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 […]
Asbestos Claims Against Pittsburgh Corning – How a Leading Glass Block Producer Filed for Chapter 11 Bankruptcy
Asbestos Claims Against Pittsburgh Corning Some of the first asbestos injury lawsuits filed in the 1960s and 1970s were against Pittsburgh Corning, which for many years was a leading glass block producer in the United States. Founded in 1937 after combining Pittsburgh Plate Company and Corning Glass Works, Pittsburgh Corning was not originally associated with […]
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 […]
When Should Popcorn Ceilings Be Tested for Asbestos
When Should Popcorn Ceilings Be Tested for Asbestos Popcorn ceilings had been common in households for a long time. American homes frequently had textured ceilings in the bedrooms and hallways. Homes constructed before the mid-1980s are likely to contain this stylizing method, which may contain asbestos fibers. Asbestos is extremely toxic and is known to cause […]
Why Are Many Asbestos Millboard and Paper Products Banned or Restricted?
Why Are Many Asbestos Millboard and Paper Products Banned or Restricted? Throughout much of the 20th century, many companies added asbestos to commercial and consumer products because of its valuable qualities. It is a fireproofing agent because it does not conduct heat and is fire-resistant. It is a fibrous material that is easy to work […]
Asbestos Cement: A Danger Decades Later
Asbestos Cement: A Danger Decades Later The World Health Organization suggests that each year, more than 125 million people worldwide are exposed to asbestos while working. Asbestos was used in many industrial and construction applications in the 20th century. When asbestos is swallowed or inhaled, the fibers present a very significant health risk, including deadly diseases such […]
Paramedics and Asbestos Exposure
Paramedics and Asbestos Exposure First responders can encounter asbestos during rescue missions or disaster response efforts. Asbestos was used in construction materials produced before 1980. Although the use of asbestos has declined because of the discovery of its toxicity, the danger remains consistent as it is still found behind walls, under floors, in attics, and […]
Asbestos Exposure in Shipyards
Asbestos Exposure in Shipyards During the 20th century, asbestos was transported worldwide to industrial shipyards and factories as a heat insulator, fireproof material, and many other economically valuable applications. Asbestos use started in the United States in the late 1800s. In the 1930s and 1940s, documents revealed that asbestos manufacturers knew of the health issues […]
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 […]