Welders

Welder Asbestos Exposure
High-risk occupation for mesothelioma
Risk Level	Very High
SMR (Lung Cancer)	1.34 (Shipyard)
Peak Exposure Era	1940-1980
Primary Products	Welding blankets, insulation, gaskets
Avg. Settlement	$1-1.4 Million
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Executive Summary

Welders experienced substantial asbestos exposure through direct contact with asbestos-containing welding consumables and protective equipment, and through intense bystander exposure when welding or cutting through asbestos-insulated pipes, fireproofed steel, and gasket materials. The Coast Guard shipyard study documented significantly elevated lung cancer mortality among shipfitters, welders, and cutters with a standardized mortality ratio of 1.34, representing 85 lung cancer deaths observed versus 63.4 expected. Welders used asbestos cloth blankets to protect flammable materials from sparks, wore asbestos gloves and sleeves, and frequently cut through asbestos-coated surfaces that released massive fiber concentrations exceeding 1-5 f/cc during torch cutting operations. According to Danziger & De Llano, welders remain eligible for significant compensation through trust fund claims and legal settlements averaging $1-1.4 million.

The scope of welder asbestos exposure spans virtually every industrial sector where the trade was practiced. Shipyard welders at facilities including Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard, Norfolk Naval Shipyard, and Brooklyn Navy Yard faced particularly severe exposure—the Italian shipyard mortality study documented autogenous welders with an SMR of 716 for mesothelioma. Power plant welders, refinery welders, and steel mill welders similarly encountered asbestos throughout their work environments. The first-ever welding rod verdicts in 2003 established manufacturer liability, with Tucker v. Lincoln Electric/Hobart Brothers resulting in $3.453 million and Gomez v. Lincoln Electric producing $3.192 million. Like Boilermakers, Plumbers and Pipefitters, and Ironworkers, welders worked in confined industrial spaces where asbestos fiber concentrations reached dangerous levels, and the 20-50 year latency period means workers exposed during the peak asbestos era continue receiving mesothelioma diagnoses today.

Welders and Asbestos Exposure: At-a-Glance

• Very high risk occupation — welders rank among the most heavily exposed industrial trades due to direct handling of asbestos blankets, gloves, and cutting through insulated materials
• Shipyard concentration effect — naval shipyard welders faced fiber concentrations 10-25x higher in confined spaces like ship holds and ballast tanks compared to open-air welding
• Dual exposure pathway — welders experienced both direct contact with asbestos PPE and intense bystander exposure from adjacent insulation and fireproofing work
• Landmark manufacturer liability — the 2003 Tucker and Gomez verdicts against Lincoln Electric and Hobart Brothers established welding rod manufacturers' accountability for the first time
• Multi-industry exposure — asbestos contact affected welders across shipbuilding, power generation, oil refining, steel manufacturing, and construction sectors
• Extended latency risk — the 20-50 year latency period means welders exposed during the 1940-1980 peak era continue receiving diagnoses through the 2030s
• Substantial compensation available — welder mesothelioma claims average $1-1.4 million through combined trust fund and litigation settlements
• Veterans benefits eligibility — military welders may qualify for VA disability at 100% rating ($3,900+/month) in addition to civil compensation

Key Facts

Metric	Finding
Lung Cancer SMR	1.34 for shipfitters, welders, and cutters combined — Coast Guard shipyard mortality study (85 observed vs. 63.4 expected)
Mesothelioma SMR	3.32 for individual welders in epidemiological studies; Italian shipyard autogenous welders recorded SMR of 716
Welding Blanket Composition	80-100% woven asbestos cloth, manufactured by Johns Manville and Philip Carey Corporation
Torch Cutting Fiber Levels	1-15 f/cc when cutting through asbestos-insulated pipes and fireproofing — up to 150x the current OSHA PEL of 0.1 f/cc
Confined Space Multiplier	10-25 f/cc in unventilated ship holds, ballast tanks, and boiler rooms vs. 1-2 f/cc in open areas
Peak Exposure Period	1940-1980, spanning WWII shipbuilding through industrial expansion era
Welding Rod Verdicts	Tucker v. Lincoln Electric: $3.453 million; Gomez v. Lincoln Electric: $3.192 million (both 2003)
Steel Mill Welder Verdict	$14.5 million awarded to 53-year-old welder — exposure from fireproofing, gaskets, and pipe coverings
Trust Fund Availability	$30+ billion remaining across 60+ active asbestos bankruptcy trusts
Average Settlement Range	$1-1.4 million through combined trust fund claims and litigation settlements
Navy Asbestos Products	Over 300 asbestos-containing products authorized for use in shipbuilding through the 1970s
Statute of Limitations	Varies by state — 2 years from diagnosis in Texas; discovery rule applies in most jurisdictions

What Asbestos Exposure Did Welders Face?

Welders encountered asbestos through multiple pathways throughout their careers, facing both direct contact with asbestos-containing materials and significant bystander exposure from adjacent trades. The combination of direct handling and environmental contamination created cumulative exposures that significantly elevated disease risk over baseline populations.

