Asbestos cement pipe, also commonly referred to as transite pipe, was constructed from cement and asbestos fibers. It was highly resistant to corrosion and was widely used in drainage systems and gas lines. Because asbestos-containing cement pipes were laid underground, installation and maintenance work took place in ditches. Asbestos cement pipe was commonly used up until the late 1970’s when it was replaced with plastic or PVC piping because of the health dangers it posed to workers.
Working with or around asbestos-containing materials can cause mesothelioma and other asbestos-related diseases. There is generally a latency period of ten to fifteen years between exposure to asbestos fibers and the development of mesothelioma. Pipe fitters and plumbers who worked with asbestos cement pipe prior to the late 1970’s are just beginning to experience symptoms of mesothelioma, lung cancer and asbestosis.
Due to the unique texture of asbestos cement pipes, workers, including plumbers and pipe fitters, used a handsaw or a cutoff saw to cut the pipe to length. It was also necessary to cut the pipe to accommodate corners or additional fittings, including valves, or attaching the pipe to a hydrant. An asbestos cement “collar” was attached as a way of fitting two sections of pipe together. When an asbestos cement pipe was cut or fit, a great deal of dust was generated putting workers at risk of inhaling the dust and years later developing mesothelioma or lung cancer.
Asbestos cement pipe, a whitish-grey color, was produced in a variety of widths and lengths. The 8” width pipe was most commonly used, but different jobs could call for pipe that was thinner or thicker.
Asbestos cement pipe was well suited for its use, but it was also relatively fragile. It could smash completely if dropped, and would show definite signs of wear after having been in place for even a short amount of time.
Our attorneys have gathered a vast amount of information concerning asbestos cement pipe. If you or a loved one once worked with asbestos cement pipe and have been diagnosed with an asbestos-related disease such as mesothelioma or lung cancer, please contact us for a free case evaluation.
Common defendants in an asbestos cement pipe case include:
Local distributors often delivered asbestos cement pipe to job sites, as they are often implicated in a lawsuit as well. Common New York distributors of asbestos cement pipe include:
We hope that you will never be diagnosed with mesothelioma, lung cancer, or suffer a catastrophic injury, but if you are, contact us at Lipsitz, Ponterio & Comerford so we can begin the fight.
Call Today: 866-238-1452 or fill out the online form.
Your state’s law may limit your time to file a legal claim. For a free and confidential case evaluation, please complete this form.