Asbestos Mesothelioma Archive

Asbestos News Roundup: 12.2.10

December 2nd, 2010. By LucyC

A roundup of recent asbestos-related news and information that you should be aware of. An ongoing list of asbestos hot spots from the Asbestos News Roundup archive appears on our asbestos map.

Asbestos Lawsuits

St. Clair County, IL: The daughter of recently deceased Paul Towell has filed an asbestos lawsuit naming two defendant companies. Towell developed asbestos mesothelioma and subsequently died on June 30, 1999.

Othella Carper claims her father’s exposure to asbestos began when he worked as a pipefitter, welder and carpenter at various locations beginning in the 1940s. The suit alleges that Honeywell International and John Crane caused Towell to develop mesothelioma after his exposure to asbestos-containing products throughout his career, and that the defendants should have known of the harmful effects of asbestos, but failed to exercise reasonable care and caution for Towell’s safety.

Carper further claims that her father’s asbestos mesothelioma resulted in his incurring medical costs and suffering great physical pain and mental anguish. Consequently, he became prevented from pursuing his normal course of employment and, as a result, lost large sums of money that would have accrued to him. As a result of her father’s death, Carper further alleges that she lost his companionship, society and services. (madisoncountyrecord.com)

Charleston, WV: The Edwards of Putnam County, have filed an asbestos claim naming 81 defendants who, they allege, are responsible for James R. Edwards mesothelioma diagnosis. 

Edwards was employed by Union Carbide Corporation from 1948 until 1980, according to a complaint. During that time, Edwards alleges he was exposed to various types of asbestos products that the 81 defendants manufactured, assembled, supplied, distributed and/or sold. He further alleges that the defendants failed to warn him of the dangers of the products and failed to take reasonable precautions to warn him about the products.

The 81 defendants named in the suit are: A.W. Chesterton Company; Amchem Products, Inc.; Anchor Packing; Aurora Pump Company; Bayer Cropscience, Inc.; Benjamin F. Shaw Company; 4520 Corp.; Brand Insulations, Inc.; Buffalo Pumps, Inc.; Burns International Services Corporation; BW IP, Inc.; Cameron International Corporation; Catalytic Construction Company; Certainteed Corporation; Cleaver-Brooks Company, Inc.; Crane Co.; Crown Cork & Seal Co., Inc.; the Dow Chemical Company; Dezurik, Inc.; Eaton Electrical, Inc.; Elliott Company; Fisher Controls International, Inc.; Flowserve US, Inc., f/k/a Durco International, Inc.; Flowserve US, Inc., f/k/a Flowserve FSD Corporation; Flowserve US, Inc., a/k/a Nordstrom Valves; FMC Corporation; Ford, Bacon & Davis, LLC; Foster Wheeler Energy Corporation; Foster Wheeler U.S.A. Corporation; the Gage Company; General Electric Company; George V. Hamilton, Inc.; Georgia Pacific, LLC; Gordon Gaskets & Packing Co.; Goulds Pumps, Inc.; Greene Tweed & Company; Henry Vogt Machine Company; Honeywell International, f/k/a Allied Signal, Inc.; Honeywell International, Inc.; IMO Industries, Inc.; Industrial Holdings Corporation; Ingersoll Rand Company; Invensys Systems, Inc.; ITT Corporation; John Crane, Inc.; Lockheed Martin Corporation; 3M Company; McJunkin Corporation; McNally Industries; Met Pro Corporation; Metropolitan Life Insurance Company; Meuller Steam Specialty; Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company; Nagle Pumps, Inc.; National Service Industries, Inc.; Nitro Industrial Coverings, Inc.; North Bros., Inc.; NSI Ventures, Inc.; Ohio Valley Insulating Company, Inc.; Onyx Industrial Services, Inc.; Owens Illinois, Inc.; Peerless Pumps, Inc.; Perkinelmer Instruments; Pneumo Abex Corporation; Rapid American Corporation; Riley Power, Inc.; Rockwell Automations, Inc.; Roper Pump Company; Schneider Electric USA, Inc.; SFB Companies, Inc.; State Electric Supply Company; Sterling Fluid Systems (USA), LLC; Stockham Valves & Fittings; Surface Combustion, Inc.; Tasco Insulations, Inc.; the Gorman-Rupp Company; the William Powell Company; Tyco Flow Control Company, LLC a/k/a Crosby Valve, Inc.; Tyco Flow Control Company, LLC a/k/a Lunkenheimer Valves; UB West Virginia, Inc.; Union Carbide Corporation; Uniroyal, Inc.; Viacom, Inc.; Viking Pump Company; Vimasco Corporation; Waukesha Cherry-Burrell; West Virginia Electric Supply; and Zurn Industries, Inc.(wvrecord.com)

