For fifty years, North American Refractories Company (NARCO) made asbestos refractory materials for high-temperature industries. However, NARCO eventually faced lawsuits over asbestos-related illnesses, which drove it into bankruptcy protection and the formation of an asbestos trust funded by more than $6 billion to help pay claims. NARCO History and Asbestos NARCO began in Cleveland, Ohio,
The Nicolet Company/Keasby & Mattison made several products with asbestos, including pipe insulation. The company faced thousands of lawsuits over mesothelioma, asbestosis, and lung cancer due to exposure through its products. Victims can now make claims through an Armstrong asbestos trust fund. Nicolet/Keasby & Mattison History and Asbestos Nicolet has a long and complicated corporate
The National Automotive Parts Association, better known as NAPA, is an automotive parts supplier and retail outlet. For many years, NAPA made and distributed parts that contained asbestos. These put mechanics and other workers at risk of asbestos exposure, and in recent years, NAPA has faced several asbestos lawsuits from former workers. NAPA History and
National Gypsum was a major manufacturer and distributor of asbestos construction materials, including Gold Bond products. Declining home building and lawsuits over asbestos-related illnesses led the company to a 1990 bankruptcy, reorganization, and the creation of the National Gypsum Company Bodily Injury Trust. Today, victims of asbestos exposure from Gold Bond products can make a
The Mobil Oil Corporation used asbestos insulation in its heavy equipment and infrastructure for decades. The company faced lawsuits over mesothelioma and other illnesses, but never filed for bankruptcy or created an asbestos victims’ trust. Mobil Oil History and Asbestos Mobil Oil Corporation was created in 1911, though its history goes back further. ExxonMobil today
Fullerton, California-based Metalclad Insulation Corp. began making insulation in 1933 when asbestos was common in the industry. Many ships, including those in the Navy, used this insulation, leading to a high incidence of mesothelioma in shipyard workers, crews, and U.S. Navy veterans. Metalclad faced several lawsuits and eventually stopped making insulation. Metalclad History and Asbestos
Malleable Iron Range Company made wood-burning stoves, ranges, and other household and industrial appliances with asbestos components. By the 1960s, the company began facing lawsuits related to asbestos, which caused some people to get sick. In 1985, the company filed for bankruptcy and eventually shut its doors for good without creating an asbestos trust. Malleable
Until recently, the most accurate method to detect asbestos was to collect samples of air and materials and examine them under a microscope in a lab, a lengthy process. Now, researchers may be able to offer handheld technology for innovating asbestos detection in the field. These devices could revolutionize the process, offering immediate feedback about
M.H. Detrick Company manufactured insulation and refractory products with asbestos for many years. Some of the exposed workers developed mesothelioma, lung cancer, or asbestosis. The resulting lawsuits forced M.H. Detrick to file for bankruptcy protection and establish an asbestos trust fund that has since closed. M.H. Detrick History and Asbestos M.H. Detrick Company was founded in
Ohio-based Lincoln Electric serves the welding industry, manufacturing tools, safety equipment, and accessories. Lincoln Electric used asbestos in products for years, causing mesothelioma in some workers. Despite asbestos lawsuits, Lincoln never had to file for bankruptcy or start an asbestos trust. Lincoln Electric History and Asbestos Lincoln Electric was founded in 1895 by an electric