Goulds Pumps Inc. Asbestos Exposure

In 1848, Seabury S. Gould transformed Downs, Mynderse & Co. into Downs & Co, marking the start of a venture that would become a major player in pump manufacturing. Initially focusing on wooden pumps, Goulds quickly evolved, with Seabury Gould casting the first all-iron pump in 1849. He envisioned these pumps revolutionizing water delivery across various American landscapes – from the West’s pioneering settlements to the agricultural heartlands of the East and the sprawling plantations of the South. By 1869, Goulds Manufacturing Company was formally incorporated in Seneca Falls, New York. According to Goulds Pumps Website, the company currently has almost 3000 employees at 53 different locations globally.

Expansion and Innovation

Goulds became synonymous with innovative iron pumps, though its product line included church bells, tools, and corn shellers. In 1926, under Norman J. Gould’s leadership, the company rebranded to Goulds Pumps, Inc. and started adapting to changing technology and industrial needs. Throughout the 20th century, Goulds produced pumps for diverse industries like chemical, mining, and water treatment. The Gould family managed the company until 1964, after which it became publicly owned. In 1997, ITT Industries, Inc. acquired Goulds Pumps, which still operates as a subsidiary with global reach.

Asbestos Use in Pumps and Associated Risks

Goulds Pumps, known for their durability and capacity to handle high temperatures and corrosive chemicals, were widely used across various industrial settings. However, until the late 1970s, asbestos was a common component in these pumps – found in gaskets, packing materials, and valves. Asbestos was favored for its heat resistance and strength, particularly in gaskets that needed to endure harsh conditions like exposure to sulfuric acid. The manufacturing and maintenance of these components posed significant health risks, as cutting or removing them would release asbestos dust into the air.

Health Implications for Workers

Workers involved in producing, maintaining, or installing Goulds pumps were at considerable risk of asbestos exposure. This included plumbers, steamfitters, and others tasked with pump maintenance and repair. Frequent replacement of asbestos-containing packing materials further exacerbated the risk, with each removal and installation process releasing asbestos fibers into the environment.

Goulds Pumps in Naval Applications

From the 1940s, Goulds Pumps became a staple on U.S. Naval vessels. This meant that plumbers, steamfitters, boilermakers, insulators, and other marine personnel working on these ships were frequently exposed to asbestos materials during pump maintenance and repair.

Asbestos in Manufacturing Facilities

The manufacturing facilities where Goulds pumps were produced also heavily utilized asbestos materials. This included refractory materials and insulating cement, which contained asbestos for heat resistance. Workers mixing and applying these materials were exposed to airborne asbestos fibers, increasing their risk of asbestos-related diseases.

The Dangers of Asbestos Exposure

The inhalation of asbestos dust and particles, a common occurrence in the application and maintenance of these materials, put workers at a heightened risk of developing serious health conditions like mesothelioma or lung cancer. This risk extended beyond direct contact, affecting even those not directly handling asbestos materials.

Understanding the historical use of asbestos in Goulds Pumps manufacturing is crucial for comprehending the potential health risks associated with asbestos exposure. This knowledge underscores the importance of safety measures and health precautions for those who worked in environments where asbestos-containing materials were present.