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 other workplaces. Thus, asbestos exposure is widespread.
With all these uses, thousands of Weyerhaeuser workers in forestry and milling operations were regularly exposed to the toxic material and risked developing terrible diseases like mesothelioma and adenocarcinoma lung cancer.