Former Coal Plant Northwest of Pittsburgh Contaminates Groundwater Coal ash, the byproduct of burning coal, contains hazardous substances such uranium, arsenic, cadmium, chromium, lead, lithium, and mercury. A recent investigation found that coal ash is contaminating groundwater near a decommissioned coal-fired plant in New Castle, Pa.. Exposure to these hazardous substances may cause thyroid, liver, and […]
Impacts of Toxic Exposure on the Long-Term Health of Veterans
Impacts of Toxic Exposure on the Long-Term Health of Veterans Many veterans have health problems as a result of having worked on a military base. To perform maintenance on ships or removing waste, many bases are exposed to harsh chemicals, resulting in the long-term health risks of a service member. Toxic Exposure at Camp Lejeune […]
High Levels of H2S May Be Connected to Clairton Coke Works
High Levels of H2S May Be Connected to Clairton Coke Works The U.S. Steel Clairton plant was acquired by U.S. Steel in 1904. It is the largest coke manufacturing facility in the U.S. With nine coke oven batteries, it can create up to 4.7 million tons of coke annually. Throughout its history, there have been numerous […]
Asbestos Claims Against Pittsburgh Corning – How a Leading Glass Block Producer Filed for Chapter 11 Bankruptcy
Asbestos Claims Against Pittsburgh Corning Some of the first asbestos injury lawsuits filed in the 1960s and 1970s were against Pittsburgh Corning, which for many years was a leading glass block producer in the United States. Founded in 1937 after combining Pittsburgh Plate Company and Corning Glass Works, Pittsburgh Corning was not originally associated with […]
Employer Honesty Involving Asbestos
Employer Honesty Involving Asbestos Over 3,000 cases of mesothelioma are diagnosed every year in the U.S., and most are caused by asbestos exposure in the workplace. Before the 1970s, many employers knew about the health risks of asbestos exposure but hid did not inform workers and the public. What has been done to ensure employers […]
How Long Does Asbestos Remain in The Air?
How Long Does Asbestos Remain in The Air? Asbestos is a naturally earth-formed fibrous, silicate mineral found in rocks and soil. Asbestos is odorless, insoluble, heat, and fire-resistant. Despite its strength and thermal resistance, asbestos can become brittle and break down into microscopic, glass-like particles that can become airborne. Once airborne, humans can inhale these […]
Asbestos Duct Wrap
Asbestos Duct Wrap Asbestos was a popular building material in which its unique fibrous structure made it ideal for insulation and fireproofing. Most buildings and homes built before the 1980s contain asbestos insulation in the walls and attic. HVAC system ductwork, registers, and pipe systems may have been wrapped with asbestos duct wrap. It was not […]
Care For Your Mental Health After A Mesothelioma Diagnosis
Care For Your Mental Health After A Mesothelioma Diagnosis Mesothelioma is a debilitating, aggressive cancer brought about by asbestos exposure. When asbestos breaks apart, the needle-like fibers become airborne and can be inhaled or swallowed. Fibers embed themselves in the lining of the lungs, abdomen, heart, or testicles and can remain there for years aggravating […]
Friable Vs. Non-Friable Asbestos
Friable Vs. Non-Friable Asbestos Asbestos was used extensively in buildings and materials for decades until the 1980s because of its unique characteristics. Asbestos is affordable, durable, and fire and heat-resistant, making it a desirable ingredient for construction, manufacturing, and certain materials. Unfortunately, asbestos is also hazardous to human health. What is Friability? Friability is the […]
Has Asbestos Bioaccumulation Contaminated Our Food?
Has Asbestos Bioaccumulation Contaminated Our Food? In the late 1980s, the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) banned all new uses of asbestos because it was proven to be a human carcinogen. Asbestos has been found in industrial products, homes, buildings, consumer products, cosmetics, etc. There is even concern that asbestos may have contaminated the food […]