With 156 manufacturing facilities worldwide, Pittsburgh Plate Glass (PPG) Company has experienced significant growth since its founding in 1883 by Captain John Ford and millionaire industrialist John Pitcairn, Jr. Headquartered in Pittsburgh, the corporation reported net sales of $15.4 billion in 2014 and ranks 190th on the Fortune 500 list.
Despite the company’s impressive 130-year history, its employees have not fared as well. PPG, a global supplier of paints, coatings, optical products, specialty materials, glass, and fiberglass, has exposed many workers to various toxins during their employment.
The products manufactured by PPG, such as paints and coatings, contain volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and glass and fiberglass also involve hazardous chemicals. Additionally, the production processes often exposed employees to asbestos-containing materials.
Asbestos was widely used from the early 20th century until the late 1970s, primarily as insulation for pipes, electrical wires, generators, boilers, and other high-temperature machinery. Its durability also led to its inclusion in cement, paint, pastes, wallboard, and many other products that PPG employees handled regularly.
Despite the U.S. government’s stern rulings on asbestos use in 1977, the removal of asbestos from workplaces came too late for many employees, including those at PPG. By the late 20th century, workers were being diagnosed with severe respiratory issues, ranging from minor lung scarring to asbestosis and mesothelioma—a cancer with a grim prognosis, with only a single-digit percentage of patients surviving five years post-diagnosis.
Pittsburgh Plate Glass also holds a 50 percent interest in Pittsburgh Corning Corporation, where workers similarly suffered from asbestos exposure. In 2013, as part of a bankruptcy reorganization plan, PPG and its insurers agreed to fund a trust with hundreds of millions of dollars to resolve all future personal injury claims against PPG for asbestos exposure from products associated with Pittsburgh Corning.
This situation highlights the extensive impact of asbestos exposure on Pittsburgh-area workers, while PPG continues to prosper. Unfortunately, mesothelioma sufferers face a bleak future, with their lives irrevocably altered by negligent asbestos exposure at work. These victims inhaled asbestos during their regular duties, without any warning about the health risks they faced.
If you were employed by PPG and now have mesothelioma, a local Pittsburgh-area attorney can help determine who is responsible for your pain and suffering. Schedule an appointment today to learn more and discover how you can obtain the compensation you and your family deserve.
Do you know someone who worked at PPG Natrium who is struggling with asbestos-caused cancer? Are you a former employee that’s been diagnosed with the disease?
Did you know that you might be eligible for compensation for this negligent exposure? An in-depth consultation with an experienced local attorney can help you determine your legal rights. Schedule one today for more detailed information.
If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with mesothelioma, Lee Davis is here to help. With his expertise, dedication, and compassionate approach, he is committed to fighting for the rights of mesothelioma victims and their families, seeking justice and fair compensation. Contact Lee Davis today directly at 412-781-0525 for a confidential consultation and take the first step towards reclaiming your future.