Historical Encyclopedia Entries: People, Policies, and the Asbestos Industry
This section explores the broader historical and regulatory context of asbestos — including the individuals, corporations, government decisions, and industry practices that shaped its rise and the global public health crisis that followed. These categories offer insights into the timeline, accountability, and lasting impact of asbestos use, as well as the documents and places tied to its legacy.
Historical & Regulatory Frameworks
How Asbestos Was Regulated — and How It Wasn’t This category traces the evolution of legal and regulatory structures surrounding asbestos — from early worker compensation acts to modern safety standards. It explores how industrial influence, medical knowledge, and litigation shaped the rules (and loopholes) that governed asbestos use. Understanding this framework reveals how regulation often lagged behind risk.
The following 2 Encyclopedia entries are primarily about this category:
Montague Murray Report — The Montague Murray Report, presented in 1906 to a British parliamentary committee on compensation for industrial diseases, is a landmark document in the history of occupational health and asbestos-related disease recognition.
Naval Use of Asbestos — The use of asbestos in naval operations represents a significant chapter in the history of occupational exposure to toxic substances.
The following 72 additional Encyclopedia entries are also related to this category:
ABB Lummus — ABB Lummus, a subsidiary of the global engineering and technology conglomerate ABB Group, has been a significant entity in asbestos litigation due to its historical involvement in the design and construction of industrial facilities that utilized asbestos-containing materials (ACMs).
Ambler, Pennsylvania — Ambler, Pennsylvania, often referred to as the "asbestos capital of the world," holds a significant place in the history of asbestos manufacturing, public health crises, and subsequent litigation.
Anthony Lanza — Anthony Lanza was a prominent and polarizing figure in the mid-20th century, whose work and influence spanned the fields of occupational health, industrial hygiene, and asbestos-related litigation.
Armstrong World Industries — Armstrong World Industries, originally known as Armstrong Cork Company, was a major manufacturer and distributor of asbestos-containing products throughout the 20th century.
ASARCO — ASARCO (American Smelting and Refining Company) is a prominent example of corporate involvement in asbestos-related industries and the subsequent legal and medical consequences of asbestos exposure.
Asbestos Magazine — Asbestos Magazine was a trade publication that served as the primary communication platform for the asbestos industry in the United States from 1919 to 1983.
Asbestos Textile Institute (ATI) — The Asbestos Textile Institute (ATI) was a prominent industry trade association formed to represent the interests of companies involved in the production and use of asbestos textiles.
Asbestosis — Asbestosis is a chronic, progressive lung disease caused by the inhalation of asbestos fibers.
Aspect Ratio of Asbestos Fibers — The aspect ratio of asbestos fibers is a critical parameter in understanding their physical properties, health implications, and legal significance.
Babcock & Wilcox (B&W) — Babcock & Wilcox (B&W) is a prominent name in the industrial and energy sectors, known for its engineering and manufacturing of boilers, power generation systems, and other heavy industrial equipment.
Barry Castleman — Barry Castleman is a renowned environmental scientist, author, and expert witness whose work has significantly influenced asbestos litigation and public health policy.
Bell Labs — The Bell Asbestos Mines, located in Thetford Mines, Quebec, were a significant site of chrysotile asbestos extraction during the mid-20th century.
Bystander Exposure — Bystander exposure refers to the indirect inhalation of asbestos fibers by individuals who are not directly handling asbestos materials but are in proximity to asbestos-related activities.
C.W. Price — C.W. Price is a notable figure in the historical and scientific study of asbestos-related diseases, particularly for his contributions to understanding the occupational hazards of asbestos exposure.
Chrysotile — Chrysotile, often referred to as "white asbestos," is the most prevalent form of asbestos and belongs to the serpentine mineral group.
Chrysotile Defense — The "Chrysotile Defense" refers to a legal strategy employed by corporations and defense attorneys in asbestos litigation to argue that chrysotile asbestos, the most commonly used form of asbestos, poses significantly lower health risks compared to other types of asbestos, such as amphiboles (e.g., amosite and crocidolite).
Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA) — The Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA), commonly known as "Superfund," is a pivotal piece of U.S.
Congoleum — Congoleum Industries, a prominent manufacturer of vinyl-asbestos flooring, played a significant role in the history of asbestos exposure and subsequent litigation.
Corporate Negligence in Asbestos Cases — Corporate negligence in asbestos cases refers to the failure of companies to act responsibly in protecting workers, consumers, and the public from the known dangers of asbestos exposure.