Jefferson County, TX:  An asbestos lawsuit filed against Chevron USA and BP Products North America was recently transferred to a multidistrict litigation panel in Harris County.

Kathleen Trahan and Chris Trahan sued Chevron in April on behalf of recently deceased Emery Trahan, alleging the company allowed him to work around asbestos-containing products which caused him to develop lung cancer. Court records show that BP was added as defendant later.

In their suit, the Trahans allege Emery Trahan worked as a helper, electrician and operator at Gulf Oil Corp’s Port Arthur facility, which is now owned by Chevron. They allege that during his career, Emery Trahan worked near asbestos dust and fibers; that the defendants negligently failed to timely and adequately warn its employees of the dangers of asbestos; and that they failed to take the proper steps to ensure Emery’s non-exposure to asbestos. As a result, the suit alleges, Emery developed lung cancer and subsequently died from the disease on October 24, 2008. (setexasrecord.com) 

Asbestos Hot Spots

ADEQ gives Money to Parker to Clean up Asbestos

The Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ) officials have just announced that a $56,000 grant has been awarded to the Town of Parker for the cleanup of small quantities of asbestos in three town buildings which the town wants to bring in compliance with Americans with Disabilities Act requirements.

The town received a community development block grant for the barrier removal project, to make the buildings more accessible for the handicapped, but funds from that grant can not be used for asbestos cleanup. The work will be performed at the town hall/police station, the library and at the community/senior center.

“We commend the Town of Parker for taking action to accommodate all of its residents and redeveloping in an environmentally sensitive manner,” ADEQ Director Benjamin H. Grumbles said. “Our state response grant program is all about partnering with towns like Parker to reduce environmental hazards.”

Town officials have said the asbestos in the structures is stable and does not pose a health hazard. The buildings were constructed between the mid-1960s and 1983, when asbestos was used as a common material for insulation. 

Miami, FL: After being closed for several days due to possibility of asbestos contamination, the Miami Science Museum has reopened to the public. 

The museum was closed Friday after a sample of insulation from a small mechanical room tested positive for a type of asbestos. The mechanical room was not accessible to the public.

After closing the museum, an abatement crew was sent in to remove the asbestos-containing insulation. Since then, all air quality testing has proved negative for any asbestos and the buildings reopened Wednesday.  (CBS4.com) 

West Springfield, MA:  A 5.75 acre site containing industrial condominiums and half a dozen businesses and industries has now successfully undergone capping of asbestos pits at the West Springfield Trade Center. As a result, the city can start marketing space at the complex at Day Street and Western Avenue.

“It is a huge milestone. We have been working on this for seven years,” Community Development Director Joseph Laplante told MassLive.com.

The project involved capping four concrete pits that were scattered around the site. Together, they totalled nearly 5,000 square feet. They were capped with six inches of asphalt. Asphalt was also applied about two feet beyond the pits.

Tighe & Bond, the company that capped the pits, is now in the process of registering data about the pits at the Hampden Registry of Deeds so future developers will be aware of their locations. The state Department of Environmental Protection required that that work be done before the city redevelops the land it owns at the trade center.

