Celotex Pipe Insulation

Celotex Corporation manufactured asbestos-containing pipe insulation, block insulation, and fiberboard products from the early 20th century through the 1970s. Celotex pipe insulation was supplied as preformed half-rounds in standard pipe sizes (typically 1/2" to 24" pipe diameters in 36" lengths), wrapped in canvas or kraft jackets, and was installed on steam, condensate, and process piping in power plants, refineries, chemical plants, hospitals, schools, ships, and commercial buildings.

The asbestos content of Celotex pipe insulation typically included amosite and chrysotile fibers, bound with a calcium silicate or magnesia matrix. Cutting, fitting, and removing Celotex pipe insulation released friable asbestos fibers into worker breathing zones.

Exposure Pathway

Pipefitters, insulators, boilermakers, mechanical maintenance workers, demolition workers, and bystander trades on industrial and commercial construction projects encountered Celotex pipe insulation during:

  • New installation — cutting half-rounds to fit pipe runs, fittings, valves, and pump bodies
  • Repair and maintenance — removing damaged sections and replacing them with fresh material
  • Demolition and abatement — tear-out during plant decommissioning or building renovation
  • Bystander exposure — working in mechanical rooms, pipe galleries, and powerhouse environments where Celotex insulation was being installed or maintained by other trades

Celotex Asbestos Trust

Following bankruptcy proceedings, Celotex established the Celotex Asbestos Trust (Asbestos Settlement Trust) to compensate workers and families with mesothelioma, lung cancer, asbestosis, and other asbestos-related diseases caused by exposure to Celotex products. Specific claim criteria and current claim values are published by the trust.

See Also

This page is informational only and does not constitute legal or medical advice. References to companies and products are drawn from publicly available bankruptcy filings, asbestos litigation records, and industrial trade literature.