Weitz & Luxenberg Provides a Brief History of Asbestos in the 1950s

My dad was a pipefitter in the 1950s and I remember that he used to come home from work covered in some kind of white stuff-asbestos. How extensively was asbestos used in the 1950s?

Asbestos was used quite extensively during the 1950s and sadly, the way your father was exposed to it was anything but uncommon. There were many instances of employees in a number of different industries who unknowingly inhaled asbestos while performing their duties at work (known as occupational exposure). Covered in what looked like harmless white chalk or dust, they would return home and expose their families to asbestos (known as second hand exposure).

The dangers of asbestos were known long before the 1950s, but stringent regulations on its use would not be implemented for at least another twenty years. What made asbestos so dangerous was its long latency period—its devastating health effects would not become apparent for 20-50 years after a person’s initial exposure. The worst disease caused by asbestos was mesothelioma, although this fatal type of cancer was unknown in the 1950s.

For over two decades, Weitz & Luxenberg has been a fierce advocate for those who are sick with an asbestos related disease and have helped them secure compensation. If you would like to know your legal options, please do not hesitate to contact our firm.

Promoting Poison: Asbestos and 1950s promotional films

The 1950s saw the widespread creation and circulation of promotional films illustrating the “miracles” of asbestos. The following is en excerpt from one such film titled According to Plan:

“It is natural that the scientists would turn to asbestos, for this is a remarkable mineral. It is made up of tiny but extremely strong and flexible fibers. This material, available in many types and colors is not only attractive but fireproof too! In the development of a better siding material, rigid specifications were set up. It must be attractive, easy to handle, adjustable to architectural design, weatherproof, rot proof, resistant to fire and free from constant maintenance expense….”

(www.youtube.com/watch?v=47kMfYQY0HI)

This film narrative clearly shows that the health and safety of asbestos workers in the 1950s took the proverbial back seat to the asbestos itself. The construction and maintenance of homes outweighed the safety of those who built them.

Asbestos workers of the 1950s are among those ill with mesothelioma, asbestos lung cancer and asbestosis

Many of those currently battling an asbestos related disease were exposed during the 1950s, but didn’t experience the symptoms of their disease until fairly recently. By far, occupational exposure was the most prevalent catalyst for an asbestos related disease.

Some facts to remember about asbestos

“There is no such thing a safe amount of exposure to asbestos. Even one asbestos fiber can cause serious consequences.” (Department of Ecology)
Smoking can play a role in the incidence of an asbestos disease. “It is known that smokers exposed to asbestos have an increased chance of developing asbestos lung cancer.” (Department of Ecology)
Asbestos can cause mesothelioma, asbestos lung cancer or asbestosis—the three major asbestos related diseases. Therefore, those suffering from one of these diseases will likely be given palliative treatments which can alleviate the symptoms.

Do not wait to seek legal counsel: Weitz & Luxenberg is available to help you

Weitz & Luxenberg understands how widespread the asbestos problem is and the havoc it had caused countless people across the country and around the world. It is unfortunate that even though the dangers of asbestos have been known in the United States since at least the Industrial Revolution, it continued to be used in multiple industries. Such carelessness should not be ignored.

Our firm has a team of skilled attorneys with a wealth of knowledge concerning asbestos-related ailments. To get started, simply fill out the form on this page. A representative from our firm will

get in touch with shortly you for your free legal consultation. There is no cost unless we secure a verdict or settlement for you.

Acknowledgements:

Department of Ecology: www.ecy.wa.gov/programs/hwtr/demodebris/pages2/ahealth.html#WISHA Workers Lead Exposure Restrictions