Crystal Habit — Crystal habit refers to the external shape or morphology of a mineral crystal, determined by its internal atomic structure and environmental conditions during formation.
Dr. Gerrit Schepers — Dr. Gerrit Schepers was a prominent figure in the study of occupational lung diseases, particularly those caused by asbestos exposure.
E.R.A. Merewether — E.R.A. Merewether, a British physician and Senior Medical Inspector of Factories for the U.K. Ministry of Labour, is widely regarded as one of the most influential figures in the early study of asbestos-related diseases.
Eagle-Picher Industries, Inc. — Eagle-Picher Industries, Inc.: A Key Player in Asbestos Litigation and Corporate Controversy
Eruption of Mt. Vesuvius — Beyond its historical significance, the event also holds relevance in the context of asbestos-related studies due to the discovery of asbestos-containing materials in the aftermath of the eruption.
Fibreboard Company — Fibreboard Corporation, originally established as the Paraffine Companies in 1919, became a significant player in the asbestos industry through its production of insulation materials, gaskets, and other asbestos-containing products.
Fuller Austin — Fuller Austin, a construction and insulation company, has become a significant name in the history of asbestos litigation due to its involvement in the use and distribution of asbestos-containing materials.
Garlock — Garlock, now operating as Garlock Sealing Technologies, is a company historically known for manufacturing asbestos-containing products, including gaskets, packings, and cloth.
Gross Negligence — Gross negligence is a legal term that refers to a severe degree of carelessness or reckless disregard for the safety or rights of others.
Gunite — Gunite, also known as "dry-mix shotcrete," is a construction material composed of dry cement, sand, and water, which is pneumatically applied through a hose and mixed with water at the nozzle.
Harbison-Walker — Harbison-Walker Refractories Company, a prominent manufacturer of refractory products, played a significant role in the history of asbestos use and the subsequent wave of asbestos-related litigation.
Industrial Hygiene Foundation — The Industrial Hygiene Foundation (IHF), originally established as the Air Hygiene Foundation in 1936, played a pivotal role in the intersection of occupational health, industrial practices, and asbestos litigation.
Jeffery Mine — The Jeffrey Mine, located in Asbestos, Quebec, Canada, is one of the most historically significant asbestos mines in the world.
John Knox — John Knox, a medical officer for Turner & Newall (T&N), played a significant role in the historical and legal narrative surrounding asbestos exposure and its associated health risks.
Johns Manville — Johns-Manville, originally founded in 1858 and later renamed Manville Corporation in 1981, was a leading manufacturer and distributor of asbestos-containing products.
Kaiser Aluminum & Chemical Corporation — Kaiser Aluminum & Chemical Corporation, a prominent player in the aluminum and chemical manufacturing industries, has been a significant entity in the context of asbestos litigation.
Kaiser Gypsum Company — Kaiser Gypsum Company, a prominent manufacturer of building materials, played a significant role in the asbestos industry during the mid-20th century.
Kaylo — Kaylo is a thermal insulation product historically manufactured by Owens-Illinois and later by Owens Corning.
Latency Period — The term "latency period" refers to the time interval between an individual’s initial exposure to a harmful substance, such as asbestos, and the manifestation of related diseases.
Leroy Gardner — Leroy U. Gardner was a prominent researcher at the Saranac Laboratory for the Study of Tuberculosis, whose work in the 1930s and 1940s significantly advanced the understanding of asbestos-related diseases.
Lewis Brown — Lewis H. Brown, a prominent executive in the asbestos industry, served as the president of Johns-Manville Corporation, one of the largest asbestos manufacturers in the United States.
Lung Cancer — Lung cancer is a malignant disease characterized by the uncontrolled growth of abnormal cells in the lung tissue.
Midget Impinger — The Midget Impinger is a historical air-sampling device that played a pivotal role in monitoring airborne asbestos fibers in industrial and occupational settings.
North American Refractories Company (NARCO) — North American Refractories Company (NARCO) was a major manufacturer of refractory products, including bricks, cement, and other materials designed to withstand high temperatures.
Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) Asbestos Standards — The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) asbestos standards are a critical component of workplace safety regulations in the United States, designed to protect workers from the harmful effects of asbestos exposure.
Outrageous Misconduct — "Outrageous Misconduct" is a pivotal exposé and legal analysis of the asbestos industry's role in one of the most significant public health crises of the 20th century.
