🔥 Burnham Corporation – Asbestos Exposure from Boilers & Heating Systems

Burnham Corporation, a major manufacturer of residential and commercial boilers, incorporated asbestos insulation and gaskets in many of its products for much of the 20th century. These asbestos components were used to insulate against heat and fire inside heating systems, but they also posed serious health risks to HVAC workers, boiler installers, pipefitters, and maintenance crews who routinely worked with or near these systems.

🏢 Company Overview

• Founded: 1873

• Headquarters: Lancaster, Pennsylvania

• Industry: Heating equipment manufacturing (boilers, radiators)

• Peak Asbestos Use: 1930s–1980s

• Current Status: Operating under Burnham Holdings, Inc.

• Asbestos Trust Fund: ❌ No trust established

🧱 How Burnham Used Asbestos

Burnham used asbestos to improve:

• 🔥 Heat resistance

• 🧯 Fireproofing

• 🧵 Durability in high-heat environments

Asbestos materials were included in:

• 🔩 Internal boiler insulation

• 🔧 Gaskets and seals

• 🧱 Combustion chamber linings

• 🪠 Pipe wrap and fireproof barriers

When boilers were installed, repaired, or dismantled, asbestos dust was often released into the air—especially during scraping or removal of deteriorated components.

👷 Who Was Exposed?

Exposure to asbestos from Burnham products affected:

• 🧰 HVAC technicians and boiler repairmen

• 🧱 Construction laborers and pipefitters

• 🏫 School janitorial and maintenance crews

• 🧪 Utility company workers

• 🏠 Home renovators working with old heating systems

• 👪 Family members of exposed workers (via work clothing)

⚖️ Lawsuits & Legal History

Burnham Corporation has been named in numerous asbestos-related lawsuits, including:

• Claims by HVAC workers and boiler technicians with mesothelioma or lung cancer

• Legal action from veterans and school maintenance workers exposed to their heating systems

• Lawsuits alleging failure to warn and lack of protective instructions

Although Burnham has not filed for bankruptcy and has no asbestos trust, many of these claims have been resolved through individual or joint settlements in court.

📅 Timeline of Asbestos Use

📊 Exposure Estimates

👷 Burnham Employees Exposed

➡️ Estimated Total Direct Employee Exposure: ~2,200+

🌎 External Exposure from Burnham Products

➡️ Estimated Total Non-Employee Exposure: ~55,000+

🪖 Military & Government Use

Burnham boilers were installed in:

• 🪖 Military barracks and base housing

• 🏫 Public schools and municipal buildings

• 🏢 Government-run institutions and federal buildings

Veterans and federal maintenance workers may have encountered asbestos exposure while repairing or servicing these systems.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

⚖️ Can I still sue Burnham Corporation?

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

• Personal injury lawsuits

• Wrongful death claims

• Mass tort or multi-defendant asbestos cases

Many victims have received compensation through court settlements.

🕒 What are the filing deadlines?

Most states require you to file within 2–3 years of a confirmed diagnosis. Acting quickly ensures you preserve your legal rights.

📋 What proof do I need?

• Medical diagnosis of mesothelioma or asbestos-related disease

• Employment or service records showing proximity to Burnham equipment

• Testimony or repair documentation

• Product identification from buildings or invoices

📦 Asbestos-Containing Products by Burnham

📌 Summary – Burnham Corporation