Direct Contact with Asbestos Welding Products:

Welders handled asbestos blankets multiple times daily, shaking them out to deploy, repositioning during work, and folding for storage. Aged blankets became friable, releasing fibers when disturbed. Personal protective equipment including asbestos gloves, sleeves, aprons, and leggings was standard issue. Putting on and removing equipment, especially when garments were dry and dusty, generated substantial fiber releases into welders' breathing zones.

Burning Through Asbestos Materials:

When welders used cutting torches or arc welding to cut through insulated pipes containing 15-90% asbestos, massive fiber plumes were released into the work environment. Cutting fireproofed steel in shipyards and industrial facilities required penetrating spray-on fireproofing, with intense heat vaporizing and aerosolizing asbestos fibers. Studies document concentrations of 1-15 f/cc during cutting operations on insulated surfaces—up to 150 times the current OSHA permissible exposure limit.

"Welders routinely cut through pipes and equipment that were covered in asbestos insulation. The intense heat from torches and arc welding released fibers directly into their breathing zones in confined spaces where ventilation was often inadequate."

— Rod De Llano, Founding Partner, Danziger & De Llano

Which Asbestos Products Did Welders Encounter?

Welders worked with numerous asbestos-containing products throughout their careers:

Product Type	Asbestos Content	Manufacturers
Welding Blankets/Fire Curtains	80-100% woven asbestos cloth	Johns Manville, Philip Carey
Welding Rod Flux Coatings	0-15% (varied by product)	Lincoln Electric, Hobart Brothers, ESAB
Welding Gloves & Sleeves	80-100% asbestos fabric	Multiple safety equipment suppliers
Heat Shields for Torches	Asbestos paper/cloth	Johns Manville, others
Pipe/Equipment Insulation	15-90%	Johns Manville, Owens-Corning

Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard documentation confirms: "Welders often placed asbestos cloth over flammable material when welding to prevent fires from welding sparks." This practice was standard across military and commercial shipyards, industrial plants, and construction sites.

Where Were Welders Most Exposed?

Shipyards: Naval and commercial shipbuilding represented the highest concentration of welder-asbestos exposure. Major sites include Pearl Harbor, Puget Sound, Norfolk, Newport News, San Diego, Mare Island, and Philadelphia Naval Shipyard. The U.S. Navy authorized over 300 asbestos-containing products for shipbuilding through the 1970s.

Power Plants: Coal, nuclear, and gas-fired plants contained extensive asbestos insulation on boilers, steam lines, and turbines where welders performed maintenance.

Refineries: Petrochemical facilities required welding maintenance on process equipment throughout operations.

Steel Mills: Structural fabrication, pipe welding, and equipment maintenance in steel facilities exposed welders to asbestos curtains and protective clothing.

⚠ Confined Space Warning: Welders frequently worked in ship holds, ballast tanks, boiler rooms, and vessel void spaces with minimal ventilation. These confined spaces created concentration multipliers where typical exposures of 1-2 f/cc in open areas escalated to 10-25 f/cc in unventilated enclosures.

What Compensation Can Welders Receive for Mesothelioma?

Welders diagnosed with mesothelioma may be entitled to substantial compensation through multiple sources.

Landmark Verdicts:

The first-ever welding rod verdicts in 2003 established manufacturer liability:

• Tucker v. Lincoln Electric/Hobart Brothers: $3.453 million – Con Edison welder (1969-1981), mesothelioma
• Gomez v. Lincoln Electric: $3.192 million – Asbestos-related lung cancer, 75% fault Lincoln Electric
• Steel Mill Welder Verdict: $14.5 million – Age 53, mesothelioma from fireproofing, gaskets, pipe coverings

Bankruptcy Trust Funds:

Over 60 asbestos bankruptcy trusts hold more than $30 billion for victims. Welders may file claims against:

• Johns Manville (welding protective equipment, insulation)
• Owens-Corning (insulation materials)
• U.S. Gypsum (fireproofing)
• Philip Carey Corporation (insulation, protective equipment)
• Multiple pump and valve manufacturers

"Welder mesothelioma claims typically involve 15-40 defendants across multiple product categories—welding equipment manufacturers, insulation companies, gasket manufacturers, and equipment makers. This multi-defendant approach maximizes compensation for affected workers and their families."

— Paul Danziger, Founding Partner, Danziger & De Llano

How Can Welders Document Their Asbestos Exposure?

Successful claims require documenting exposure history:

Employment Records:

• Union records showing worksites and dates
• Social Security earnings records
• W-2 forms and tax returns
• Personnel files from employers

Medical Documentation:

• Pathology reports confirming mesothelioma diagnosis
• Imaging studies (CT scans, X-rays)
• Pulmonary function tests
• Complete treatment records

Exposure Evidence:

• Coworker testimony regarding asbestos product use
• Photographs of work conditions
• Product identification through invoices, specifications
• Industry documentation of asbestos use at specific facilities

✓ Veterans Benefits: Welder veterans who served in the Navy, Coast Guard, or at military installations may qualify for VA disability benefits at 100% rating ($3,900+/month) in addition to trust fund claims and legal settlements.

