In this video, attorney Sean M. Esford discusses asbestos exposure in the plastic molding industry, with a focus on two New York facilities: Norton Laboratories in Lockport and Die Molding in Canastota. He explains how asbestos-containing molding compounds used in the production of automotive and household parts exposed workers to harmful dust during every stage of manufacturing.

Hello, my name is Sean Esford. For over five years, it has been my privilege to represent victims of the asbestos industry and their families. Supporting our clients through the legal process while they face the medical challenges of an asbestos-related disease is both a responsibility and an honor. We provide not only legal representation but also emotional support during one of the most difficult times in their lives.

For decades, the asbestos industry chose profits over people, knowingly exposing workers to dangerous materials without providing proper warnings. I consider it an honor to stand alongside our clients as they seek justice—not just for themselves, but for others harmed by this industry’s negligence.

Throughout my career, I’ve represented workers from a wide range of trades: pipefitters, steamfitters, millwrights, carpenters, and laborers, among others. One area of asbestos exposure that is often overlooked is plastic molding manufacturing.

Two facilities in New York stand out in this regard: Norton Laboratories in Lockport and Die Molding in Canastota. At both locations, we’ve represented numerous individuals diagnosed with mesothelioma and lung cancer as a result of asbestos exposure.

Plastic parts used in vehicles, electrical components, cookware handles, and even cameras were often made using asbestos-containing molding compounds. These compounds came in granular or pellet form—similar in appearance to coffee grounds—and were used because of asbestos’s heat-resistant properties.

In a typical molding facility, workers were exposed to asbestos during various stages of production:

• In the preform department, where the raw molding compound was shaped into puck-like forms;

• In the molding area, where heat and pressure formed the finished products;

• And in the finishing department, where excess material was ground or sanded off the final parts.

Each of these steps released asbestos dust into the air, putting all workers in the area at risk of inhalation exposure.

If you or someone you know worked at Norton Laboratories, Die Molding, or any other facility involved in the manufacture of plastic molding compounds and has been diagnosed with mesothelioma or lung cancer, please contact Lipsitz, Ponterio & Comerford.

It would be our honor to represent you.

Free Consultation

Since 1995, the attorneys at Lipsitz, Ponterio & Comerford, LLC have been helping clients in Buffalo, Rochester, and Syracuse, NY, who have been injured due to asbestos exposure. Through our tireless efforts, we have helped to shape and reform asbestos laws throughout the state of New York. We have a full team of lawyers devoted to representing people exposed to asbestos.

If you have been diagnosed with mesothelioma or lung cancer, please contact us today and we will schedule an appointment to come to your home and meet with you and your family to explain your legal rights.