American Standard Equipped Bathrooms and Killed Its Workers
American Standard, Inc. operated a massive enamel plant in Louisville, Kentucky, for more than a hundred years. It employed many workers over the decades who were regularly exposed to asbestos fibers. These naturally occurring mineral fibers have many useful qualities, but they also cause cancer.
Located on South Seventh Street, the facility first opened in the 1890s and was acquired by American Standard in the 1920s. The plant was a major employer for decades until it shut down in 1992. Like many industrial facilities dating back many years, the plant contained asbestos products that helped the plant function, but also poisoned countless employees.
What is Asbestos?
Asbestos is an extremely light and strong naturally occurring mineral fiber that’s resistant to fire, heat, electricity, and chemicals. It’s been used in products because of those qualities for centuries.
Why is Asbestos Dangerous?
Asbestos fibers are tiny, light, strong, and durable. If they’re in the air, they can easily be inhaled or swallowed by anyone in the area. The human immune system can’t break down or eliminate asbestos fibers after they enter the body.
Over decades, fibers cause scar tissue, inflammation, cell mutations, and various cancers. Asbestos causes mesothelioma, a fatal cancer of the linings of the lungs, heart, abdominal organs, and abdominal and chest cavities.
Who Was Exposed at American Standard?
Asbestos was throughout the facility. It was on steam pipes, boilers, and ductwork. It was in the floor tiles, ceiling tiles, and insulation. Furnaces, ovens, and kilns used to create plumbing fixtures were built with asbestos-containing materials, including fire brick and refractory coatings, to withstand the intense heat used in the manufacturing process.
Asbestos fibers would be liberated from products when they were installed, repaired, or removed. Those involved in construction, renovation, or maintenance, including millwrights, boilermakers, electricians, insulators, and general laborers were exposed. Outside contractors and company employees passing through the plant could also inhale or swallow asbestos fibers in the workplace.
Family members of those working in the plant were also exposed when fibers came off dirty clothes that were worn home.
Did the Exposure Ever Stop?
As long as asbestos and people were present in the facility, exposure continued. Equipment would need maintenance and repairs over time. Overhauls would be especially dangerous because asbestos products had to be pulled off machinery for it to be repaired or replaced, sending fibers into the air. After the work was done, new asbestos products were installed, putting more fibers into the workplace.
Fibers could drift through the air and settle on equipment or the floor. People walking by or performing work could send the fibers back into the air, where workers could swallow or inhale them.
What Should Asbestos Victims Do?
Mesothelioma is physically and emotionally devastating. But for many former American Standard workers and their families, understanding who caused the disease and holding them accountable can provide a measure of justice and support. Compensation can help you cover medical costs, lost income, and the burdens faced by your loved ones.
The average person diagnosed with mesothelioma will probably pass away somewhere between six and 18 months from their diagnosis. It’s essential to act quickly if you or a loved one are diagnosed with mesothelioma or another asbestos-related disease.
Kentucky’s statute of limitations for filing a compensation claim is only one year from the date of diagnosis. While your medical treatment should be your top priority, pursuing legal rights must also be done promptly.
Satterley & Kelley, PLLC attorneys have experience handling asbestos cases filed by those who worked at American Standard. With more than two decades of experience in asbestos litigation and a detailed understanding of this site and its history, you can trust us to represent you and your family.
Call Us Today for A Free Consultation
If you or a family member has an asbestos-related disease and worked at American Standard or elsewhere, Satterley & Kelley, PLLC, is here to help you through this difficult time.
To discuss your situation and how Satterley & Kelley, PLLC can help, call us at 855-385-9532, locally 502-589-5600, or contact us online to arrange a free initial consultation.