WPC Gaskets, valves, and packing materials - WM Powell Company (WPC), John Crane Co.

The WM. Powell Company (“WPC”) was incorporated in Ohio in 1886.  Its principal place of business is located in Cincinnati, Ohio.  WPC is a manufacturer and supplier of valves.  Until the mid-1980’s, some of the valves manufactured by WPC contained asbestos-containing gaskets and packing materials. 

Asbestos is a naturally occurring fiber that was once widely used in many industries because it is highly fire, heat and erosion resistant.  As early as the 1930’s, scientists were discovering a link between exposure to asbestos and serious illnesses, such as asbestosis and mesothelioma.  Despite this, it was not until the early 1980’s that federal government and environmental agencies in the United States enacted legislation regarding the use, removal and management of asbestos containing products because of the danger to health. 

WPC manufactured a wide variety of valves, including valves that regulate the flow of high temperature, high pressure steam.  The valves contained asbestos because it helped to withstand the heat and acted as an insulator.  Suppliers of asbestos-containing gaskets and packing to WPC included John Crane Co.  The sizes of  WPC’s valves ranged from ¼ “ in diameter to 42” in diameter.  The pressure ratings of WPC’s valves ranged from 125 lbs. to 2500 lbs.    

WPC’s valves were used in a wide variety of settings including industry and aboard navy ships.   Many veterans, especially of the Navy, have been exposed to asbestos by working around such products in very close, tight quarters.  The handling, removal and installation of asbestos-containing gaskets and packing in WPC valves causes the release of hazardous levels of respirable asbestos fiber and dust from the products into the workplace air, exposing industrial, shipyard and naval workers to this asbestos.   Exposure to asbestos can cause asbestos-related diseases including mesothelioma, lung cancer and asbestosis.

If you or someone you know has been exposed to asbestos as a result of handling or being involved with WPC Gaskets, valves, and packing materials, and if you think such exposure may have caused you or your loved one to become ill with mesothelioma or any other form of asbestos related disease, please contact the lawyers at Clapper, Patti Schweizer & Mason for more information.