01. History of Asbestos Use
Labconco History of Asbestos Use
In 1925, Ralph Callaway and Phillip Goldfisch founded Laboratory Construction Company (Labconco) to sell laboratory equipment. It initially began selling Goldfisch’s Kjeldahl testing apparatus to local milling companies. To increase revenue, the company expanded its offerings to include other lab equipment like tables and carts.
In 1946 and 1949, Labconco used asbestos in some of its products, including a lab cart made for transporting chemicals. In 1957, the company began expanding its market from agricultural labs to other types of scientific research labs.
The company continued to increase its product offerings. In the 1960s, it introduced a fume hood with molded fiberglass panels. Fume hoods often had asbestos cement panels in them. This makes them one of the lab products often associated with asbestos.
Exposure to asbestos can lead to serious health risks, including cancers like mesothelioma. People who made or worked with Labconco products may have an increased risk for asbestos-related illnesses.
Resources for Mesothelioma Patients
02. Asbestos Products
Labconco Asbestos Products
Asbestos was frequently used in certain laboratory products and equipment. The mineral’s durability and resistance to heat and chemicals made it ideal for many uses.
Lab equipment known to often contain asbestos includes autoclaves, fume hoods, benches and wiring. Labconco manufactured some of these products during the height of asbestos use.
One of Labconco’s most popular products, the #1810 Chemical Cart, was made with asbestos. Compressed asbestos was used to coat the shelves of the cart. An advertisement for the cart claimed the mineral was to “withstand contact with acids, alkali and heat.”
Examples of other asbestos-containing laboratory equipment include:
- Autoclaves
- Centrifuges
- Cloths
- Cords
- Countertops
- Crucibles
- Desktop/tripod mats
- Fire blankets
- Fire suits
- Fume hoods
- Gauze mats (heat mats)
- Gloves
- Heaters
- Insulation
- Kilns
- Mittens
- Ovens
- Papers
- Pipes
- Stand clamps
- Sterilizers
- Tapes
- Tongs
- Tubing
- Water baths
- Wires
Mesothelioma lawyers have access to detailed asbestos product records. They may be able to help asbestos exposure victims determine if they were exposed through laboratory equipment produced by Labconco or other asbestos companies.
03. Occupational Exposure
Labconco and Occupational Exposure
Labconco manufactured different types of products, including fume hoods, laboratory tables and carts. These products were often subject to high heat and may have used asbestos to protect employees and machinery. Manufacturing companies often used asbestos because it’s durable and resists heat well.
Because of the mineral’s popularity in the manufacturing industry, many employees faced asbestos exposure risks. Workers at other companies who purchased Labconco’s asbestos products may also have been exposed. Sites that may have led to exposure from Labconco products include research labs and schools.
Some labs and other sites may still have old asbestos-containing products, continuing to put individuals at risk. Any amount of asbestos exposure may lead to an asbestos-related disease.
04. Asbestos Litigation
Asbestos Litigation Against Labconco
Recently, Labconco began facing litigation for its past asbestos use. As of 2023, victims had named the company in dozens of asbestos lawsuits. These lawsuits may result in compensation through settlements or verdicts.
These victims may have experienced exposure years ago from Labconco’s products. Asbestos diseases, like mesothelioma, can take decades to develop. Many people may not have known they were exposed to asbestos at the time.
Even if asbestos exposure occurred many years ago, victims still have rights. Mesothelioma lawyers can review each case and explain which legal options are available. They can help gather all necessary evidence and information to file mesothelioma claims or lawsuits.
Diagnosed individuals who suspect exposure from Labconco asbestos products can seek help from experienced mesothelioma law firms.
