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Jobs at Risk of Asbestos Exposure in Houston

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Houston Jobs at Risk for Asbestos Exposure

Robins Cloud LLP – Protecting Houston Workers & Families

Asbestos exposure remains a critical workplace health risk in Houston—even decades after the dangers of this mineral became well known. Despite federal regulations and widespread awareness, asbestos is still found in scores of industrial, commercial, and even residential settings across the city. This hidden threat puts thousands of Houston-area workers and their families at risk for serious illnesses such as asbestosis, lung cancer, and mesothelioma.

At Robins Cloud LLP, our Houston asbestos lawyers are dedicated to helping those harmed by occupational exposure. Below, we outline which jobs face the greatest risks, lesser-known sources of danger, and how to take action if you or a loved one has been affected.

High-Risk Jobs and Industries for Asbestos Exposure in Houston

Houston’s economy has long been anchored by heavy industry—making it a national hotspot for asbestos-related illnesses. The most hazardous fields include:

Shipyard Workers

Houston’s busy shipyards, especially those along the Houston Ship Channel, have historically used asbestos extensively for insulation and fireproofing. Shipbuilders, insulators, pipefitters, welders, engineers, and longshoremen all face a significant risk from handling asbestos-containing materials in ships, dry docks, and maintenance facilities.

Oil Refineries & Petrochemical Plants

Houston is the nation’s oil and gas capital. Asbestos was widely used in refineries and chemical plants to insulate pipes, boilers, tanks, and to protect machinery and workers from heat and fire. Plant workers, pipefitters, machinists, electricians, and engineers are all at increased risk.

Construction & Demolition Workers

From the 1940s through the 1980s, asbestos was a staple in construction materials: insulation, cement, roofing, tiles, joint compounds, and more. Today, those involved in renovations or demolitions of older buildings can unknowingly disturb asbestos fibers, causing dangerous airborne exposure for laborers, carpenters, roofers, and cleanup crews.

Power Plants & Utilities

Power plants relied on asbestos for energy insulation, using it in turbines, boilers, pipes, and fireproof equipment. Maintenance workers, engineers, electricians, and pipefitters working at power facilities are still considered high risk, especially when servicing legacy equipment.

Manufacturing

Houston’s manufacturing sector—including chemical processing, metal works, and plastics production—has employed asbestos in machinery, protective clothing, automotive brake linings, and gaskets. Factory and maintenance workers may face exposure even today.

First Responders

Firefighters and emergency responders may encounter asbestos when older buildings burn, collapse, or are demolished. Damaged insulation, ceiling tiles, and flooring can release asbestos fibers into the air.

Teachers and Custodians

Many schools and public buildings in Houston were built during the peak use of asbestos. Maintenance staff and even teachers may face ongoing risks from deteriorating asbestos-containing materials.

Notable Houston Job Sites with Documented Asbestos Hazards

Houston’s industrial and commercial history means asbestos lurks at a variety of job sites, such as:

  • Houston Ship Channel Shipyards
  • ExxonMobil, Shell, Chevron, and other refineries
  • Goodyear Chemical, Monsanto, and other chemical plants
  • CenterPoint Energy power stations
  • Downtown’s older office towers and high-rise buildings
  • Public schools, hospitals, and universities built before 1980
  • Large commercial building renovation projects

If you worked at or regularly visited these types of sites—especially before strict asbestos laws took effect in the late 1970s—you may have been exposed.

Hidden Sources of Asbestos in Modern Houston

While “legacy” industries carry the obvious risk, there are lesser-known exposures at play today:

  • Renovating or demolishing older homes (especially those built before 1980), which can disturb asbestos in insulation, flooring, popcorn ceilings, or shingles.
  • Maintenance of aging infrastructure like water pipes, electrical conduits, or boiler rooms.
  • Auto mechanics replacing brakes or clutches on older vehicles.
  • First responders (firefighters, paramedics) encountering asbestos while fighting fires or working at accident sites involving older structures.
  • Teachers, hospital staff, or public workers stationed in pre-1980 buildings that may contain undisturbed but deteriorating asbestos materials.

Even families can be secondarily exposed if a worker brings fibers home on their clothing, skin, or hair—a phenomenon known as “take-home exposure.”

Signs You May Have Been Exposed to Asbestos

Asbestos diseases take years—often decades—to manifest. Warning signs and steps to watch for include:

  • Symptoms: Persistent cough, shortness of breath, chest pain, hoarseness, unexplained weight loss, or fatigue may be early signs of asbestosis or mesothelioma.
  • Work History: If your job or job site is associated with asbestos or you handled unfamiliar insulation or construction materials, you could be at risk.
  • Family History: If a close family member worked an at-risk job, ask your doctor about secondary exposure risks.

It is essential to discuss any potential exposure with your physician and to get regular screenings if you are concerned, especially if you have respiratory symptoms and a history of working in at-risk Houston industries.

How Robins Cloud LLP Can Help Houston Asbestos Victims

If you or a loved one has developed mesothelioma, asbestosis, or another asbestos-related illness, time is of the essence. Our experienced mesothelioma attorneys can:

  • Investigate and identify asbestos exposure sources
  • Locate responsible parties, such as manufacturers or employers
  • File claims for compensation to cover medical costs, lost wages, and pain and suffering
  • Pursue justice from settlement through trial—no fees unless we win

We know how overwhelming a mesothelioma diagnosis can feel. Robins Cloud LLP provides compassionate guidance, sound legal strategy, and decades of advocacy for Houston’s workers and their families.

Making Sure Our Clients Are Taken Care Of

Recent Case Results & Verdicts

The amounts listed below are net to client after the deduction for attorney fees and expenses. 


  • Construction Worker Diagnosed with Mesothelioma $3,665,000

    (net to client) A man was diagnosed with mesothelioma at age 70. He was a construction worker who later owned his own company.

  • Jury Verdict for Aircraft Mechanic with Mesothelioma $3,625,000

    (net to client) This case went to trial against one of the asbestos pipe insulation manufacturers and was settled after a jury rendered a verdict in favor of our client.

  • Jury Verdict for Refinery Worker $2,866,000

    (net to client) This case went to trial and was settled after a jury rendered a verdict in favor of our client.

  • Jury Verdict for Refinery Worker $2,653,000

    (net to client) This case went to trial and was settled after a jury rendered a verdict in favor of our client.

  • Jury Verdict for Refinery Worker with Mesothelioma $2,450,000

    (net to client) This case was tried to a verdict and was settled at a later date after a jury rendered a verdict in favor of our client.

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