Owens-Corning — Owens-Corning, a prominent American manufacturer of building materials, has been at the center of asbestos-related litigation for decades.
Paul Brodeur — Paul Brodeur was a renowned investigative journalist whose work played a pivotal role in exposing the health hazards of asbestos and the corporate misconduct surrounding its use.
Pleural Plaques — Pleural plaques are discrete areas of thickened tissue on the parietal pleura, the membrane lining the chest wall and diaphragm.
Plibrico — Plibrico, a company historically involved in the production of refractory materials, has become a significant name in asbestos litigation due to its use of asbestos in its products.
Pneumoconiosis — Pneumoconiosis is a group of occupational lung diseases caused by the inhalation and retention of mineral dusts, leading to lung tissue damage and fibrosis.
Porter Hayden Company — The Porter Hayden Company, a prominent insulation contractor and distributor of asbestos-containing materials, has become a significant entity in the history of asbestos litigation.
Raybestos-Manhattan — Raybestos-Manhattan, later renamed Raymark Industries in 1982, was a prominent manufacturer of asbestos-containing products, including brake linings, clutch facings, and textiles.
Saranac Laboratories — Saranac Laboratories, established in 1921 as part of the Edward Trudeau Sanatorium in the Adirondack Mountains of New York, played a critical role in the study of occupational diseases, particularly those related to asbestos exposure.
Sepco Corporation — Sepco Corporation, a manufacturer of industrial gaskets and sealing products, has been a significant entity in asbestos litigation due to its historical use of asbestos in its products.
Silicosis — Silicosis is a progressive and often fatal lung disease caused by the inhalation of crystalline silica dust.
State of the Art Defense — The "State of the Art Defense" is a legal doctrine frequently invoked in asbestos litigation to shield manufacturers and employers from liability.
Statutes of Repose — Statutes of repose are legal provisions that establish a fixed time limit within which a lawsuit must be filed, regardless of when the harm or injury is discovered.
Sumner Simpson — Sumner Simpson, a prominent executive in the asbestos industry during the mid-20th century, is a pivotal figure in the history of asbestos litigation and corporate conduct.
Sumner Simpson Papers — The Sumner Simpson Papers are a collection of internal corporate documents that have become one of the most significant pieces of evidence in asbestos litigation.
The American Petroleum Institute — The American Petroleum Institute (API) is a major trade association representing the oil and natural gas industry in the United States.
The Flintkote Company — The Flintkote Company, established in 1901, was a prominent manufacturer of construction materials, including roofing, siding, and insulation products.
The Jeffrey Mine — The Jeffrey Mine, located in Asbestos, Quebec, is one of the most infamous asbestos mines in the world.
Threshold Limit Value (TLV) — The Threshold Limit Value (TLV) is a guideline developed to indicate the level of exposure to a chemical substance or physical agent, such as asbestos, that is considered safe for workers during a standard workday.
Turner & Newall — Turner & Newall (T&N) was a British multinational company that became synonymous with the asbestos industry during the 20th century.
U.S. Gypsum Corporation (USG) — The U.S. Gypsum Corporation (USG) is a prominent entity in the history of asbestos litigation, known for its extensive use of asbestos in building materials and its involvement in numerous legal cases related to asbestos exposure.
Unibestos — Unibestos is a brand of asbestos-containing insulation material that played a significant role in the history of asbestos-related occupational exposure and subsequent litigation.
Vermiculite Contamination — Vermiculite contamination refers to the presence of asbestos fibers, particularly tremolite asbestos, in vermiculite, a naturally occurring mineral widely used in construction, insulation, and agricultural products.
W.C. Hueper — Dr. Wilhelm Carl Hueper (1894–1978) was a groundbreaking figure in the study of occupational and environmental cancers,
W.R. Grace (WRG) — W.R. Grace & Company (WRG) is a prominent example of corporate involvement in asbestos-related industries and the subsequent legal and regulatory challenges that arose from its operations.
Western MacArthur Company — The Western MacArthur Company, a prominent name in asbestos litigation, has become a symbol of corporate liability and the devastating health consequences of asbestos exposure.
Yarway Corporation — Yarway Corporation, a manufacturer of industrial valves, steam traps, and other equipment, has been a significant entity in asbestos litigation due to its historical use of asbestos-containing materials in its products.
Zeolite — Zeolites are a group of naturally occurring and synthetic minerals characterized by their porous, crystalline structure, which allows them to act as molecular sieves.
