Weitz & Luxenberg Provides Information on the History of Asbestos from the 1920s to the 1930s

The Great Depression: A time of desperation for Many Americans and a dangerous period in the health of workers exposed to asbestos

The early 1900s were plagued by one of the worst economic slumps in the history of the United States: the Great Depression. It was considered “the longest and most severe depression ever experienced by the industrialized Western world,” (Modern American Poetry) and lasted from approximately “1920 until 1939.” (Modern American Poetry)  Those who were once wealthy found themselves stripped of their riches and those who were poor became even poorer. Desperate and struggling to make ends meet, people took work where they could find it, even if it was at the expense of their own health.

If you had a job as a factory or construction worker between the 1920s and the 1930s, you were likely exposed to asbestos, a known cause of mesothelioma, asbestos lung cancer and asbestosis, among other serious ailments. Weitz & Luxenberg has handled asbestos related cases for over two decades and we have the legal clout to get you compensation. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact our firm.

As a direct consequence of the Great Depression, “millions of people lost their jobs and many farmers and businesses were rendered bankrupt.” (Modern American Poetry) This inspired a “complete reform of preexisting economic policies,” (Modern American Poetry) which was led by President Franklin D. Roosevelt. Unfortunately, in spite of the president’s best efforts to improve the economy, “mass unemployment and economic stagnation continued,” (Modern American Poetry) without an end in sight.

The Roaring Twenties Birthed New Technology and in doing so, endangered many workers by exposing them to asbestos

Among other inventions, the 1920s heralded the invention of the bulldozer, the hair dryer, the traffic light, the bread slicer and the lie detector, among others. It also brought about advancements in transportation, namely automobiles. Factory workers toiled for long hours to build automobiles with fuel combustion engines- a revolutionary step forward from the earlier steam powered models.

Since the automobile was first invented in the late 1800s, it afforded people the opportunity to travel from place to place, and over the course of its many modifications, it acquired increased speed and overall better functionality. Asbestos was heavily used in the construction of machinery during the Industrial Revolution and was used almost unabated for decades to come. “By the 1960s and 1970s, the bulk of foreign and domestic vehicles had asbestos insulation,” (NBC 12) or utilized asbestos in some other capacity.

Skyscrapers and Other Buildings Contained Asbestos
 
The 1920s heralded the creation of the skyscraper. New York, Chicago and other major cities across the United States engaged in a competition to construct the tallest and most impressive structure. All of the skyscrapers built during this time, including the Chrysler Building in New York City, contained asbestos somewhere. Massive boilers were needed to heat the buildings and only asbestos could insulate them properly.

The Invention of the Hoover Dam Jeopardized the Health of those who built it

Did you spend any time working near Hoover Dam? Did you know that the Dam, which was constructed in 1931 and officially completed in 1936, was built with asbestos?

The construction of Hoover Dam, today considered “a treasure of Arizona, Nevada and the World,” (Arizona Leisure) was a daunting and exhausting task that required the manpower of “over 7,000 workers.” (Arizona Leisure) For a long time, it was not believed that the Dam could ever be built, but it managed to “rise from the almost impossible to a resounding success.” (Arizona Leisure) The Dam was not only an “engineering wonder, but it greatly aided agricultural production and improved the quality of life for countless individuals.” (Arizona Leisure) Unfortunately, those that took part in the Dam’s construction risked becoming seriously ill, but would not see the symptoms of their illness for a good 20-50 years after their initial exposure to asbestos.

As with all industrial projects the men responsible for constructing the Hoover Dam were well aware that they risked death by handling dangerous equipment, falling from a height or developing sun stroke in the harsh, unforgiving Arizonian heat.  Little did they realize that there was another danger among them- asbestos. The highly carcinogenic material could be found just about everywhere from concrete to pipes. Asbestos was an ideal construction material because it was fire resistant, flexible, inexpensive and had the ability “to prolong the life of the Hoover Dam.” (Front Page Magazine)

You Do Not Have To Fight Alone: Weitz & Luxenberg Can Be Your Legal Advocate

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:

Arizona Leisure: www.arizona-leisure.com/hoover-dam-building.html

Front Page Magazine: www. frontpagemag.com/2010/09/10/tragedy-at-ground-zero/?cid=75892

NBC 12: www.nbc12.com/story/12497463/asbestos-in-older-car-parts?redirected=true

Modern American Poetry: www.english.illinois.edu/maps/depression/about.htm