Asbestos Gaskets: A Complete Guide

Asbestos, a naturally occurring mineral, was once used extensively in gaskets. Workers in industries like plumbing and pipefitting, shipbuilding and manufacturing regularly handled asbestos gaskets—possibly resulting in asbestos exposure and severe health issues, including mesothelioma.

If you’ve been diagnosed with mesothelioma after working with asbestos gaskets, you may have the right to seek compensation for your medical expenses, lost wages and other damages. Learn about your rights and how you may have been exposed.

What Are Asbestos Gaskets?

Gaskets are ring-shaped devices used to form a tight seal between two surfaces, such as pipes, valves or machine components. Chrysotile asbestos, one of the most common types of asbestos, was used to make gaskets more resistant to pressure, heat and chemicals. Gasket asbestos was also versatile—it could be woven into different shapes or ground into a powder and mixed with other materials.

Types of Asbestos Gaskets

The versatility of asbestos gasket materials meant they were used in many different applications and industries. Some of the common types of asbestos gaskets include:

• Rope gaskets: These are flexible, woven gaskets shaped like ropes, used in high-heat environments like furnaces, boilers and ovens.
• Sheet gaskets: These flat gaskets were cut from cardboard-like or plastic sheets that combined asbestos with other fibers.
• Spiral-wound gaskets: Combining layers of asbestos with layers of metal, these gaskets were commonly used in applications that require extreme heat and chemical resistance.
• Oval or ring gaskets: Shaped to fit specific flanges and pipe joints, these asbestos gaskets were essential for sealing pipelines and high-pressure systems.

Historical Use of Gaskets with Asbestos

All sorts of asbestos products were widely used from the early 1900s until the 1980s. As the health risks became undeniable in the 1970s and 1980s, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) began to regulate asbestos use, but its use in gaskets and other items, like brake pads, continued.

In 2024, the EPA finalized a rule banning asbestos, which mentions gaskets specifically. It bans asbestos sheet gaskets starting in 2026. While this is a step in the right direction, workers who were exposed in the past are still at risk, as is anyone who works with existing asbestos gaskets.

Health Risks of Asbestos Gaskets

When asbestos gaskets are installed, removed or replaced, asbestos fibers can become airborne. Workers who inhale these fibers are at risk of developing asbestos-related diseases, including mesothelioma, lung cancer and asbestosis.

Mesothelioma, a cancer that forms in the lining around the lungs, abdomen or heart, can develop decades after exposure. In addition to occupational exposure, workers may also bring home asbestos fibers on their clothing, tools or hair and contribute to secondary asbestos exposure in family members.

Occupations At-Risk

Asbestos gaskets can be found in many different industries, but certain occupations have a higher likelihood of exposure. Jobs at risk of mesothelioma include:

• Plumbers and pipefitters who worked with pipe flanges, boilers and valves where asbestos gaskets were frequently used.
• Shipyard workers who handled asbestos gaskets in insulation and engine components while maintaining and repairing ships.
• Automotive mechanics who worked on vehicle engines and brakes could encounter asbestos gaskets in seals, manifolds and exhaust systems.
• Factory and refinery workers who were likely in the presence of asbestos gaskets, as their workplaces used them in a variety of equipment.
• Maintenance workers who regularly serviced machinery and heavy equipment with gaskets may also have been exposed.

Asbestos Gasket Manufacturers

Today it’s clear that some companies knew about the health risks of asbestos as early as the 1930s but continued to use it in their products. Some asbestos companies that manufactured gaskets include:

Compensation for Mesothelioma Victims

If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with mesothelioma after exposure to asbestos gaskets, you may be eligible for compensation. A mesothelioma law firm can help you file asbestos claims in a few different ways:

• Mesothelioma lawsuits: Filing a mesothelioma lawsuit is one of the best ways to recover compensation for medical expenses, lost wages and pain and suffering. Your attorney will work to prove that your asbestos gasket exposure caused your mesothelioma by gathering evidence like work history and medical records.
• Asbestos trust funds: These funds were created by companies that filed for bankruptcy due to asbestos-related liabilities. Asbestos trust funds allow mesothelioma victims to file claims and receive compensation quickly.
• VA benefits: Veterans who were exposed to asbestos during military service, for example in Navy shipyards, may be eligible for benefits from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), including disability compensation, healthcare and survivor benefits for family members.
• Workers’ compensation: If you were exposed to asbestos while on the job, mesothelioma workers’ compensation may be available to cover your medical expenses and some lost wages.

How an Experienced Mesothelioma Lawyer Can Help

After a mesothelioma diagnosis, it can be hard to know what to do next. Contacting an experienced mesothelioma law firm like Early, Lucarelli, Sweeney and Meisenkothen (ELSM) is the first step to getting the compensation you deserve. We can guide you through all your legal options.

With decades of experience, we know how to build a strong case and hold asbestos companies accountable. At ELSM, we focus on helping mesothelioma victims, particularly those exposed to asbestos on the job, get the justice they deserve. Contact us today for a free case evaluation.

FAQs

Is there asbestos in gaskets?

Yes, many gaskets do contain asbestos, especially those manufactured or installed before the 1980s. Even after many other industries phased out asbestos, industrial and automotive applications continued to use gaskets with small amounts of asbestos. And, although the EPA ban on asbestos gaskets will go into effect in 2026, workers replacing or servicing older equipment could still be exposed.

How do you identify asbestos gaskets?

It can be difficult to visually identify asbestos gaskets, as they often look the same as those without asbestos. If you suspect a gasket contains asbestos, the safest way to confirm is to consult with a professional asbestos abatement team before disturbing the material.

What can I do if I was exposed to asbestos at work?

Mesothelioma and other asbestos-related diseases may not appear for decades, so regular monitoring is important. If you’re diagnosed with an asbestos-related condition, consult with a lawyer to understand your rights and pursue compensation.

How do I file a claim for asbestos exposure related to gaskets?

Filing a claim starts with consulting an attorney experienced in asbestos diseases like mesothelioma. They’ll help you gather medical records, document your exposure to asbestos gaskets and pursue compensation. Having an attorney guide you through the process helps you meet deadlines and maximize your compensation amount.

What compensation is available for asbestos-related diseases caused by gasket exposure?

Compensation options include settlements from personal injury lawsuits, claims from asbestos trust funds, VA benefits for veterans and workers’ compensation. Working with a mesothelioma attorney will help you navigate the best path for your unique situation and ensure you receive fair compensation for your diagnosis.