Mineralogy & Material Properties
The Science of Asbestos Minerals and Their Industrial Properties This category focuses on the physical, chemical, and mineralogical characteristics that made asbestos commercially valuable — and medically dangerous. From fiber size and crystal structure to chemical inertia and asbestiform habit, these entries help explain why asbestos was so widely used and how its microscopic properties contribute to its toxicity. Understanding these traits is crucial for assessing exposure risks and designing safer materials.
The following 12 Encyclopedia entries are primarily about this category:
Actinolite — Actinolite is a naturally occurring mineral belonging to the amphibole group, characterized by its fibrous structure when in its asbestos form.
Amosite — Amosite, also known as "brown asbestos," is one of the six recognized types of asbestos minerals.
Anthophyllite — Anthophyllite is a member of the amphibole group of minerals, characterized by its fibrous structure and chemical composition of (Mg, Fe+2)7(Si8O22)(OH, F)2.
Asbestiform Minerals — Asbestiform minerals are a subset of silicate minerals that naturally occur in a fibrous form.
Asbestos Fiber Grades — Asbestos fiber grades are a critical classification system used to categorize asbestos fibers based on their length, quality, and intended industrial application.
Aspect Ratio of Asbestos Fibers — The aspect ratio of asbestos fibers is a critical parameter in understanding their physical properties, health implications, and legal significance.
Chrysotile — Chrysotile, often referred to as "white asbestos," is the most prevalent form of asbestos and belongs to the serpentine mineral group.
Crocidolite — Crocidolite, commonly referred to as "blue asbestos," is widely regarded as the most hazardous form of asbestos due to its unique physical and chemical properties, as well as its strong association with severe asbestos-related diseases, including mesothelioma.
Crystal Habit — Crystal habit refers to the external shape or morphology of a mineral crystal, determined by its internal atomic structure and environmental conditions during formation.
The Amphibole Group of Minerals and Their Asbestiform Varieties — The amphibole group of minerals is a diverse and complex family of silicate minerals characterized by their double-chain crystal structure.
Tremolite — Tremolite is a naturally occurring mineral belonging to the amphibole group, characterized by its fibrous or asbestiform structure.
Zeolite — Zeolites are a group of naturally occurring and synthetic minerals characterized by their porous, crystalline structure, which allows them to act as molecular sieves.
The following 2 additional Encyclopedia entries are also related to this category:
Chrysotile, Arizona — Chrysotile, a fibrous form of serpentine mineral, has been a significant focus in the history of asbestos mining and its associated health and legal implications.
Eruption of Mt. Vesuvius — Beyond its historical significance, the event also holds relevance in the context of asbestos-related studies due to the discovery of asbestos-containing materials in the aftermath of the eruption.
Notable Individuals
Key People in the History of Asbestos This category highlights the scientists, executives, physicians, whistleblowers, and attorneys whose actions shaped the history of asbestos use, regulation, and litigation. These profiles provide context for how asbestos gained widespread use, how its dangers were discovered, and who played pivotal roles in exposing the truth or covering it up.
The following 19 Encyclopedia entries are primarily about this category:
Anthony Lanza — Anthony Lanza was a prominent and polarizing figure in the mid-20th century, whose work and influence spanned the fields of occupational health, industrial hygiene, and asbestos-related litigation.
Arthur Vorwald — Arthur J. Vorwald was a prominent medical researcher and pathologist whose work in the mid-20th century intersected with the asbestos industry, occupational health, and legal disputes over asbestos-related diseases.
Barry Castleman — Barry Castleman is a renowned environmental scientist, author, and expert witness whose work has significantly influenced asbestos litigation and public health policy.
C.W. Price — C.W. Price is a notable figure in the historical and scientific study of asbestos-related diseases, particularly for his contributions to understanding the occupational hazards of asbestos exposure.
Clarence Borel — Clarence Borel, a career insulator from Texas, is a pivotal figure in the history of asbestos litigation.
Dr. Gerrit Schepers — Dr. Gerrit Schepers was a prominent figure in the study of occupational lung diseases, particularly those caused by asbestos exposure.
E.R.A. Merewether — E.R.A. Merewether, a British physician and Senior Medical Inspector of Factories for the U.K. Ministry of Labour, is widely regarded as one of the most influential figures in the early study of asbestos-related diseases.
