The George E. Hudson Corporation was established in 1927 as a plastering and insulation contractor. In 1938, the company’s name changed to Hudson Plastering Corporation, and its main offices were located at 50 Stradtman Street in Cheektowaga, New York, until the company dissolved in 1982. Prior to federal regulations placed on asbestos in the late 1970s, asbestos was incorporated into dozens of building materials used by Hudson Plastering, including fireproof insulation, acoustic plaster and tile, and joint compound (mud). Employees who worked for Hudson Plastering applied asbestos-containing products manufactured by W.R. Grace, U.S. Mineral, Keasbey and Mattison, Georgia-Pacific, National Gypsum and USG. These materials were applied at numerous locations throughout Western New York, including the Albright Knox Art Gallery, Main Place Mall and Tower, Leisure Land Bowling Alley and Temple Beth Zion. Workers who handled materials that contained asbestos or worked in the vicinity of others who did are at risk for developing an asbestos-related disease, such as mesothelioma or lung cancer.

Fireproofers who applied asbestos-containing fireproofing materials, such as Limpet, are at high risk for developing mesothelioma or lung cancer. Hudson Plastering used Limpet, a mix of crocidolite asbestos fibers and Portland cement, for fireproofing, soundproofing and insulation purposes. This fireproofing material was applied at numerous job sites throughout Western New York, including The Park School of Buffalo, Buffalo/Niagara Airport and Leisure Land Bowling Alley. Limpet was packaged in bags and dumped into a machine, mixed with water and sprayed onto surfaces with a hose. During the application process, large clouds of asbestos dust and fibers were emitted into the air of the buildings where Limpet was being applied. Electricians and plasterers, who also worked on or in the vicinity of where Limpet was applied, were also put at risk for exposure to asbestos fibers and dust.

As a contractor, Hudson Plastering was also involved in the application of asbestos-containing joint compound (mud) in order to seal seams between sheets of drywall. Asbestos-containing joint compound was manufactured as either a dry mix (a powder that requires water in order to form a paste for application) or as ready-mix (an application-ready product). Dry mix joint compound was packaged in paper bags, and it was mixed with water, in order to form a paste, and applied to the drywall. Three coats of joint compound were generally required to drywall seams. After one coat of compound dried, it was sanded down to a smooth surface. During both the mixing and sanding processes of asbestos joint compound, dust and fibers were released into the air putting not only drywall finishers at risk for exposure, but others who also worked in the same vicinity.

Asbestos was also incorporated into acoustical ceiling spray, cement, ceiling and floor tiles applied and installed by Hudson Plastering. It was common for members of the Plasterers Local #9 Union to spray and apply acoustical ceiling spray to ceiling and wall surfaces. Asbestos-containing ceiling spray was very similar to fireproofing materials. During the application process, large clouds of asbestos dust and fibers were emitted into the air of the buildings where it was being applied. Once asbestos became airborne, it remained in the air for quite some time. After the asbestos dust settled, the movements of workers in the area stirred the dust back into the air, which placed even more workers at risk for asbestos exposure.

Inhaling dust and particles from the application and maintenance of asbestos-containing materials placed workers at risk of developing serious health problems. Even those who were not in direct contact with asbestos materials remain at risk for the development of asbestos-related diseases, such as mesothelioma or lung cancer. The attorneys at Lipsitz & Ponterio have represented numerous Hudson Plastering employees, Plasterers Local #9 Union members and their family members who have developed mesothelioma or lung cancer. If you or a loved one once worked for Hudson Plastering and have been diagnosed with mesothelioma or lung cancer, we urge you to contact us for a free and confidential case evaluation.