Pipefitters have always been critical to shaping and maintaining piping systems, whether in office buildings, factories, or people’s homes. But the truth is that their work carried a hidden danger for years: asbestos exposure. If you are dealing with asbestos-related health issues now, understanding how pipefitters got exposed is crucial. Why Pipefitters Faced High Asbestos Exposure From the 1940s up to the 1980s, asbestos was everywhere in construction and industrial materials. This substance was loved by many because of its heat resistance and insulation properties.