Asbestos in the State of Pennsylvania Throughout much of the 20th century, asbestos was a popular building material due to its heat resistance, high-tensile strength, and affordability. As the dangers of asbestos became known, its use declined. The carcinogen was even banned for a short period of time in the late 1980s. However, its widespread […]
Weirton Steel Mill
Weirton Steel Mill Weirton Steel was founded by Ernest Weir in 1909. He originally started at U.S. Steel and ended up as a general manager of the Monessen tin plate mill, but in 1905, he left to buy a tin plate mill in Clarksburg, West Virginia. He expanded his operation to Holiday’s Cove, which was […]
Asbestos Duct Wrap
Asbestos Duct Wrap Asbestos was a popular building material in which its unique fibrous structure made it ideal for insulation and fireproofing. Most buildings and homes built before the 1980s contain asbestos insulation in the walls and attic. HVAC system ductwork, registers, and pipe systems may have been wrapped with asbestos duct wrap. It was not […]
Michigan Asbestos Risk & Exposure
Michigan Asbestos Risk & Exposure Workers in many Michigan industries where asbestos was widely used are at risk for asbestos exposure and related health conditions. Asbestos exposure limits had existed by federal mandate since the 1970s and 1980s when it was classified as a deadly carcinogen. However, asbestos has been used in products and industrial […]
Asbestos in Pennsylvania
Asbestos in Pennsylvania Pennsylvania has the third-highest asbestos exposure rating in the U.S. Asbestos is a naturally occurring, fibrous, silicate mineral in rock and soil. Asbestos is odorless, insoluble, and noncombustible. Various materials manufactured in Pennsylvania used asbestos for building construction, auto parts, and other products because of its fiber strength and heat resistance. Asbestos […]
Steel Workers Exposed to Asbestos
Steel Workers Exposed to Asbestos Steel mill workers handled a vast range of asbestos products to prevent fires and injuries from very high temperatures typical in the workplace. Asbestos was used before the public knew of its dangers. Companies used it in manufacturing because of its lightweight, economical, durable, fireproof, and insulating characteristics. Asbestos cement […]
Sources of Natural Asbestos Exposure
Sources of Natural Asbestos Exposure People exposed to asbestos are primarily exposed through work, but there are other ways people can encounter this carcinogen. Since asbestos is naturally occurring, there is a chance when going outside people can become exposed. Asbestos is a group of six naturally occurring minerals that are found in rock and […]
What You Should Know About West Virginia Asbestos Exposure
What You Should Know About West Virginia Asbestos Exposure Asbestos is a group of silicate-based minerals mined from the earth for decades. It’s strength, resistance to heat, and cost-effectiveness made asbestos a valuable building material that was used heavily throughout the 20th century. Asbestos is composed of long, thin, needle-like fibers. Disturbing asbestos or other […]
Equipment in Steel Mills That Contained Asbestos
Equipment in Steel Mills That Contained Asbestos Many industrial employees and mechanics were exposed to asbestos in the course of their daily work. Asbestos isn’t used as a direct component in steel production. However, several steel companies constructed facilities that used a lot of asbestos-containing products and equipment. Occupational Asbestos Exposure in Steel Mill Workers […]
Mill Employees and Others Are Affected By Asbestos Exposure
Mill Employees and Others Are Affected By Asbestos Exposure Asbestos has been a hazard for far longer than most people know. Although it wasn’t widely used until the Industrial Revolution, it was first used around 2500 B.C. as a means to reinforce clay pots and utensils. It’s been utilized in a variety of goods since […]