American Standard Inc., a major manufacturer of plumbing products, industrial valves, and HVAC equipment headquartered in Piscataway, New Jersey, produced a range of valve products used in US Navy ship plumbing, steam service, and pressure regulation systems. American Standard’s industrial valve division manufactured globe valves, gate valves, pressure reducing valves, and steam pressure regulators used in Navy ship auxiliary systems, shore facility plumbing, and steam distribution systems across the fleet.

Asbestos in American Standard Valve Products

American Standard industrial valves used asbestos-containing materials in valve stuffing box and joint sealing:

  • Valve stem packing — American Standard globe valves and gate valves used in Navy steam and water service used asbestos compressed packing rings in the valve stuffing box, sealing the valve stem against steam or water pressure. Hull Technicians (HT) and Machinist’s Mates (MM) repacking American Standard valves in ship plumbing and steam systems removed deteriorated asbestos packing and installed replacement packing cut from asbestos sheet stock during routine valve maintenance
  • Pressure reducing valve diaphragm assemblies — American Standard pressure reducing valves used in ship water pressure regulation used asbestos-containing diaphragm or gasket materials in the valve body at the pressure-sensing element, disturbed during valve overhaul and diaphragm replacement
  • Valve body gaskets — bolted-body American Standard valve constructions used asbestos sheet gaskets at the valve body joint, disturbed at each valve disassembly

Shore Facility and Building System Applications

American Standard valve products appeared widely in Navy shore facility plumbing and mechanical systems:

  • Building plumbing systems — steam supply and hot water heating systems in Navy barracks, administration buildings, and technical facilities at naval stations and shipyards used American Standard valves with asbestos packing throughout the WWII-era building stock
  • Steam pressure regulation — the pressure reducing valve stations stepping down high-pressure steam from base distribution mains to building operating pressure used American Standard pressure reducing valves with asbestos-containing sealing components at naval shore facilities
  • Ship fresh water system valves — American Standard valves in ship fresh water distribution and hot water service systems used asbestos packing in low-temperature water service applications throughout the surface ship fleet

VA Claims for Veterans Exposed to American Standard Products

VA presumptive service connection under 38 CFR § 3.309(d) covers asbestos exposure from valve maintenance in Navy ship and shore facility systems. Engineering ratings and maintenance personnel who performed maintenance on American Standard and similar valve products with asbestos-containing stem packing and gaskets and have since been diagnosed with mesothelioma, asbestosis, or asbestos-related lung cancer may qualify for VA disability benefits.