American Brass Asbestos Exposure & Compensation

American Brass Company was a major brass manufacturer in Connecticut, with plants in Ansonia and Waterbury. It operated rod mills, wire-drawing rooms, casting shops, kettle rooms, tinning shops, and boiler rooms. Workers faced extreme heat and heavy machinery, typical of early 20th-century brass manufacturing. Both locations have been identified as sources of asbestos exposure, that put employees at risk of developing mesothelioma.

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If you or a loved one was diagnosed with an asbestos-related disease, Early, Lucarelli, Sweeney & Meisenkothen (ELSM) can help. Our mesothelioma lawyers have helped thousands of families pursue compensation for illnesses that occurred as a result of asbestos exposure at jobsites, including at American Brass Company.

American Brass Company at a Glance

• Founded in 1899 through the consolidation of several brass firms, including Benedict & Burnham Manufacturing Company.
• American Brass had manufacturing facilities that produced brass sheets, brass rods, tubing, wire, and a wide array of brass products used in plumbing, electrical, and industrial applications.
• American Brass Company grew to dominate U.S. brass production, manufacturing up to two-thirds of the nation’s brass products, during a period when asbestos was used heavily throughout the industry. The company employed thousands of workers across its Connecticut facilities.
• At least 5 asbestos bankruptcy trusts list one or more American Brass locations as known asbestos exposure sites.
• Individuals diagnosed with mesothelioma or other asbestos-related diseases from asbestos exposure at American Brass may be able to pursue compensation with the help of experienced asbestos attorneys at ELSM.

Asbestos Exposure at American Brass Company

Asbestos exposure occurred at American Brass Company’s Ansonia and Waterbury plants. Employees frequently worked near furnaces, boilers, steam lines, and machinery that were often insulated with asbestos materials. Maintenance, repair, and installation tasks caused asbestos fibers to become airborne, putting workers at risk of inhaling the toxic fibers.

Working conditions at American Brass Company have been described as harsh and often unbearable from intense heat in certain areas of the plant.

Key Dates in American Brass Company History and Asbestos Exposure:

• Pre-1900s: Benedict & Burnham operates brass works in Waterbury.
• 1899: Formation of American Brass Company from regional brass manufacturers.
• 1900s–1920s: Widespread use of asbestos in industrial facilities begins in the United States, including insulation for furnaces, boilers, and pipes.
• 1922: American Brass Company acquired by Anaconda Copper, becoming Anaconda American Brass Company.
• 1940s–1970s: High-heat areas and routine maintenance in American Brass Company plants put workers at risk of asbestos exposure due to widespread use of asbestos in insulation, gaskets, and machinery parts.
• 1977: Atlantic Richfield Company (ARCO) acquires Anaconda, assuming responsibility for former American Brass Company operations.

After 1977, American Brass operations became part of ARCO’s portfolio. Over the next decades, the company identity and many Connecticut operations were sold, downsized, or closed. The Waterbury plants largely closed in the 1970s and 1980s. The sites have since been cleared and incorporated into various brownfield redevelopment projects. The Ansonia complex remained active much longer, but eventually closed. It has been identified as a brownfield with historical contamination, including asbestos, and has been the subject of cleanup grants, demolition, and redevelopment planning.

High-Risk Occupations at American Brass Company

Workers in American Brass plants were exposed to asbestos primarily through high-risk occupations, including:

• Boiler and powerhouse mechanics
• Casting shop and kettle room employees
• Maintenance mechanics and pipefitters
• Tinning shop workers
• Rod mill operators and wire-drawing room workers

Other occupations at American Brass Company that placed workers at elevated risk for asbestos exposure and asbestos-related health conditions, include:

These roles involved handling or working near asbestos-insulated equipment, steam lines, gaskets, and protective materials, which created long-term risk of mesothelioma and other asbestos-related diseases.

Asbestos Products Used at American Brass Company

Asbestos was frequently used to insulate furnaces and boilers, line steam pipes, and used in gaskets. It was also incorporated into personal protective equipment and clothing to protect workers from the extreme heat.

