Cincinnati Valve Asbestos Exposure

Ohio Asbestos Attorney

Investigating Cincinnati Valve Company Workers with Mesothelioma & Lung Cancer Claims

The Lunkenheimer Valve Company, now known as the Cincinnati Valve Company, in Cincinnati, Ohio, has a long, celebrated history as a manufacturer and distributor of a variety of valves including cast steel, bronze, iron, gate, globe check, boiler, lever, lift and compressor check valves. The company has continued operations since the 19th century, changing ownership a few times, though is still in business in Cincinnati. The Cincinnati Valve Company operates the Cincinnati Lunkenheimer Plant and Foundry.

Lunkenheimer Valve Company constructed their sizable South Fairmount facility to accommodate their growing business in the region, and the buildings themselves were built at a time when asbestos was a common insulator on factory floors, and throughout the facility. As a result, many Lunkenheimer employees were exposed to asbestos at the workplace and are at risk of developing asbestos-related diseases like lung cancer, asbestosis and mesothelioma.

Former workers at Lunkenheimer Valve at the Cincinnati plant and foundry have been diagnosed with lung cancer, mesothelioma cancer, and other asbestos-related illnesses.

Joe Lyon is a highly-rated Ohio asbestos lawyer investigating mesothelioma and lung cancer claims for former Cincinnati Valve Company workers. The Firm works nationally and accepts cases on full contingency to eliminate the financial risk from the family.  

Asbestos Materials in Lukenheimer Products and Packing

Among other evidence and testimony from former workers describing a hazardous work site, Lunkenheimer Valve company catalogs from the 1970s show that asbestos was commonly used in gaskets and packing materials The packing is described as the following:

• Teflon impregnated asbestos
• Africa blue asbestos packing, mica impregnated
• Graphited asbestos containing an inconel wire insert
• Braided asbestos jacket

Asbestos Exposure at Cincinnati Valve Plant and Foundry

Asbestos was regularly used in factories and foundries like Cincinnati Valve for insulation and fire-resistance measures. Because these toxic materials can be difficult to locate, workers may have come in close contact with asbestos on a daily basis and not even realized it. The Lunkenheimer plant was occupied for many years, and deteriorated areas around the facilities may have been the most dangerous asbestos hazards, probably around the following locations:

• Cement piping
• Corrugated paper pipe wrap
• Pipe and boiler insulation
• Spray-applied fireproofing
• Damaged drywall or plaster
• Soundproofing materials
• Floor tiles or ceiling panels
• Aging heating equipment
• Peeling paint
• Vinyl tiles and flooring
• Caulk and construction adhesives
• Joint compounds and textured paints
• Furnace and radiator insulation
• Roofing, shingles and siding

Lunkenheimer Workers at Risk for Lung Cancer

Any worker who walked through or worked in a building lined with asbestos insulation risks at least a small level occupational exposure. Medical studies show, however, that there is no safe level of asbestos exposure. Some Lunkenheimer employees were at a higher risk of inhaling asbestos fibers.

Workers who directly handled asbestos packing materials and products were heavily exposed. Boiler room and furnace maintenance crew were also at high risk in enclosed areas. Factory machines may have also contained asbestos insulation, putting any machinist at risk. Some other positions are also considered high-risk:

• Lathe and drill press operators
• Grinding operators—any workers polishing product surfaces
• Maintenance Crews
• Boiler room workers
• Insulators
• Warehouse part pickers
• Shipping employees

Symptoms of Mesothelioma

The fibers from asbestos can be lodged in the lungs, causing scarring and tumors. Inhaled asbestos fibers can lay dormant in the lungs for decades, eventually leading to cancer and mesothelioma.
By the time symptoms appear, mesothelioma has most likely advanced to a later cancer stage. Symptoms of mesothelioma, asbestosis or lung cancer may include the following:

• Chest pain
• Persistent cough
• Trouble breathing
• Lumps of tissue on chest and abdomen
• Swelling of the abdomen
• Weight loss

Legal Action for Cincinnati Valve Workers

Many former Cincinnati area workers have been diagnosed with asbestosis, mesothelioma, and other asbestos-related diseases. For workers at Lunkenheimer and other manufacturing facilities, there was also the possibility of contaminating the home with asbestos attached to clothing and the body. Entire families could find themselves at risk.

Because of the common use of asbestos at factory work sites, many Ohio workers affected by asbestos-related diseases are seeking financial compensation through litigation. Attorneys for mesothelioma victims contend that management knew about health hazards of asbestos and failed to warn or protect employees.