Harvey Aluminum
Established in Los Angeles in 1914, Harvey Aluminum was founded by Leo Harvey, a Lithuanian immigrant who set up shop with two employees in downtown L.A. after a short stint working for the Hot Point Electric Company. Within six years, his company grew to 200 employees.
After World War II, which was a busy time for all aluminum plants, Harvey acquired a large aluminum plant in Torrance, California and this became the center of his operations. Expansion continued as the company opened plants in the U.S. Virgin Islands, Europe, Africa, and in other locations throughout the country, and Harvey Aluminum became heavily involved in the production of new metal alloys, many of which were used in the aerospace industry.
In 1972, Harvey Aluminum was purchased by Martin Marietta and the name was changed to Martin Marietta Aluminum. The company remained a major producer of aluminum products until 1984.
Harvey Aluminum and Asbestos
Though Harvey Aluminum was not as large as some other producers of this useful metal (namely Alcoa, Kaiser, and Reynolds), the company, nonetheless, produced thousands of tons of aluminum each year. Employees were responsible for a variety of tasks ranging from research and development and design to operating furnaces and other equipment. Many of these jobs were quite hazardous, especially in the early days of the company before OSHA rules and other safety guidelines were in place.
Furthermore, aluminum plant workers were regularly exposed to toxic materials, including hazardous chemicals and materials such as asbestos insulation. Asbestos, considered the best insulator available, was used to guard against burns and to help prevent fires. Equipment that might have been insulated with thermal asbestos included:
- Smelters
- Blast furnaces
- Steam pipes
- Ovens
- Boilers
- Protective clothing
Harvey Aluminum employees who worked with or around asbestos may have been likely to inhale loose fibers. Such exposure caused myriad lung problems for many of these workers later in life, including the development of cancerous tumors and a diagnosis of mesothelioma.
Harvey Aluminum and Asbestos Litigation
In 1984, the EPA in Wasco County, Oregon – responsible for overseeing the Harvey Aluminum plant in The Dalles – zeroed in on the hazards of a 15-acre Harvey-owned landfill that contained large amounts of construction debris, including asbestos, as well as tons of potliner material such as arsenic and cyanide. Because the site is in the Columbia River flood plain, all of the debris affected the groundwater in the region. Clean-up was finally completed in 1996, but the effects of the waste are unknown.
Similarly, orchard owners in the same area of Oregon sued Harvey Aluminum in regards to the excessive amount of fluorine and other toxins that were being released by the nearby plant. The plaintiffs noted that the fluorine and other particulates and gasses landed on their properties, often rendering their fruit inedible and greatly hindering their source of income.
Resources for Metal Workers
Today many former Harvey employees suffer from respiratory and pulmonary problems due to exposure to asbestos and other hazardous substances. It is necessary for anyone who worked for Harvey Aluminum or its successor, Martin Marietta Aluminum, to keep tabs on their health with regular check-ups. Any pulmonary problems, such as persistent coughing or shortness of breath, should be followed up with a chest x-ray or other imaging test.
If you've already been diagnosed with mesothelioma, you know how challenging the disease can be. Patients who wish to get a better understanding of their condition may benefit from literature that discusses general questions and answers about mesothelioma or cancer nutrition. They may also find comfort in inspirational caregiver and survivor stories. To request a complimentary copy of any of these support books, please fill out the form on this page.
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© 2012 The Mesothelioma Center |
Last Modified Thursday, February 23rd, 2012 | Disclaimer | Privacy Policy |
The information provided by The Mesothelioma Center is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.
Sponsored by a law firm concentrating in asbestos litigation, The Peterson Firm, LLP with offices at 1350 Connecticut Ave, NW, Fifth Floor, Washington DC 20036.