Irving Selikoff — Dr. Irving J. Selikoff (1915–1992) was a preeminent American physician and researcher whose groundbreaking work on asbestos-related diseases fundamentally reshaped public health policies, occupational safety standards, and legal frameworks surrounding asbestos exposure.
John Knox — John Knox, a medical officer for Turner & Newall (T&N), played a significant role in the historical and legal narrative surrounding asbestos exposure and its associated health risks.
Leroy Gardner — Leroy U. Gardner was a prominent researcher at the Saranac Laboratory for the Study of Tuberculosis, whose work in the 1930s and 1940s significantly advanced the understanding of asbestos-related diseases.
Lewis Brown — Lewis H. Brown, a prominent executive in the asbestos industry, served as the president of Johns-Manville Corporation, one of the largest asbestos manufacturers in the United States.
Oliver Bowles — Oliver Bowles was a prominent figure in the mid-20th century whose work significantly contributed to the understanding of asbestos as a mineral and its industrial applications.
Paul Brodeur — Paul Brodeur was a renowned investigative journalist whose work played a pivotal role in exposing the health hazards of asbestos and the corporate misconduct surrounding its use.
Richard Doll — Sir Richard Doll (1912–2005) was a pioneering British epidemiologist whose work significantly advanced the understanding of occupational and environmental health risks, including the link between asbestos exposure and cancer.
Sumner Simpson — Sumner Simpson, a prominent executive in the asbestos industry during the mid-20th century, is a pivotal figure in the history of asbestos litigation and corporate conduct.
Vandiver Brown — Vandiver Brown, a corporate attorney for Johns-Manville from the 1930s to 1950, played a pivotal role in shaping the asbestos industry’s response to mounting evidence of asbestos-related health risks.
W.C. Hueper — Dr. Wilhelm Carl Hueper (1894–1978) was a groundbreaking figure in the study of occupational and environmental cancers,
W.E. Cooke — Dr. William Edmund Cooke (1881–1959) was a British pathologist whose groundbreaking work in the early 20th century established the first documented link between asbestos exposure and severe lung disease.
Ward Stephenson — Ward Stephenson was a groundbreaking attorney whose work in asbestos litigation set the stage for modern legal battles against corporate negligence in the asbestos industry.
The following 2 additional Encyclopedia entries are also related to this category:
Montague Murray Report — The Montague Murray Report, presented in 1906 to a British parliamentary committee on compensation for industrial diseases, is a landmark document in the history of occupational health and asbestos-related disease recognition.
Nellie Kershaw — Nellie Kershaw (1891–1924) was a British textile worker whose death from asbestosis marked a pivotal moment in the history of occupational health and asbestos litigation.
Historical Events & Milestones
Key Moments in the History of Asbestos Use and Awareness This category covers the major turning points in the asbestos timeline — from early industrial adoption and medical discoveries to government interventions and landmark legal cases. These events provide essential context for how asbestos became both a miracle material and a global public health crisis, and why its legacy continues to shape modern regulation and litigation.
The following 4 Encyclopedia entries are primarily about this category:
Biological Effects of Asbestos Conference — The "Biological Effects of Asbestos" conference, held under the auspices of the New York Academy of Sciences in 1964, was a landmark event in the study of asbestos-related health risks.
Eruption of Mt. Vesuvius — Beyond its historical significance, the event also holds relevance in the context of asbestos-related studies due to the discovery of asbestos-containing materials in the aftermath of the eruption.
H.W. Johns — H.W. Johns, born in the mid-19th century, was a pivotal figure in the development of the asbestos industry in the United States. As the founder of the H.W. Johns Manufacturing Company, he played a critical role in popularizing asbestos as a versatile industrial material.
Morro Castle — The SS Morro Castle was a luxury passenger liner operated by the Ward Line, which tragically caught fire off the coast of New Jersey on September 8, 1934.
The following 17 additional Encyclopedia entries are also related to this category:
Arthur Vorwald — Arthur J. Vorwald was a prominent medical researcher and pathologist whose work in the mid-20th century intersected with the asbestos industry, occupational health, and legal disputes over asbestos-related diseases.
Artra Group (Synkoloid) — The Artra Group, formerly known as Synkoloid, is a significant entity in the history of asbestos litigation and corporate accountability.
Borel v. Fibreboard Paper Products Corporation — Borel v. Fibreboard Paper Products Corporation, decided by the U.S. Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals on September 10, 1973, is a foundational case in the history of asbestos litigation.
