Congoleum Corporation manufactured flooring products using asbestos for decades, from the 1940s through the 1980s. Many workers eventually developed mesothelioma, lung cancer, or asbestosis. Congoleum faced lawsuits and eventually went into bankruptcy and created an asbestos trust fund to compensate victims.[1]
Congoleum History and Asbestos
Although it has been an American company for most of its history, Congoleum originated in Scotland. In the 1800s, founder Michael Nairn began making sailcloth. He innovated the use of painted sailcloth to cover dirt floors. [2]
- Eventually, these painted cloths gave way to another new invention in flooring: linoleum. While he was not responsible for its invention, Nairn began making and selling linoleum as another affordable flooring option.[2]
- In 1886, Nairn’s son, Michael, purchased property in New Jersey. That same year, he brought over Scottish workers and began manufacturing flooring as Nairn Linoleum Company.[2]
- The company became Congoleum after it acquired a company that developed Congo, a new roofing and flooring material. The name came from the fact that the materials used to make the asphalt roofing came from the Belgian Congo.
- Congoleum was the name chosen for the new company because it combined the two types of flooring.
- The company continued to grow, expanding its product line to include vinyl flooring, no-wax flooring, and tiles. Congoleum developed some new products, while others it acquired through company mergers.[2]
- American Biltrite partially owned Congoleum Corporation from 1993 to 2012.
- Congoleum used asbestos in many of its products. By the 1980s, the company began experiencing asbestos and mesothelioma lawsuits. Company employees and others who worked or lived with asbestos flooring claimed exposure caused them to become sick.
- Congoleum finally began Chapter 11 reorganization in 2003. Congoleum emerged from bankruptcy in 2010 with an asbestos trust fund.
Congoleum continues to operate today, making innovative, new flooring products. Some of these come from partnerships with other companies, like 3M. Today, Congoleum products are manufactured at facilities in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Maryland.[3]
How Did Congoleum Use Asbestos?
Congoleum Corporation used asbestos in many of its flooring products between the late 1940s and the early 1980s.
Asbestos is lightweight and fibrous, yet strong. It adds strength and durability to materials like flooring.[4] For flooring, asbestos improved durability and strength while also adding insulation to prevent homes from losing heat. Asbestos is inexpensive, readily available, and commonly mined for decades.
Companies phased out its use when it was determined that inhalation of asbestos fibers could lead to deadly illnesses like mesothelioma and lung cancer.
Congoleum no longer uses asbestos in its products.
Congoleum Products That Contained Asbestos
Congoleum products made with asbestos included vinyl flooring, wall coverings, and counters, as well as asphalt tiles, sheet flooring, cushioned vinyl, and corkboards. Some Congoleum brand names that contained asbestos include:[5]
- Dynasty
- Ultraflor
- Flor-Ever
- Cushionflor
- Builderflor
- Highlight
- Gold Seal
- Peerless
- Pacemaker
- Spacemaker
- Vinylbest
- Sparklewood
- Fashionflor
Who Was Exposed to Asbestos from Congoleum Products?
Congoleum employees were at risk of asbestos exposure because they worked in facilities that used the mineral. When working with asbestos, fibers can become airborne as dust that is inhaled or settles on surfaces.
Also at risk of exposure were workers who used Congoleum flooring. Carpenters and construction workers who installed or removed the flooring were at risk, as was anyone who worked in demolition.[6]
Homeowners with older Congoleum products in place are still at some risk today. Any renovation work can release asbestos fibers from old flooring materials. Homeowners should consult asbestos professionals before doing work.
Asbestos Lawsuits against Congoleum
Congoleum was hit hard by asbestos lawsuits, especially those filed by workers in the construction industry. The company was found liable in a number of cases of exposure and illness.
In some cases, the plaintiffs recognized that Congoleum products were labeled as containing asbestos; however, they claimed the company did not warn of potential health consequences.[3]
One example of a lawsuit against Congoleum came from a man, Robert Ehret, who worked as a flooring contractor. He developed a rare type of mesothelioma, pericardial mesothelioma, which attacks the tissue lining the heart.
Ehret’s widow sued Congoleum and other companies that made flooring with asbestos. Unfortunately, this man did not survive the resulting trial. His surviving family was awarded over $3 million for pain, suffering, and medical expenses caused by his working with asbestos products.[7]
Congoleum Bankruptcy, Reorganization, and Asbestos Trust
The number of lawsuits against Congoleum accumulated over the years. In 1993, the company attempted to file for Chapter 11 bankruptcy. It was denied the right to reorganize at that time. In 2003, Congoleum was finally allowed to reorganize with bankruptcy protection.
As a part of that protection, the company created the Congoleum Plan Trust. This trust became active in 2010 with $270 million to compensate exposure victims.[8]
The company established the trust to pay current and future claims. Because illnesses like mesothelioma take years to develop, the company anticipates years of claims.
What to Do if You Worked with Congoleum Asbestos Flooring
If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with an asbestos illness and you can trace your exposure to asbestos to Congoleum products, you can file a claim with the trust fund for compensation.
Because the claims process can be complicated and confusing, working with an experienced mesothelioma lawyer is recommended to increase your chances of a successful claim.
