Asbestos Exposure in Port Allegany
At Goldberg, Persky & White P.C., we have represented thousands of individuals who were unknowingly exposed to asbestos on the job. One area with a particularly troubling history is Port Allegany, Pennsylvania, where two major industrial sites—Pierce Glass (also known over the years as Ball Glass, Saint-Gobain, and Ardagh Glass) and Michigan Corning have been linked to decades of asbestos exposure.
The Hidden Dangers of Glass Manufacturing
In facilities like Pierce Glass and Michigan Corning, asbestos-containing materials were used in insulation, pipe coverings, gaskets, and even protective gear. These materials were utilized to withstand the high-heat environments of glass production but they also put workers at risk.
When asbestos fibers are disturbed, they become airborne and easily inhaled. Over time, exposure to these microscopic fibers can cause devastating illnesses, including asbestosis, lung cancer, and mesothelioma.
Pierce Glass / Ball Glass / Saint-Gobain / Ardagh Glass
This Port Allegany glass plant has operated under several names but has consistently served as a major local employer for generations. Former workers at the plant may have been exposed to asbestos during furnace repairs, insulation work, and routine maintenance.
Maintenance crews were particularly vulnerable, but even production line workers and mold operators may have been exposed to airborne fibers. In many cases, asbestos dust traveled throughout the facility, and limited safety protocols meant that proper protective equipment was not always used.
Michigan Corning: FOAMGLAS and Raw Asbestos Exposure
Michigan Corning, also located in Port Allegany, manufactured a product called FOAMGLAS®, a type of cellular glass insulation. While FOAMGLAS itself was not hazardous, the production process involved significant amounts of raw asbestos.
During mixing, molding, and curing, Michigan Corning workers were regularly exposed to asbestos dust. For decades, this exposure went unchecked, and many former employees later developed asbestos-related diseases. Michigan Corning ultimately filed for bankruptcy in 2000 and created the Michigan Corning Asbestos Trust to compensate affected individuals and families.
At GPW, we understand the physical, emotional, and financial toll of an asbestos-related diagnosis. Asbestos-related diseases often take decades to develop. Even if exposure occurred years ago, it’s not too late to take action. If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with lung cancer or mesothelioma, contact GPW for a free no obligation consultation.