Get Help Today

If you or a loved one worked as a welder and has been diagnosed with mesothelioma, you may be entitled to significant compensation. The attorneys at Danziger & De Llano have decades of experience representing workers exposed to asbestos in industrial settings.

• Contact Danziger & De Llano for a free case evaluation: (855) 699-5441
• Visit MesotheliomaLawyersNearMe.com to find experienced asbestos attorneys in your area
• Learn about compensation options at Mesothelioma.net
• Research legal resources at Mesothelioma Lawyer Center

Frequently Asked Questions

How were welders exposed to asbestos?

Welders encountered asbestos through multiple direct and indirect pathways. They handled asbestos welding blankets, wore asbestos gloves and protective sleeves, and used asbestos heat shields daily. When cutting through asbestos-insulated pipes and fireproofed steel with torches, massive fiber plumes were released directly into their breathing zones, with measured concentrations of 1-15 f/cc — up to 150 times the current OSHA permissible exposure limit.

What is the average mesothelioma settlement for welders?

Welder mesothelioma claims typically result in $1-1.4 million in total compensation when combining trust fund payouts, litigation settlements, and veterans benefits where applicable. Landmark verdicts have been significantly higher — the 2003 Tucker v. Lincoln Electric case resulted in $3.453 million, and a steel mill welder verdict reached $14.5 million.

Which shipyards had the highest welder asbestos exposure?

Major naval and commercial shipyards with documented high welder exposure include Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard, Norfolk Naval Shipyard, Newport News Shipbuilding, Puget Sound Naval Shipyard, Mare Island Naval Shipyard, and Philadelphia Naval Shipyard. The U.S. Navy authorized over 300 asbestos-containing products for use in shipbuilding through the 1970s, and welders in these confined shipboard environments faced exponentially higher fiber concentrations.

Can welders still file asbestos claims today?

Yes. The statute of limitations for mesothelioma claims begins at the time of diagnosis, not exposure, because the disease has a 20-50 year latency period. Welders exposed during the 1940-1980 peak era continue to receive new diagnoses, and over $30 billion remains available in asbestos bankruptcy trust funds specifically established to compensate workers like welders.

Do veteran welders qualify for additional benefits?

Military welders who served in the Navy, Coast Guard, or at military installations may qualify for VA disability benefits at 100% rating (over $3,900 per month) in addition to trust fund claims and legal settlements. These benefits are not mutually exclusive — veterans can receive VA compensation alongside civil litigation proceeds.

What asbestos products did welding manufacturers make?

Major welding product manufacturers included Lincoln Electric and Hobart Brothers (welding rods with asbestos flux coatings), Johns Manville and Philip Carey (asbestos welding blankets containing 80-100% asbestos), and multiple safety equipment suppliers who produced asbestos gloves, sleeves, aprons, and leggings. The 2003 Tucker and Gomez verdicts established that welding rod manufacturers bore liability for asbestos in their products.

How long does mesothelioma take to develop after welding exposure?

Mesothelioma typically develops 20-50 years after initial asbestos exposure. This means welders who worked during the peak asbestos era of the 1940s through 1980s may not develop symptoms until the 2000s through 2030s. Early symptoms including shortness of breath, chest pain, and persistent cough often mimic less serious conditions, making prompt medical evaluation critical for workers with known exposure history.

Quick Statistics

• Welder workforce scope — approximately 430,000 welders, cutters, solderers, and brazers employed in the United States as of 2023 (Bureau of Labor Statistics)
• Welding rod asbestos content — flux coatings on some welding rods contained 0-15% asbestos, varying significantly by manufacturer and product line
• PPE contamination — asbestos welding gloves, sleeves, and aprons were standard issue through the mid-1980s, with daily don/doff cycles generating fiber releases
• Multi-defendant claims — typical welder mesothelioma lawsuits name 15-40 defendants across welding equipment, insulation, gasket, and equipment manufacturing companies
• OSHA PEL evolution — permissible exposure limit decreased from 12 f/cc (1971) to 2 f/cc (1976) to 0.1 f/cc (1994), reflecting growing recognition of asbestos danger
• Italian shipyard data — autogenous welders in Italian shipyard studies recorded an SMR of 716 for mesothelioma, among the highest documented for any occupation
• Trust fund filing — welders may file claims against Johns Manville, Owens-Corning, U.S. Gypsum, Philip Carey Corporation, and dozens of other bankrupt manufacturers
• Confined space exposure — ship holds, ballast tanks, and boiler rooms where welders operated had minimal ventilation, creating concentration multipliers of 10-25x ambient levels
• Bystander exposure documentation — welders working alongside insulators, pipefitters, and boilermakers received significant secondary exposure from adjacent asbestos work

Related Pages

• Boilermakers and Asbestos Exposure
• Plumbers and Pipefitters
• Shipyard Workers and Asbestos Exposure
• Ironworkers and Asbestos Exposure
• Steel Mill Workers and Asbestos Exposure
• Power Plant Workers and Asbestos Exposure