Louisiana Millwrights and Mesothelioma
Asbestos was used in Louisiana industrial facilities as a common insulation material throughout the 20th century because of its resistance to fire and heat. As its harmful effects came to light, the government eventually imposed regulations to limit its use in the workplace. Unfortunately, it was already too late for many millwrights who had already been exposed to asbestos for years on the job. Because of the long latency periods for asbestos-related diseases like mesothelioma, workers exposed decades ago are just now receiving diagnoses for illness from asbestos exposure.
Last Updated:
- May 16, 2025
Key Facts About Millwrights
Asbestos Exposure Risk:
High
Causes of Exposure:
Working around other tradesmen using asbestos-containing materials.
Asbestos Products:
They tore out asbestos material from equipment to do their work.
Job Sites:
Oil refineries, shipyards, chemical plants, power plants, paper mills, and more.
Local Branches:
Local 729 in Baton Rouge
Compensation Available:
Yes, if you have been diagnosed with mesothelioma, lung cancer, colon cancer, or asbestosis.
How Were Millwrights Exposed to Asbestos?
From the 1930s through the 1980s, Louisiana millwrights were exposed to asbestos daily at industrial and commercial job sites such as steel mills, shipyards, chemical plants, fertilizer plants, oil refineries, paper mills, and power plants.
Even millwrights, who did not directly handle many asbestos-containing materials, were at risk for exposure if they worked around other tradesmen who handled this material, such as insulators. While millwrights assembled and repaired machinery at the job site, insulators would be cutting and tearing asbestos-containing insulation nearby. The disturbance of asbestos-containing material released the microscopic fibers into the air throughout the low-ventilated job site where millwrights would inhale and ingest them.
Did You Know?
Working around the other trades as they handled the asbestos-containing insulation and other products is just as dangerous as working directly with them.
Asbestos Products Used Near Millwrights in the Workplace
An estimated 6,000 types of asbestos-containing products were manufactured during the peak of the mineral’s usage in the late 1960s and early 1970s. Some of the asbestos-containing products that other tradesmen used which millwrights were likely exposed include the following:
- Pipe coverings
- Valve packing material
- Gaskets
- Block insulation
- Insulating cements
- Turbines
- Boilers
- Brake linings
Manufacturing Companies of Asbestos Products
Often, victims of an asbestos-related illness feel overwhelmed and unsure of when, where, or how they were exposed to asbestos. Multiple parties might be responsible for your workplace asbestos exposure, particularly the manufacturers of asbestos products encountered by millwrights in Louisiana. Some of the manufacturers known to have exposed Louisiana millwrights to asbestos include the following:
- A.P. Green Industries, Inc.
- Anchor Packing Corp.
- Babcock & Wilcox
- Johns-Manville Company
- Owens-Corning
- Flexitallic Gasket Co.
- Union Carbide Corp.
- W.R. Grace & Co.
Questions About Mesothelioma?
Many millwrights are uncertain about what steps to take after receiving a mesothelioma diagnosis.
Louisiana Job Sites Where Millwrights Were Exposed to Asbestos
Louisiana millwrights may have faced asbestos exposure on numerous job sites. Throughout the 20th century, most industrial facilities, mills, and plants contained asbestos in numerous applications. Today, most occupational exposure occurs during the repair, renovation, removal, or maintenance of asbestos-containing products installed years or decades ago. OSHA has estimated that 1.3 million construction and general industry workers are exposed to asbestos on the job.
Some other common job sites where millwrights may have faced exposure include:
Did You Know?
Local Unions in Louisiana Supporting Millwrights
The Southern States Millwright Regional Council consists of more than 5,000 skilled millwrights from the United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners of America and has locals in 11 states, including one in Louisiana:
Millwright Unions and Locals in Louisiana Include:
- Local 729 (Baton Rouge)
Local unions can support millwrights 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, how to avoid them, and treatment options.
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 Available for Millwrights with Mesothelioma
Compensation is available for Louisiana millwrights diagnosed with exposure-related diseases and their families. Typically, mesothelioma patients have two options for pursuing compensation: filing a mesothelioma lawsuit and filing a claim with various asbestos trusts.
1) Mesothelioma Lawsuits: A mesothelioma lawsuit aims to hold asbestos product manufacturers accountable for victims’ losses, such as medical expenses, lost income, pain, and suffering.
2) Asbestos Trust Funds: These asbestos trusts, which contain a combined estimated $30 billion, were established by bankrupt asbestos product manufacturers to compensate exposure victims.
Settlements for Millwrights with Mesothelioma
The compensation range for mesothelioma and lung cancer patients is $500,000 to $10 million. Your mesothelioma claim may be settled in less than a year without filing a lawsuit or going to court. However, strict deadlines apply to these claims, so acting quickly is important.
Here is a noteworthy recovery won by our sponsor, Baron & Budd, P.C., for a millwright asbestos-exposure victim:
Over $2M Settlement for Louisiana Millwright’s Family
Our sponsor obtained a $2.3 million settlement for the family of a man who worked as a millwright at numerous industrial sites throughout his career and was diagnosed with mesothelioma at the age of 40.
Contact Louisiana Mesothelioma Advocates
If you or a loved one has worked as a millwright in Louisiana and has developed mesothelioma or another asbestos-related cancer, contact Louisiana Mesothelioma Advocates —even if the asbestos exposure occurred decades ago. We will connect you with our sponsor, Baron & Budd, P.C., who can direct you to the best mesothelioma physicians and may be able to pursue compensation for you and your family.
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
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2023a, May 19). Asbestos toxicity: Who is at risk of exposure to asbestos? Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://archive.cdc.gov/www_atsdr_cdc_gov/csem/asbestos/who_is_at_risk.html
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- How Were Millwrights Exposed to Asbestos?
- Asbestos Products Used Around Millwrights
- Louisiana Job Sites that Exposed Millwrights
- Local Union Support for Millwrights in Louisiana
- What Compensation May Be Available for Millwrights?
- Mesothelioma Settlements for Millwrights
- Contact Louisiana Mesothelioma Advocates