Glosscell Block
Asbestos was such an important resource in the early stages of the development of America that one might wonder how well certain industries would have done without it. During the Industrial Revolution and beyond it was the most often used ingredient in insulation and a variety of other construction based products. It was well suited as an insulating material because of its natural ability to withstand extreme hot and cold temperatures and it was also resistant to fire. So not only could it keep a building or home cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter, asbestos insulation would also help stop the spread of flames if a fire were to break out.
Glosscell Block was a large chunk of insulation that was at one time found in homes, offices and hundreds of other structures. Its chief ingredient was asbestos, so it had all the features that were so sought after by the construction industry that was helping to build and grow the country. Unfortunately, that's not all it had. Thanks to the asbestos, the block contained enough poison to be a serious detriment to the health of anyone who got near it, especially workers at asbestos jobsites.
For the record, the insulation was safe as long as it remained in one solid piece, but if were cut, folded or broken up, tiny asbestos particles would be released into the air where they could be inhaled by people without their realization. This led to the development of respiratory problems and diseases such as Mesothelioma, (including pericardial mesothelioma), a form of cancer for which there is no cure and that has not seen many survivors. While mesothelioma prevention is attainable with an approved mesothelioma vaccine and the use of proper precautions when working around the mineral, those diagnosed with the disease typically have a short life expectancy.
The fact that asbestos is toxic and known to cause mesothelioma was not understood by the general public until the 1970's. By then thousands of people had come into contact with products that contained the hazardous mineral, and people all over the country began to get sick. Most companies immediately stopped using the material immediately, but some unethical business owners refused to give it up until they were forced to be in compliance with new health regulations. The manufacturers that continued to include asbestos in their products put their employees at great risk, and passed the danger on to their customers.
People who bought contaminated products, as well as those who worked in the facilities that produced them, began filing lawsuits against the manufacturers with the help of mesothelioma attorneys. It wasn't long before most of these companies felt the pressure of these claims, and opted to file for bankruptcy protection. They were usually allowed to get out from under their debt and reorganize in exchange for establishing a trust fund to pay off victims who were harmed by their goods.
It often takes a very long period of time for the effects of asbestos related diseases to become noticeable. Even though it was banned many years ago, new cases continue to occur regularly. One reason for this is that there is still an unknown amount of it in homes and buildings nationwide. If you have asbestos on your premises, do not attempt to remove it on your own. That job must be done by a certified professional who is trained to handle the hazardous material and keep it well contained. You may also be interested in additional mesothelioma resources. If you have been affected by asbestos products such as the Glosscell Block, request a free copy of our informational kit to find out what legal options are available to you.
Questions about working with Glosscell Block and asbestos exposure? Please contact us.
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