CINCINNATI VALVE 
Asbestos Exposure

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.

Cincinnati Valve Workers Settlements

Former Cincinnati Valve workers who have been diagnosed with lung cancer, pulmonary fibrosis or mesothelioma can file claims and seek compensation. The Lyon Firm can assist and has experience in reaching valuable settlements.