“The good news is the pits are capped and perfectly safe as long as the caps remain in place,” Laplante said. (masslive.com) 

Asbestos Conference

Redondo Beach, CA: The Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization (ADAO), the largest U.S. organization serving as the voice of asbestos victims, presents its 7th Annual Asbestos Awareness Conference, Asbestos: Impact on Public Heath, Environment, and the Economy. 

The event will be held April 1 – 3, 2011, at the Atlanta Marriott Buckhead Hotel & Conference Center. Presentations will include occupational and non-occupational exposure issues, detection and treatment advances, environmental and economic impact, national and global policy.

The international conference brings together experts from around the globe to collaborate and enhance efforts to completely ban asbestos. Attendees will hear about the most advanced medical, occupational and environmental information to prevent home, school and work asbestos exposure; as well as disease prevention and treatment. The conference will also quantify the economic impact of asbestos exposure to individuals, business and the government. Speakers will represent the United States, Canada, Mexico, Brazil, Japan, and Germany. 

Linda Reinstein, President/CEO and Co-Founder of the Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization, knows first-hand the pain that can result from asbestos exposure after losing her husband in 2006 to mesothelioma, a leading asbestos caused cancer. “ADAO is dedicated to the three core principles—education, advocacy, and community—as reaffirmed by this year’s powerful conference,” stated Reinstein. “This year’s event brings together some of the world’s most important voices, including leading professionals from different fields who play a pivotal role in globally uniting efforts to end asbestos disease. We welcome them and thank our many generous sponsors who are helping to make this event possible. There is indeed power in knowledge.” 

According to Michael Harbut M.D., MPH, FCCP, of the Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute, “The ADAO conference is one of the best educational and awareness opportunities for physicians, public health representatives, caregivers and other advocates. We all have an opportunity to make an impact on preventing asbestos-related diseases. Whether you’re a medical professional or someone who deeply cares about the health of your loved ones, this conference offers an important network for everyone.” 

The weekend will provide information and inspiration for those impacted by asbestos-related disease as well as others who advocate for safe environments. 

The conference also will recognize those who have demonstrated exceptional service to enhance asbestos awareness. The Unity and Remembrance Brunch on April 3 will honor and remember loved ones lost to asbestos exposure, as well as support others impacted by asbestos-related diseases. (businesswire.com)

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Asbestos News Roundup: 11.26.10

November 26th, 2010. By LucyC

A roundup of recent asbestos-related news and information that you should be aware of. 

Asbestos Lawsuits

Boston, MA: Arthur and Joan Tucker have filed an asbestos lawsuit naming 37 defendant companies. The suit alleges that the companies caused Arthur Tucker to develop lung cancer after his exposure to asbestos-containing products throughout his career. 

The suit further claims that the defendants should have known of the harmful effects of asbestos, but failed to exercise reasonable care and caution for Arthur Tucker’s safety. As a result of his exposure to asbestos containing products and his subsequent diagnosis of lung cancer, Arthur Tucker became disabled and disfigured, incurred medical costs and suffered great physical pain and mental anguish, the suit states. Moreover, the Tuckers claim, because Mr. Tucker became prevented from pursuing his normal course of employment he lost large sums of money that would have accrued to him, and his wife has been deprived of her husband’s companionship, society and services because of the disease. (Stclairrecord) 

Asbestos Settlements

Brazoria County, TX: A $4.1 million settlement has been awarded to the family of a man who allegedly died of asbestos mesothelioma resulting from asbestos exposure at work. Diagnosed with the fatal disease in 2008, Jerry Johnston died eight months later at the age of 63.

For eight years in the 1970s he worked at Dow Chemical where he was exposed to asbestos gaskets and packing products. His family sued 20 entities. All of them settled or were dismissed except for John Crane Inc., which went to trial. The jury attributed 15 percent of the liability to John Crane, which reduced the $27.5 million award. (Verdict Search).

