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Flexitallic Gasket Company – Asbestos Exposure

⚙️ Flexitallic Gasket Company – Asbestos Exposure and Legal History

Flexitallic Gasket Company was a prominent manufacturer of asbestos-containing gaskets and sealing products used extensively in industrial settings. Their products, favored for durability and heat resistance, were widely applied in refineries, power plants, and chemical facilities. Maintenance crews and plant operators faced regular asbestos exposure while installing, inspecting, or replacing these gaskets, leading to significant health risks.

🏢 Company Overview

  • Founded: 1882

  • Headquarters: Burlington, Massachusetts

  • Industry: Industrial sealing and gasket manufacturing

  • Parent Company: Flexitallic Group plc

  • Asbestos Use Period: 1930s–1980s

  • Current Status: Active globally; asbestos no longer used

Flexitallic gaskets were installed in pipelines, pressure vessels, and machinery where sealing under extreme temperatures and pressures was critical.

🧰 Asbestos Products and Exposure Points

Flexitallic’s asbestos-containing products included:

  • 🔧 Spiral wound gaskets

  • 🔥 Sheet gasket materials

  • 🛠 Valve and flange seals

  • ⚙️ Custom-cut sealing products

  • 🛡 Insulation gaskets for industrial equipment

Fiber release occurred primarily during gasket removal, installation, and routine plant maintenance.

👷 Workers Most at Risk

Thousands of workers were exposed, particularly:

  • 🛠 Industrial maintenance technicians

  • 🏭 Refinery operators and engineers

  • ⚙️ Power plant maintenance crews

  • 🔧 Pipefitters and boilermakers

  • 📦 Warehouse personnel handling gasket materials

Exposure continued for decades, even after asbestos regulations limited use.

🏛 Military and Government Connections

Flexitallic products were utilized in:

  • 🛢 Government-run refineries and power plants

  • 🏗 Military industrial facilities

  • 🚢 Naval shipyards for engine and boiler maintenance

  • 🏢 Federal infrastructure projects

Military and government workers faced exposure during inspections and repairs in enclosed mechanical areas.

⚠️ Health Risks from Exposure

Exposure linked to severe diseases such as:

  • 🎗 Mesothelioma (lung and abdominal)

  • 🫁 Lung cancer

  • 🩺 Asbestosis and pulmonary fibrosis

  • 🦠 Chronic pleural conditions

Latency periods caused symptoms to appear decades post-exposure.

⚖️ Lawsuits and Litigation

Flexitallic has been involved in numerous asbestos-related claims due to:

  • ❌ Inadequate warnings about asbestos dangers

  • 📦 Distribution of asbestos-laden sealing products

  • 🔄 Exposure during maintenance and replacement operations

Plaintiffs often included refinery and power plant workers.

💰 Notable Settlements

  • 💵 Settlements awarded to many mesothelioma and asbestosis victims

  • 🤝 Participation in multi-defendant litigation and trust funds

  • ⚖️ Ongoing claims related to historic asbestos use

📅 Chronological Timeline of Asbestos Use

Period Company Activity Asbestos Use
1930s–1950s Growth in industrial gasket production Extensive asbestos gasket manufacturing
1960s–1970s Widespread use in refineries and plants Asbestos gaskets standard in sealing applications
1980s Regulatory changes prompt material shift Transition to asbestos-free gasket products
1990s–2000s Legal claims increase Named in lawsuits by exposed workers
Present Global operations; no asbestos use Trust funds handle legacy claims

📊 Exposure Estimates

Workers Exposed at Facilities Using Flexitallic Products:

Role Estimated Number Exposed
🛠 Industrial maintenance workers 18,000
🏭 Refinery and plant operators 12,000
🔧 Pipefitters and boilermakers 6,000
📦 Warehouse and shipping staff 3,500

Total Direct Exposure Estimate: ~39,500 workers

People Exposed Through Products (Non-Employees):

Category Estimated Number Exposed
🔧 Independent industrial contractors 5,000
🛠 Repair subcontractors 3,200
⚙️ DIY or small-scale users 1,800

Total Product-Related Exposure Estimate: ~10,000 people

❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I file a lawsuit against Flexitallic?

✅ Yes. If diagnosed with an asbestos-related disease after exposure to Flexitallic gaskets, you may qualify for legal claims.

What documents do I need?

  • 📝 Proof of work or site where Flexitallic gaskets were used

  • 🩺 Medical diagnosis of asbestos illness

  • 👥 Witness statements or employment records

Is there a trust fund?

💼 Yes. Flexitallic has asbestos trust funds to compensate exposure victims.

🏢 Company Status Today

  • ✔️ Continues to manufacture sealing products globally

  • ❌ No longer uses asbestos in any products

  • ⚖️ Active in asbestos litigation and trust fund claims

  • 💼 Established trust funds for historical exposure claims

📌 Summary Snapshot – Flexitallic Gasket Company

Founded 1882
Industry Industrial gaskets & sealing
Asbestos Use Asbestos sheet & spiral wound gaskets
At-Risk Workers Maintenance, refinery, power plant staff
Lawsuits Filed Yes – ongoing
Trust Fund? Yes

⚖️ How a Mesothelioma Lawyer Can Help

Lawyers can support by:

  • 🔎 Identifying Flexitallic asbestos exposure

  • 📂 Researching employment and repair histories

  • 📄 Filing claims or lawsuits

  • ⏰ Meeting deadlines and managing paperwork

  • 🤝 Representing workers and families

  • 💰 Working on contingency, no upfront cost

📞 Free Legal Help for Flexitallic Asbestos Exposure

If you or a loved one was exposed to asbestos from Flexitallic gaskets and diagnosed with mesothelioma or related illnesses, compensation may be available.

Call Now: 800.291.0963

  • 💬 Free consultation

  • 💸 No fees unless we win

  • 🧑‍🔧 Help with product identification

  • 👨‍👩‍👧 Support for exposed workers and families

Or request help online 24/7


Find Out If You Qualify Today!

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This means NO MONEY OUT OF POCKET EXPENSES by the asbestos victims or their families. You will find the contingency fees to be among the lowest in the country.

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