Machinists were exposed to asbestos through the gaskets, packing, and insulated equipment they built, maintained, and rebuilt.
How Machinists Were Exposed
Machinists cut and installed asbestos sheet gaskets and asbestos rope and braided packing on pumps, valves, and machinery, scraping old asbestos gasket material off mating surfaces by hand. They also machined asbestos-containing friction and phenolic components and worked around insulated steam and process equipment in plants, shipyards, and Navy engine rooms. Cutting gasket material and blowing out packing glands released fiber.
The Asbestos Materials Involved
- asbestos sheet gaskets
- asbestos rope and braided packing
- phenolic and friction components
- equipment insulation
Take-Home Risk to Families
Like other dusty trades, machinists carried asbestos fibers home on their clothing, skin, and tools — exposing spouses and children who never worked with asbestos. See take-home asbestos exposure.
Related Products & Resources
Gaskets & Packing · Gaskets Seals · Pumps · Valves.
If you worked as a machinist and were diagnosed with mesothelioma or another asbestos-related disease after exposure to asbestos on the job, you may be entitled to compensation through asbestos trust funds and civil litigation.
Product references reflect allegations documented in publicly filed asbestos litigation. This information is published by an independent media organization — not a law firm — and is educational only. It does not constitute legal advice or provide legal services.