Red Bank, NJ: A man has been awarded $3.72 million in his asbestos exposure lawsuit. The man was diagnosed with mesothelioma after years of working with asbestos. Howard Bird, a 55 year old electrician, came into contact with asbestos on various job sites. Bird was diagnosed with mesothelioma, which led to him filing a lawsuit against the manufacturers of the asbestos-containing products he came into contact with. (The Daily Journal) 

Asbestos Hot Spots

Glacier National Park, AK: The headquarters building of Glacier National Park, located in the park, closed last week because of the potential for asbestos contamination within the building. The building is undergoing upgrades, with contractors installing a new heating and ventilation system. Some of the original building materials the contractors had to work through to install the new system may contain asbestos.

“We discovered we hadn’t tested for (asbestos),” Park spokesman Bill Hayden told the Hungry Horse News.

Erring on the side of safety, Park officials decided that rather than keep people in the building while tests are being done, the structure would be closed temporarily while tests are being done.

Employees left the building last Thursday and they’re being housed in temporary offices in Glacier’s headquarters area. The headquarters closure has little impact on visitors. Park staffers will man the Apgar visitor center seven days a week from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. with the exception of the Thanksgiving Day holiday, when it will be closed. (Hungry Horse News)

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Asbestos News Roundup: 11.19.10

November 19th, 2010. By LucyC

A roundup of recent asbestos-related news and information that you should be aware of. 

Asbestos Lawsuits

Four new asbestos lawsuits were filed in recent weeks, naming a total of 323 defendant companies between them. 

Charleston WV: A couple from New Martinsville has named 95 companies as defendants in their asbestos suit, alleging that those companies are responsible for William R. Henthorn’s mesothelioma, for which he was diagnosed in September. 

According to the suit, Henthorn and his wife, Eva Louise Henthorn, claim the defendants caused the development of malignant mesothelioma because they exposed him to his asbestos. Mr. Henthorn was employed at the PPG Natrium Plant in New Martinsville from 1959 until 1977. 

The 95 defendants named in the suit are: A.O. Smith Corporation; A.W. Chesterton Company; Ajax Magnethermic Corporation; Allegheny Energy, Inc.; Allied Glove Corporation; American Optical Corporation; Armstrong International, Inc.; Armstrong Pumps, Inc.; Aqua-Chem, Inc.; Atlas Industries, Inc.; Bayer Corporation; Beazer East, Inc.; Brand Insulations, Inc.; Cashco, Inc.; Catalytic Construction Company; CBS Corporation; Champlain Cable Corporation; Consolidated Aluminum Corporation; Copes-Vulcan, Inc.; Crane Co.; Crown Cork & Seal Company; Dezurik, Inc.; Dravo Corporation; Durametallic Corporation; Eaton Corporation; Electrolux Home Products; F.B. Wright Company; Fairmont Supply; Flowserve U.S., Inc.; FMC Corporation; Foseco, Inc.; Foster Wheeler Corporation; General Electric Company; Genuine Parts Company; Gentex Corporation; George V. Hamilton, Inc.; Goulds Pumps, Inc.; Greene Tweed & Company; Grinnell Corporation; Hedman Resources Limited; Honeywell, Inc; Honeywell International, Inc.; Hunter Sales Corporation; IMO Industries, Inc.; I.U. North America, Inc.; Industrial Holdings Corporation; Ingersoll-Rand; Insul Company, Inc.; ITT Corporation; J.M. Foster, Inc.; Joy Technologies; M.S. Jacobs & Associates, Inc.; Marley Cooling Tower; Mallinckrodt Group, Inc.; Metropolitan Life Insurance Company; McCann Shields Paint Company; McCarls, Inc.; McJunkin Red Man Corporation; Milton Roy Company; Milwaukee Valve Company; Minnotte Contracting Corporation; Monongahela Power Company; Nagle Pumps, Inc.; Nitro Industrial Coverings, Inc.; Oglebay Norton Company; Ohio Power; Ohio Valley Insulating Company; Owens-Illinois, Inc.; Plotkin Brothers Supply, LLP; Powell Valve Company; Power Piping; PPG Industries, Inc.; Premier Refractories, Inc.; Riley Stoker Corporation; Safety First Industries, Inc.; Saint-Gobain Abrasives, Inc.; Sealite, Inc.; Spirax Sarco, Inc.; Square D Company; Stockham Valves & Fittings; Sunbeam Products, Inc.; Tasco Insulation, Inc.; Thiem Corporation; Townsend & Bottum, Inc.; Treco Construction Services, Inc.; UB West Virginia, Inc.; Unifrax Corporation; Union Carbide Corporation; United Conveyor Corporation; Vimasco Corporation; Virginia Electric and Power Company, Inc.; Washington Group International; WMX Technologies, Inc.; Yarway Corporation; and Zurn Industries, Inc. (WVirginiaRecord.com) 

