat shields
- Sheet packing
If you have been exposed to asbestos as a machinist in Louisiana and developed an asbestos-related disease, multiple asbestos product manufacturers and jobsite owners could likely be liable for your exposure. Some asbestos product manufacturers that have previously been held accountable for exposing machinists to asbestos include W.R. Grace & Co., A.P. Green Industries, Johns-Manville Company, and more.
Where in Louisiana were Machinists Exposed to Asbestos?
Industries such as shipbuilding, oil refining, chemical production, sugar refining, and power generating relied heavily on asbestos-containing materials due to the high-temperature machinery used. Machinists in Louisiana were exposed to asbestos on numerous job sites, including, but not limited to the following:
- Avondale Shipyard in New Orleans
- Bollinger Shipyards in Lockport
- Dow Chemical Plant in Plaquemine
- Higgins Shipyard in New Orleans
- Kaiser Aluminum in Gramercy
- Motiva Refinery in Geismar
- Tembec (Crown) Paper Mill in St. Francisville
- Shell Chemical Plant in Norco
Risk of Secondary Exposure to Families
Machinists could have inadvertently exposed their families to asbestos by bringing home asbestos fibers on their clothing, tools, equipment, hair, and skin. This secondary exposure has led to cases of mesothelioma and other asbestos-related diseases among family members.
Union Support for Machinists with Mesothelioma
The IAMAW District Lodge 2021 services Louisiana through these Locals:
- IAMAW Local Union 470 in Lake Charles
- IAMAW Local Lodge 281 in Barksdale
- IAMAW Local Lodge 1317 in Lake Charles
Local unions can support machinists with mesothelioma by providing educational materials and asking law firms like our sponsor, Baron & Budd, P.C., to speak to their membership about 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.
Compensation for Asbestos Exposure in Louisiana
Multiple sources of compensation exist for Louisiana machinists and their families who were victims of asbestos exposure and have been diagnosed with an exposure-related disease. Mesothelioma patients have two main options for compensation: mesothelioma lawsuits and asbestos trust fund claims.
1) Mesothelioma Lawsuits: A mesothelioma lawsuit aims to hold asbestos product manufacturers accountable for medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering, and more.
2) Asbestos Trust Funds: Many companies responsible for asbestos exposure have established trust funds to compensate victims. It is estimated that these funds still contain a combined $30 billion.
Did You Know?
Your mesothelioma claim may be settled in less than a year without filing a lawsuit or going to court, but it’s important to know there are deadlines to file your claim.
Mesothelioma Settlements for Machinists
Mesothelioma and lung cancer patients may be eligible for between $500,000 and $10 million in compensation for their suffering. However, results vary and are not guaranteed.
Here are some noteworthy recoveries won by our sponsor, Baron & Budd, P.C., for machinists with mesothelioma in Louisiana.
Over $3 Million Settlement for Industrial Mechanical Contractor
Our sponsor recovered $3,447,461.21 for the family of a man who developed mesothelioma at age 71. The client was exposed to asbestos while working as a mechanical contractor at various industrial sites across the country.
Over $2 Million Settlement for Asbestos Exposure at Petrochemical Plant
Our sponsor recovered $2,192,101.98 for a client who developed mesothelioma at age 74 after being exposed to asbestos while working at a petrochemical plant in the 1960s and 1970s.
Results are not guaranteed and vary.
Order Your Free Mesothelioma Book
Get Help from Louisiana Mesothelioma Advocates Today
If you or a loved one has worked as a machinist in Louisiana and has developed mesothelioma from workplace asbestos exposure, Louisiana Mesothelioma Advocates can help provide information. We will connect you with our sponsor, Baron & Budd, P.C., who can direct you to the best mesothelioma physicians in your area and may be able to help you pursue compensation.
Mesothelioma is an aggressive cancer, and 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.
Cited Source
- Mancuso T. F. (1983). Mesothelioma among machinists in railroad and other industries. American journal of industrial medicine, 4(4), 501–513. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/6869375/
- International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers. (2024, February 16). About. IAMAW. https://www.goiam.org/about/
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- How Were Machinists Exposed to Asbestos?
- Machinist Occupations at Risk of Asbestos Exposure
- Asbestos-Containing Products Used by Machinists
- Where in Louisiana Were Machinists Exposed?
- Union Support for Machinists
- Compensation for Asbestos Exposure in Louisiana
- Mesothelioma Settlements
- Contact Louisiana Mesothelioma Advocates