💧 Buffalo Pumps Inc. – Asbestos Exposure from Industrial Pumps & Components

Buffalo Pumps Inc. manufactured industrial pumps widely used in chemical plants, power stations, shipyards, and manufacturing facilities. For decades, these pumps incorporated asbestos-containing gaskets, packing, and insulation materials, putting thousands of workers at risk. Maintenance staff, mechanics, pipefitters, and plant operators faced direct exposure during the repair, removal, or installation of these pump systems.

🏢 Company Overview

• Founded: 1887

• Headquarters: North Tonawanda, New York

• Industry: Industrial pump manufacturing

• Peak Asbestos Use: 1940s–1980s

• Current Status: Still operating under Buffalo Pumps, a subsidiary of Ampco-Pittsburgh Corporation

• Asbestos Trust Fund: ❌ No trust established

⚙️ How Buffalo Pumps Used Asbestos

Asbestos was added to pump components to enhance:

• 🔥 Heat resistance

• 🧯 Fireproofing under pressure

• 💧 Durability in high-friction and high-moisture environments

Buffalo Pumps’ products commonly included:

• 🧱 Asbestos gaskets

• 🪠 Packing and sealing materials

• 🔩 Pump casing insulation

Asbestos dust became airborne when old seals were scraped, removed, or replaced, especially during pump repairs and overhauls.

👷 Who Was Exposed?

Workers most at risk from Buffalo Pumps’ asbestos components included:

• 🛠️ Pump maintenance crews

• 🧰 Industrial mechanics

• 🧪 Power plant operators

• ⚙️ Shipyard workers

• 🧱 Pipefitters and insulators

• 🧍‍♂️ On-site safety staff

• 👪 Family members exposed to asbestos fibers on clothing

⚖️ Lawsuits & Legal History

Buffalo Pumps Inc. has faced numerous lawsuits alleging that:

• Their pumps contained unlabeled asbestos parts

• Workers were not warned of health risks

• Failure to provide protective equipment led to exposure

Many of these lawsuits were joined in multi-defendant asbestos cases, especially from:

• U.S. Navy veterans

• Oil refinery employees

• Power plant workers

Although the company has not filed for bankruptcy or created a trust, claims continue to be filed through civil court systems.

📅 Timeline of Asbestos Use

📊 Exposure Estimates

👷 Buffalo Pumps Workers

➡️ Estimated Total Direct Exposure: ~1,050+

🌎 End-User & Industry-Wide Exposure

➡️ Estimated Total External Exposure: ~55,000+

🪖 Military & Government Use

Buffalo Pumps were frequently installed in:

• ⚓ U.S. Navy ships and submarines

• 🛠️ Naval shipyards and dock repair yards

• 🏢 Federal power installations

Thousands of military mechanics and veterans were exposed during pump installation, overhauls, and maintenance, particularly before 1980.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

⚖️ Can I still sue Buffalo Pumps?

✅ Yes. Even without a trust fund, individuals can file:

• Product liability claims

• Third-party lawsuits

• Veterans’ compensation claims (via VA or separate litigation)

⏳ What’s the time limit?

Most states require filing within 2–3 years of diagnosis. Prompt legal consultation is crucial for eligibility.

📑 What proof is needed?

• Medical diagnosis of asbestos illness

• Employment or military records showing use of Buffalo Pumps

• Eyewitness testimony or expert affidavit

• Product manuals or maintenance logs (if available)

🧾 Asbestos-Containing Products from Buffalo Pumps

📌 Summary – Buffalo Pumps Inc.