Asbestos Exposure at ITT
International Telephone & Telegraph (ITT) once used asbestos in its electronics and industrial products. The mineral was popular in these industries for its heat protection. But asbestos also poses serious health risks. Workers and consumers may have been exposed through ITT’s asbestos use.
For more than a century, ITT has been a prominent company with many subsidiaries. A quick look at its history and asbestos use:
- In the 1920s, ITT began as an early provider of international telecommunications services and telephone switching equipment.
- For several decades, it expanded as a manufacturer of electrical, piping and industrial products. It formed hundreds of subsidiaries, like Bell & Gosset, across many industries.
- Until the 1980s, workers at ITT and its subsidiaries used asbestos-containing gear and products. ITT products and components often included asbestos. Notable examples include cement pipes, insulation and gaskets.
Workers in many roles may have faced asbestos risks from ITT products. Those diagnosed with mesothelioma may be able to seek compensation.
ITT Quick Facts
- ITT has undergone several name changes. It may be recognizable as ITT Inc., ITT Corporation, ITT Kellogg, ITT Telecommunications and ITT Industries Inc.
- ITT has hundreds of subsidiaries and brands under its umbrella. Those known for past asbestos use include Bell & Gosset, Goulds Pumps Inc. and Grinnell LLC.
- In 2021, ITT transferred its asbestos liabilities to InTelCo (a subsidiary). This is similar to how other major companies have handled asbestos litigation.
- Approximately 20 ITT and subsidiary locations have been identified as exposure sites by asbestos bankruptcy trust funds.
High-Risk Occupations at ITT
Many workers were exposed to asbestos through ITT’s industrial and electrical manufacturing operations. Employees often worked in environments where asbestos was part of everyday activities. The mineral was used both to prevent factory fires and control heat in products.
ITT workers often handled or repaired equipment containing asbestos. Cutting gaskets, grinding parts or replacing insulation could also release asbestos dust. These activities are considered high risk for occupational asbestos exposure. Workers at risk of asbestos exposure from ITT include:
- Boiler workers
- Electricians
- Engineers
- HVAC workers
- Industrial workers
- Insulators
- Machinists
- Maintenance technicians
- Pipefitters
- Plant workers
- Plumbers
- Power plant workers
Families of these workers also faced secondary exposure risks. They could inhale or ingest asbestos that workers accidentally brought home on their bodies and gear.
Resources for Mesothelioma Patients
Asbestos Products Used and Manufactured at ITT
ITT used asbestos in many products for heat resistance and durability. Asbestos was found in materials both made and used by ITT. The company’s subsidiaries, especially Grinnell and Bell & Gossett, also relied on asbestos. Workers used asbestos-containing protective gear made by other companies. They regularly wore asbestos gloves and used asbestos pipe wraps.
Asbestos products ITT made or used include:
- Cement pipes
- Electrical components
- Gaskets
- Insulation
- Packing
- Pipe wraps
- Protective gear
- Pumps
- Valves
- Wires
In the 1980s, ITT and its subsidiaries stopped using asbestos in new products. But older products and equipment could still potentially expose workers to the mineral. Today, the company deals with ongoing legal claims tied to exposures through its older products and facilities.
Compensation for ITT Employees With Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma patients who worked for ITT may qualify for financial compensation. The same may be true if patients worked for any of its subsidiaries. Mesothelioma lawyers can review clients’ work history and determine which asbestos companies may be at fault. For instance:
- The wife of a marine machinist who worked at Charleston Naval Base sued Grinnell.
- In another case, a pipefitter had worked for various companies at Newport News shipyards in Virginia. He filed a lawsuit against Grinnell.
- An 81-year-old plumber filed an asbestos lawsuit against Gilfillan (an ITT subsidiary). He received $1.6 million.
Potential legal options include mesothelioma lawsuits or asbestos trust fund claims. Both may lead to compensation for victims and their loved ones. It may help with lost income, medical costs and other related expenses.
Asbestos Trust Fund Claims
Many ITT, Grinnell and Bell & Gossett locations have been identified as known asbestos exposure sites by bankrupt asbestos companies that established trust funds. Its top location was Columbia, Pennsylvania.
| Asbestos Company Name | Eligibility Start Date | Eligibility End Date |
| A.P. Green | 1/1/1966 | |
| Eagle-Picher | ||
| United States Gypsum | 1/1/1966 | 1/2/1968 |
Other ITT, Grinnell and Bell & Gossett facilities identified by asbestos bankruptcy trust funds include the following locations:
- Cranston and Providence, RI
- Kernersville, NC
- Livermore, CA
- Morton Grove, IL
- Piketon and Warren, OH
- Princeton, KY
- Sacramento, CA
- Savannah, GA
Common Questions About Asbestos Exposure at ITT
- What if I was exposed to asbestos while working at ITT?
Asbestos exposure at ITT puts you at risk of mesothelioma and other asbestos diseases. These diseases can take decades to appear. If you haven’t been diagnosed, you can share your concerns about previous asbestos exposure with your doctor. After a mesothelioma diagnosis, asbestos lawyers can help you pursue compensation.
- Can you sue ITT for working around asbestos?
Anyone diagnosed with mesothelioma who worked for ITT may be able to take legal action. Depending on details like when and how you worked for ITT, filing a lawsuit may be an option. Other potential paths to pursue include asbestos trust fund claims and workers’ compensation.
- Can family members of ITT workers also file claims for mesothelioma?
Yes, family members of former ITT workers can file lawsuits if their loved one passed away from mesothelioma. These wrongful death lawsuits may help compensate for medical bills, lost income and emotional suffering. Asbestos law firms have experienced lawyers on staff who can navigate these lawsuits.
