Glassblower Mitts
Glassblowing is a fine art. Expert glassblowers produce amazing works, often purchased by collectors and other aficionados of the art. Their work must be meticulous and demands the utmost in attention and control. Because glassblowing also involves fire and extreme heat, dangers are always present and the glassblower must exercise caution so as not to be injured.
In order to protect themselves, the glassblower wears fire- and heat-resistant clothing to prevent burns. For many decades, some articles of this protective clothing were fashioned from asbestos-containing cloth. For example, glassblower mitts that the artist wore on his/her hands often contained asbestos and served to protect him/her from burns produced by the blowtorch’s hot fire. As the glassblower usually was not aware of the dangers of asbestos, no second thought was given to the fact that the mitts were indeed made of this toxic mineral.
Asbestos mitts became commonly-found items in the glassblower’s studio. Often, the same pair was used for years. Unfortunately, if that was the case, the mitts often became old and damaged, resulting in the release of toxic asbestos fibers, which may have been inhaled by the artist or anyone working alongside him. The asbestos exposure may have eventually resulted in the development of an asbestos-related disease.
For decades, asbestos mitts or gloves and other similar protective clothing, like face masks, aprons, and pants, were used to protect workers of many different industries. Those who wore the gear were totally unaware that the material was toxic even though records show that owners and executives of asbestos manufacturing companies often knew about the dangers of the mineral but refused to share the information with workers, usually in the interest of saving money.
The result of the cover-up was scores of people with asbestos illnesses – illnesses which could have been prevented had these individuals been privy to honest information about the dangers of asbestos. A few simple precautions would have made a difference.
Glassblower mitts are no longer made of asbestos. After the U.S. government issued asbestos warnings in the late 1970s, other materials were substituted for asbestos in the manufacturing of glassblower mitts. Had these substitute materials been used earlier, many hundreds of cases of mesothelioma and other asbestos diseases could have been avoided.
If you were/are a glassblower and have developed mesothelioma due to exposure to asbestos glassblower mitts, you may be eligible for monetary compensation for your injuries. Take a moment to learn more about your legal rights by ordering our free mesothelioma information kit.
