Laura Ellsworth, center, a Republican who unsuccessfully ran for governor, tours Du-Co Ceramics in Saxonburg last year with company CEO Lora Cooper Rothen, right, and Ellsworth campaign manager Chris Mayernik. A law firm representing a former employee is investigating whether cancer-causing asbestos was present at the company.

PITTSBURGH — A legal firm whose main clients are the victims of a deadly, asbestos-related disease or their families is looking to talk to employees of Du-Co Ceramics in Saxonburg.

Attorney Holly Deihl of Kapusta Deihl Schweers said she is trying to determine whether asbestos, which causes the aggressive lung cancer known as mesothelioma, was present at Du-Co between 1970 and 1985.

“We believe that there was,” Deihl said. “We are trying to investigate that to find out.”

About 30 former Du-Co employees have called the firm since ads asking them to do so were released, Deihl said. None have reported a diagnosis of malignant mesothelioma, which attacks the protective tissues covering the lungs, abdomen and heart.

The law firm is representing the family of Laura Richey, a Butler woman who died in June at age 55. Richey was employed at Du-Co Ceramics, Deihl said.

She said the law firm is asking the employees to call so attorneys can gather information, educate them and answer any questions they may have.

Attorney Tom King, who represents Du-Co, said Richey worked at the company for a short time.

“We intend to vigorously defend for Du-Co and don't believe they have any liability whatsoever in the matter,” King said.

He added that the action Deihl's firm is building involves many other manufacturers and industrial employers in addition to Du-Co.

Deihl said asbestos is most prevalent in steel mills, power stations and industrial facilities.