Kanawha, WV: The widow of Dwain L. Chenoweth, who was diagnosed with lung cancer on Read the rest of this entry »

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Asbestos News Roundup: 11.12.10

November 12th, 2010. By LucyC

A roundup of recent asbestos-related news and information that you should be aware of. 

Asbestos Lawsuits

St. Clair, IL: Three asbestos lawsuits were recently filed in St. Clair, IL. The first involves Perry and Dora Shockley, who filed an asbestos lawsuit naming 57 defendant companies. The suit alleges that the defendants caused Perry Shockley to develop lung cancer after his exposure to asbestos-containing products throughout his career. The suit states that the defendants should have known of the harmful effects of asbestos, but failed to exercise reasonable care and caution for Perry Shockley’s safety.

In their suit, the Shockley’s allege that Perry’s exposure began when he was just 11 years old, when he worked as a milk truck driver. During his working life, Mr. Shockley also worked as a a press operator, at Daniels Construction, at a tobacco plant, at American Enka, at Oakridge National Lab, at Kingston Power Plant, at Tennessee Eastman Corp., at Holston Defense Corp., at Atomin Bomb Plant, at E.I. DuPont, at Bull Run Steam Plant and at his own fabricating shop, according to the complaint.

As a result of his asbestos-related diseases, Mr. Shockley alleges that he became disabled and disfigured, incurred medical costs and suffered great physical pain and mental anguish. Additionally, he eventually was unable to pursue his normal course of employment and, as a result, lost large sums of money that would have accrued to him, the suit alleges.

The Shockleys are seeking a judgment of more than $50,000, punitive and exemplary damages of more than $100,000, compensatory damages of more than $100,000 Read the rest of this entry »

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Asbestos News Roundup: 11.5.10

November 5th, 2010. By LucyC

A roundup of recent asbestos-related news and information that you should be aware of.

Asbestos Settlements

Charleston, WV: A liability verdict was issued Wednesday against industrial manufacturer John Crane, Inc. after jurors found that the company’s asbestos-laden products caused a retired pipefitter to contract the deadly lung disease mesothelioma. 

The unanimous verdict was handed down following two hours of jury deliberations. The case was settled for a confidential amount after the liability verdict was announced based on an earlier agreement between the Wood family and representatives from Morton Grove, IL-based John Crane. 

Mr. Robert L Wood, a resident of Wheeling, WV, was diagnosed with mesothelioma two weeks before Christmas in 1999. He had worked as a pipefitter for a local union for more than 41 years. Jurors heard how Mr. Wood handled John Crane gaskets that contained dangerous levels of asbestos, the leading cause of mesothelioma, and how company executives knew about the dangers of asbestos as early as the 1930s. 

In the verdict, the six-member jury found that John Crane was negligent for failing to warn Mr. Wood about the dangers of its products, and that the company’s gaskets were defective. (wvirginiarecord.com)

Asbestos Law

Austin, TX: On October 22, the Supreme Court of Texas ruled that legislators improperly granted bottle cap maker Crown Cork and Seal retroactive protection from asbestos lawsuits. 

Although Crown never made products with asbestos, it still faces liability because it merged in Read the rest of this entry »

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