Asbestos Products

Cork Covering

Between 1900 and 1980, nearly 3,000 products containing asbestos were made and marketed. Many of these products were used in the construction, renovation and maintenance of homes. Others were used for insulation in buildings, homes, power plants and boiler rooms.

Cork covering containing asbestos was often used to insulate pipes and for other insulation uses. The asbestos added to the insulated properties of cork, and added fire retardant properties. One of the better known companies that manufactured cork covering with asbestos was Armstrong, makers of LT Cork Covering, used for insulation. Cork covering was often used for low temperature insulation, specifically insulation for refrigeration and coolant pipes.

Insulation workers are one of the occupational groups at highest risk of developing mesothelioma, a cancer that is caused by inhalation and ingestion of asbestos fibers. Asbestos was the single most commonly used insulation material from 1900 to about 1970. It was mixed into nearly every product used for insulating, including cork board, cork covering, vermiculite, asbestos paper, corrugated paper and asbestos board. It was so commonly used in insulation that insulation workers were often simply referred to as asbestos workers.

Workers who installed cork covering installation woven or coated with asbestos were in heavy contact with asbestos, and performed operations and actions that made it one of the most hazardous occupations as far as asbestos exposure is concerned. They cut, sawed and shaped cork covering, fit it to size, wrapped it around pipes and machinery, removed it - all actions that released asbestos fibers into the air that they breathed.

The hazards didn't stop when insulation containing asbestos was banned from use. Even now, workers who maintain and install insulation may come into contact with old, decaying cork insulation that contains asbestos. In most cases now, workers are aware that they are dealing with a hazardous substance. Before 1970, many workers were not aware that they were handling or using asbestos. It may be necessary to deduce your exposure to asbestos by your work tasks or the products with which you worked.

Anyone who worked with cork covering used for insulation may have performed any of the following tasks:

  • Measured and cut sections of insulation or cork covering to fit
  • Stretched material to fit over pipes
  • Attached insulation with glue, staples, tape, or wire bands to pipes
  • Covered insulation with a sleeve and secured it in place
  • Installed sheet metal around insulated pipes
  • Operated a blower machine with asbestos or foam insulation
  • Regulated flow of materials
  • Sprayed foam insulation into attics or walls
  • Removed old insulation

To make matters worse, those activities were often performed indoors in poorly ventilated areas, increasing the possibility of inhaling asbestos fibers and eventually developing mesothelioma.

If you worked with cork covering or other insulation and were exposed to asbestos, you are at a higher risk of developing mesothelioma. It is important that your doctor know about your history of asbestos exposure, especially if you are experiencing respiratory symptoms. The right information can help your doctor make an informed diagnosis. If you are diagnosed with mesothelioma, an early diagnosis will give you far more treatment options.

If you are diagnosed with mesothelioma, you may also be entitled to a settlement or monetary compensation from the companies that manufactured and used asbestos containing products. Contact an attorney experienced in dealing with mesothelioma and asbestos litigation for more information about asbestos lawsuits.

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