Delco Appliance Corporation, a subsidiary of General Motors, used asbestos in their steam boilers and various other products, putting employees of Delco and GM at risk of developing related illnesses like lung cancer, asbestosis, and mesothelioma.
The use of asbestos in products such as boilers was common at the time, and the majority of Delco boilers contained asbestos insulation. The insulated boiler systems were meant to protect consumers and equipment from high temperatures, but the toxic materials caused a lot more harm than good.
Thousands of former Delco workers were injured, many of whom are still ill from exposure. Former Delco Workers have been and continue to be diagnosed with lung cancer and mesothelioma decades after exposure, demonstrating the serious consequences of asbestos use.
Joe Lyon is a highly-rated Ohio asbestos lawyer investigating mesothelioma and lung cancer claims for former Delco workers. The Firm works nationally and accepts cases on full contingency to eliminate the financial risk for the family.
Delco Workers Exposed to Asbestos Insulation
The Delco Appliance Corporation mainly produced boilers. The company’s primary product, introduced in the 1930s, was the Delco-Heat Harmonized Boiler. This boiler, utilized in many industrial and commercial applications, featured Air Cell asbestos insulation.
Air Cell insulation is a brand name for a type of insulating material and also a generic term. Resembling gray cardboard, air cell insulation was regularly used to wrap steam pipes, HVAC ducts and furnace systems. The material was available in different thicknesses, and sold in sheets.
Prior to the mid-1980s, air cell-type insulation was manufactured with asbestos, and in some cases, affixed to the pipe surfaces with asbestos adhesive.
Air cell insulation is known to become “friable” as it deteriorates, which means it can be crushed and reduced to a powder. Any asbestos insulation that is friable has the potential to spread countless toxic fibers into the air.
Once breathed into the lungs, the fibers may cause scarring and result in serious conditions such as asbestosis, lung cancer and mesothelioma.
Delco Asbestos Products
Employees who built, installed and repaired Delco asbestos boilers and other asbestos products were likely exposed to asbestos while on job sites.
The company’s line of boilers also endangered end users and maintenance crews. Occupations at the highest risk for asbestos exposure include:
- Insulators
- Welders
- Lathe operators
- Plumbers
- Maintenance Crews
Companies Associated with Delco Asbestos Products
- General Motors
- AC Delco
- Moraine Products Division
- Delco Appliance Corp.
- Delco Electric
- Delco-Moraine NDH
- Delco Chassis Division
- Delphi Automotive
Symptoms of Mesothelioma
Those who develop mesothelioma may show no signs of illness for up to decades after their first exposure. Also, by the time symptoms present, mesothelioma has most likely reached an advanced stage.
Studies show that inhaling asbestos fibers severely scars and damages tissue surrounding the lungs. This can serve as the primary source for victims who develop lung cancer, asbestosis and mesothelioma.
Symptoms of mesothelioma can be varied and may include the following:
- Pain in the chest and rib area
- Persistent cough
- Trouble breathing
- Lumps of tissue on the chest and abdomen
- Abdominal swelling and pain
- Weight loss
It is recommended that former workers at Delco and GM facilities contact medical professionals if they suspect past exposure to asbestos.
Delco Lung Cancer Lawsuits
Lawyers say many asbestos-containing product manufacturers like Delco focused on profits without regard to workplace safety standards. Some companies cast aside early damaging medical evidence, and even hid information that might damage their business.
As a result, workers across the country have filed asbestos-related claims against hundreds of American corporations. The number of victims is still growing, and lawyers in Ohio are currently involved in litigation, including the claims against Delco and General Motors.
