Philip Carey Manufacturing Company, headquartered in Cincinnati, Ohio, was a manufacturer of asbestos pipe covering, block insulation, asbestos cloth, and thermal insulation products for industrial and marine steam system applications — including products used in US Navy vessel steam systems and shore facility mechanical systems. Carey pipe covering products appeared in naval steam plant piping insulation from the pre-WWII era through the asbestos phase-down in Navy construction specifications. The Philip Carey name appeared in Navy Bureau of Ships approved product lists for insulation applications throughout the mid-20th century.

Philip Carey Asbestos Products in Naval Service

Carey manufactured a range of asbestos thermal insulation products for steam system application:

  • Carey magnesia pipe covering — magnesia (magnesium carbonate) pipe covering reinforced with asbestos fiber was Carey’s primary steam pipe insulation product for the temperatures encountered in Navy main steam systems. Carey magnesia pipe covering in 85% magnesia/15% asbestos formulations was applied to high-temperature steam lines throughout naval vessel engineering spaces and maintained by Machinist’s Mates and Boiler Technicians in routine insulation work
  • Carey block insulation — calcium silicate and magnesia block insulation with asbestos fiber content was used for boiler casing insulation and large-diameter pipe insulation in naval boiler rooms. BT ratings removing and reinstalling block insulation on boiler casings for inspection and maintenance disturbed Carey asbestos block insulation routinely throughout the service life of steam plant vessels
  • Carey asbestos cement — Carey asbestos cement products were used for finishing and patching steam pipe insulation joints and fitting insulation, applied over the outer surface of magnesia pipe covering sections

Shore Facility and Shipyard Applications

Carey insulation products also appeared in Navy shore facility and shipyard applications:

  • Naval shipyard pipe covering — pipe covering applied during construction and overhaul of Navy vessels at public and private shipyards used Philip Carey and competitor insulation products. Shipyard insulators applying Carey pipe covering during vessel construction and overhaul accumulated asbestos exposure from cutting pipe covering sections to length and fitting covering around valve bodies and pipe fittings
  • Shore boiler plant insulation — shore boiler plants at naval stations and air stations used magnesia block insulation and pipe covering in steam distribution systems consistent with the same Carey products used in shipboard applications

VA Claims for Veterans Exposed to Philip Carey Manufacturing Products

VA evaluates asbestos-related disability claims on a case-by-case basis. Veterans generally need evidence of in-service asbestos exposure, a current asbestos-related diagnosis, and a medical link between them. Engineering ratings and insulation workers who maintained Philip Carey pipe covering and insulation products in Navy steam plant applications and have since been diagnosed with mesothelioma, asbestosis, or asbestos-related lung cancer may qualify for VA disability benefits.