On Thu, 2021-01-28 at 09:52 -0600, Jon Elson via cctalk wrote: > On 01/28/2021 02:29 AM, Curious Marc via cctalk wrote: > > We have had this guy harassing the Computer History Museum, then all > > unsuspecting restorers under the false pretense of doing computer materials > > history research. In the end we understood he was trying to find out if > > asbestos was used in the machinery or buildings that were used to make the > > IBM 1401. We believe he is trying to find a sleazy way to sue all the > > computer makers that have made computers in the past. > Wow! I doubt there is an asbestos in the actual computer > parts, but quite possible asbestos-containing floor tiles > and pipe insulation WAS used in the factory buildings, or > computer rooms where they were used. > > Suing the manufacturers for something that was general > practice 60 years ago seems a far stretch. And, other than > IBM, all the other computer makers are long gone. Some may > have been absorbed into other corporations, of course. > Getting legal, what would be his standing for such a suit? > If he wants a class action, he has to find somebody that was > harmed, and then track down others and/or heirs.
It wasn't just "general practice" sixty years ago. It was mandated by building codes. > Well, some people just need to find real work, like digging > ditches or driving trucks. > > Jon