Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that was first utilized in the early 1900s for its insulating abilities, fireproof properties, and versatility. Heavy industries have used it in strengthening cement and plastics, as well as in insulation in piping and boilers, and fireproofing. It has been estimated that over 30 million tons of asbestos was used in the American economy in industrial yards, homes, schools, shipyards, and workplaces like CC Moore. Thus, asbestos exposure was widespread.
With all these uses, tens of thousands of workers were regularly exposed to the toxic material and risked developing terrible diseases like mesothelioma and adenocarcinoma lung cancer.