Pittsburgh Corning

Pittsburgh Corning Asbestos Containing Products

Between 1962 and 1972, Pittsburgh Corning manufactured, sold and distributed pipe covering and insulation under the brand-name Unibestos. Originally manufactured by Unarco in 1936, Unibestos insulation was a durable, pre-formed, heavy-duty pipe insulation for high-temperature applications up to 1500°F. Unibestos insulation was composed primarily of thin, long-fibered Amosite asbestos and characterized as dark grey and rigid. Amosite, a trade name for the amphiboles, is known as one of the more deadly types of asbestos because of its long fiber characteristic that is brittle and breaks easily causing it to be inhaled. In addition to withstanding high temperatures, another unique quality that made Unibestos insulation was its resistance to corrosion and therefore one of the few pipe insulation products available that could be used to insulate industrial and stainless steel pipes.

Below is a list of Pittsburgh Corning asbestos-containing products:

• Unibestos Pipe Insulation
• Unibestos Insulation

Where Asbestos Exposure May Have Occurred

Unibestos pipe insulation was designed for use in the petrochemical and utility industries, power plants, pulp and paper mills, marine applications, atomic energy applications, and underground conduit piping. Workers in these industries were, in many instances, unknowingly exposed to harmful asbestos fibers and now could be at risk for developing mesothelioma, a type of asbestos cancer.

The Pittsburgh Corning Asbestos Trust

On April 16, 2000, after more than 100,000 asbestos claims were filed, PPG filed for Chapter 11 Bankruptcy protection from its liabilities. In 2009, PPG filed a modified third amended plan of reorganization with the federal bankruptcy court. This plan ensures that all current and future claims against PPG relating to exposure to asbestos-containing products manufactured, distributed or sold by Pittsburgh Corning will be directed to a trust for resolution. The amended plan, states that PPG and its insurers would contribute to a trust. Specifically, PPG would give the trust $825 million in cash payments over a 15-year period, about 1.4 million shares of PPG stock or the cash equivalent, and all its shares in Pittsburgh Corning and Pittsburgh Corning Europe. Also, PPG’s insurers would contribute nearly $1.8 billion to the trust. As a result of the agreement, PPG will emerge clear of all future asbestos-related liability as it pertains to Pittsburgh Corning.

If you have been diagnosed with mesothelioma cancer and believe you were exposed to Pittsburgh Corning Unibestos asbestos insulation or pipe covering, a mesothelioma lawyer may be helpful. Early, Lucarelli, Sweeney & Meisenkothen can provide assistance with filing a claim with the Pittsburgh Corning Corporation Asbestos Trust on your behalf. Please fill out the form on this page to receive our free information packet to learn more.