Former Ohio workers in the plants and foundries of Dayton Malleable were exposed to toxins, and may develop lung diseases, including cancers such as mesothelioma.
Like other companies in the aluminum and iron industry, Dayton Malleable used asbestos as an insulator. The company’s largest foundries were in Dayton, Columbus and Ironton.
Dayton Malleable produced malleable iron castings, mainly for the automobile industry. The Ironton, Ohio plant had an annual production of 70,000 tons of castings.
Dayton Malleable also began producing aluminum castings for auto makers in three of its ten plants. The company changed its name to Dayton Malleable Inc. in 1973 and to Amcast Industrial in 1983, and continued producing aluminum-based parts like anti-lock braking systems.
Asbestos fibers, when inhaled, can become lodged in the lungs and cause scarring. In many cases, the asbestos fibers can rest in the lungs for decades, leading cancer and mesothelioma. Many former workers at Ohio foundries in Dayton, Ironton and Columbus have been diagnosed with mesothelioma cancer, and other asbestos-related diseases.
Joe Lyon is a highly-rated Ohio asbestos lawyer investigating mesothelioma and lung cancer claims for former Dayton Malleable workers. The Firm works nationally and accepts cases on full contingency.
Was there Asbestos in the Dayton Malleable Foundry?
Former workers at Dayton Malleable may have been exposed to asbestos through protective garments, or from toxic building materials such as refractory bricks, floor and ceiling tiles, and liner boards.
In many foundries, asbestos insulation was wrapped around pipes, furnaces, ovens, tanks, generators, rolling mills, cranes and boilers. Also, since asbestos fibers can become attached to clothes at work sites, there was a chance of contaminating the home, and putting family members at risk.
Signs and Symptoms of Mesothelioma
Symptoms of mesothelioma can depend on several factors. Those symptoms, when they present, may include the following:
• Pain in the chest and rib area
• Persistent cough
• Trouble breathing
• Lumps of tissue on the chest and abdomen
• Stomach pain
• Swelling of the abdomen
• Weight loss
Which Occupations Were at Highest Risk?
There are several jobs in the metal casting industry that regularly faced asbestos exposure hazards. The types of steel plant positions at the Dayton, Columbus and Ironton, Ohio plants most commonly exposed to asbestos include:
• Pipefitter
• Machinist
• Boilermaker
• Smelter
• Welder
• Blacksmith
• Insulator
• Maintenance Crews
Legal Action for Victims of Exposure
The legal system holds American corporations responsible for maintaining a safe work environment for all workers. When companies fail to meet this responsibility, they should compensate the victims who have suffered from permanent health problems.
Many Ohio plants, including Dayton Malleable plants in Dayton, Columbus and Ironton, Ohio have been involved in asbestos litigation for exposing workers to toxic materials.