Common asbestos products included:

• Boiler and pipe insulation on steam systems
• Electrical insulation for wiring and control panels
• Furnace and kiln linings with asbestos boards or bricks
• Gaskets, packing, and rope for valves, pumps, and machinery
• Heat-resistant clothing such as gloves, aprons, and curtains

American Brass employees performing maintenance on machinery had an increased risk of asbestos exposure. The installation, maintenance, or repair of these products released asbestos fibers. Workers who inhaled these airborne asbestos fibers were subjected to long-term health risks, like mesothelioma and lung cancer.

When we were covering the pipes and doing the fittings, I always had to put the asbestos over the high-temp cement as a finish coat. Insulator
Recalling work at American Brass Company, 1966

Compensation for American Brass Company Employees With Mesothelioma

If you or someone close to you has been diagnosed with mesothelioma following exposure to asbestos at American Brass Company, you may qualify for financial compensation.

It is possible to seek legal action and pursue compensation from companies that supplied asbestos-containing products to American Brass. If those manufacturers are still operating, lawsuits may be filed directly against them. Some companies have since declared bankruptcy and established asbestos trust funds to compensation individuals who submit qualified claims.

Asbestos Trust Fund Claims

American Brass Company does not have its own asbestos trust fund. However, a number of bankrupt manufacturers that supplied or produced asbestos-containing materials used at American Brass Company sites have created trust funds.

Below is a list of bankrupt companies with asbestos trust funds that recognize at least one American Brass Company location in Ansonia or Waterbury as an approved jobsite.

Bankrupt Asbestos Company	Asbestos Exposure Start Date	Asbestos Exposure End Date
A.P. Green Industries	1/1/1963
Babcock & Wilcox	4/1/1903	12/31/1982
Fibreboard		12/31/1982
Halliburton	1/1/1918	12/31/1982
United States Gypsum	1/1/1963	1/2/1968

Over the years, the company underwent several mergers and consolidations, resulting in name changes and corporate restructuring. These related companies — Benedict & Burnham Manufacturing Company, Anaconda American Brass Company, Ansonia Copper and Brass, and Anaconda Copper Mining Company — all share historical ties to American Brass Company and are represented in the table above.

Asbestos Lawsuits

ELSM has represented thousands of mesothelioma victims, including a number of clients whose exposure occurred at American Brass Company. The mesothelioma lawyers at ELSM focus on maximizing financial recovery for their clients while minimizing the time and effort required from them during the legal process. Their priority is ensuring clients can focus on treatment and maintain quality of life.

An American Brass Company mesothelioma lawsuit will likely be filed in Connecticut. In most cases, clients only need to provide a deposition describing their work history and asbestos exposure. Rarely, a case may proceed to trial to determine compensation. ELSM has a strong record of achieving successful mesothelioma settlements and trial verdicts in Connecticut.

Workers’ Compensation

Workers’ Compensation Benefits are available for Mesothelioma Victims in Connecticut. Both current and former employees in Connecticut are protected by strong workers’ compensation laws, especially when it comes to occupational diseases such as mesothelioma, lung cancer and other asbestos-related illnesses. Mesothelioma lawyers at ELSM help clients navigate the workers’ compensation process and file claims to maximize benefits.

Common Questions About Asbestos Exposure at American Brass Company

When did asbestos exposure occur at American Brass?

Asbestos was most commonly used in insulation, gaskets, and protective gear from the 1910s through the 1970s at American Brass, putting workers at risk. Exposure was highest during the peak industrial operations of the Waterbury and Ansonia plants in the mid-20th century.

Can family members file claims for secondary asbestos exposure at American Brass?

Yes. Family members who were exposed to asbestos fibers brought home on workers’ clothing may be eligible for compensation. This type of exposure, known as secondary asbestos exposure, can occur through everyday activities such as hugging a family member or handling their work clothes. Inhalation of these fibers can lead to serious illnesses, including mesothelioma, lung cancer, or asbestosis. Qualified family members can pursue claims through lawsuits or asbestos trust funds.

What steps should I take if I was exposed to asbestos at American Brass?

If you were exposed to asbestos at American Brass, contact a mesothelioma lawyer or asbestos law firm to assess your case and review your legal options, such as filing lawsuits or asbestos trust fund claims. ELSM has represented thousands of mesothelioma victims, and their loved ones receive compensation, including employees of the American Brass Company.