Pittsburgh Asbestos History
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania has a long history of industrialization and manufacturing, which has put many individuals in the area at risk of asbestos exposure. Asbestos was widely used in building materials and other products until the 1980s because of its durability, insulation properties, and fire resistance. However, asbestos fibers can be inhaled or ingested and can cause serious health problems, including lung cancer, mesothelioma (a cancer of the lining of the chest or abdomen), and asbestosis (a lung disease that causes scarring).
Many buildings in Pittsburgh and the surrounding area, including schools, hospitals, and other public and commercial buildings, were built with asbestos-containing materials, and workers in certain industries may have been exposed to asbestos on the job. Some of the industries in Pittsburgh that have a history of asbestos exposure include steel mills, power plants, shipyards, and chemical plants.
In addition to the industrial sector, asbestos was also used in a variety of other products, including brake pads, gaskets, and insulation, which may have put individuals who worked in these industries at risk of exposure.
One company that has a significant history of asbestos exposure in Pittsburgh is the Pittsburgh Corning Corporation. Founded in 1937, the company developed and manufactured a variety of building products, including fiberglass insulation and asbestos-containing products such as blocks, pipes, and insulation. The company’s products were widely used in the construction and industrial sectors, and many individuals who worked for the company or used its products may have been exposed to asbestos.
In 2000, the Pittsburgh Corning Corporation filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection due to asbestos-related liabilities. As part of the bankruptcy proceedings, the company established a trust fund to compensate individuals who had been exposed to asbestos and developed an asbestos-related illness as a result.
The use of asbestos by Pittsburgh Corning Corporation and other companies had a significant impact on workers and residents in the Pittsburgh area. Many individuals who worked in or lived near the company’s facilities were exposed to asbestos fibers and later developed serious health problems as a result. The company’s use of asbestos also contributed to the contamination of the environment in the Pittsburgh area.
If you or a loved one worked for the Pittsburgh Corning Corporation or used its products and have been diagnosed with an asbestos-related illness, it is important to seek legal advice from Goldberg, Persky and White P.C. You can get in touch with our law firm today by calling 412-471-3980 or by filling out our online form. A member of our team will contact you shortly to discuss your rights and options for compensation.
Sources
“Pittsburgh Corning Corporation Emerges From Asbestos-Related Chapter 11 Reorganization” GlobeNewswire (2016) [Link]
Pittsburgh Corning Corporation Asbestos Personal Injury Settlement Trust. [Link]