Celotex — Celotex Corporation, a prominent manufacturer of asbestos-containing products, played a significant role in the history of asbestos litigation and corporate accountability.
Clarence Borel — Clarence Borel, a career insulator from Texas, is a pivotal figure in the history of asbestos litigation.
Combustion Engineering — Combustion Engineering, a prominent American engineering firm, played a significant role in the development and manufacturing of industrial equipment, including boilers, furnaces, and other heat-generating machinery.
Durabla — Durabla, a company historically known for manufacturing industrial gaskets and sealing products, played a significant role in the asbestos industry during the 20th century.
Failure to Warn — The concept of "Failure to Warn" is a cornerstone in asbestos litigation, representing a legal doctrine that holds manufacturers and employers accountable for not adequately informing workers or consumers about the known dangers of asbestos exposure.
Flexitallic Gasket Company — The Flexitallic Gasket Company, a prominent manufacturer of industrial gaskets and sealing products, has played a significant role in the history of asbestos use in industrial applications.
GAF Corporation — GAF Corporation, originally known as the General Aniline & Film Corporation, became a significant entity in the asbestos industry through its acquisition of the Ruberoid Company in 1967.
National Gypsum Company — National Gypsum Company, a prominent manufacturer of building materials, played a significant role in the asbestos industry throughout much of the 20th century.
Oliver Bowles — Oliver Bowles was a prominent figure in the mid-20th century whose work significantly contributed to the understanding of asbestos as a mineral and its industrial applications.
Pittsburgh Corning — Pittsburgh Corning, a joint venture established in 1937 by Pittsburgh Plate Glass (PPG) and Corning Glass Works, became a significant player in the asbestos industry following its acquisition of the Unibestos product line in 1962.
Quebec Asbestos Mining Association — The Quebec Asbestos Mining Association (QAMA), established in 1931, was a pivotal organization representing the interests of asbestos mining companies in Quebec, Canada.
Turner & Newall (T&N) — Turner & Newall (T&N) was a prominent British company established in 1920 through the merger of four businesses specializing in asbestos-related products.
W.E. Cooke — Dr. William Edmund Cooke (1881–1959) was a British pathologist whose groundbreaking work in the early 20th century established the first documented link between asbestos exposure and severe lung disease.
Ward Stephenson — Ward Stephenson was a groundbreaking attorney whose work in asbestos litigation set the stage for modern legal battles against corporate negligence in the asbestos industry.
Significant Locations
Asbestos Hotspots Around the World This category explores geographic locations tied to the history of asbestos — including mines, industrial towns, shipyards, and known contamination sites. These places often serve as case studies for exposure, illness clusters, environmental remediation, and litigation. They’re essential to mapping how asbestos spread from local hazards to global crises.
The following 3 Encyclopedia entries are primarily about this category:
Ambler, Pennsylvania — Ambler, Pennsylvania, often referred to as the "asbestos capital of the world," holds a significant place in the history of asbestos manufacturing, public health crises, and subsequent litigation.
Chrysotile, Arizona — Chrysotile, a fibrous form of serpentine mineral, has been a significant focus in the history of asbestos mining and its associated health and legal implications.
The Jeffrey Mine — The Jeffrey Mine, located in Asbestos, Quebec, is one of the most infamous asbestos mines in the world.
Major Organizations & Entities
Institutions That Shaped the Asbestos Story This category focuses on the companies, trade groups, medical institutions, and government bodies that played major roles in the history of asbestos production, research, and regulation. From Johns-Manville to NIOSH, understanding the actions of these organizations helps contextualize how asbestos risks were managed — or mismanaged — on a systemic level.
The following 15 Encyclopedia entries are primarily about this category:
Bell Labs — The Bell Asbestos Mines, located in Thetford Mines, Quebec, were a significant site of chrysotile asbestos extraction during the mid-20th century.
Industrial Hygiene Foundation — The Industrial Hygiene Foundation (IHF), originally established as the Air Hygiene Foundation in 1936, played a pivotal role in the intersection of occupational health, industrial practices, and asbestos litigation.
The following 3 additional Encyclopedia entries are also related to this category:
ABB Lummus — ABB Lummus, a subsidiary of the global engineering and technology conglomerate ABB Group, has been a significant entity in asbestos litigation due to its historical involvement in the design and construction of industrial facilities that utilized asbestos-containing materials (ACMs).
Johns Manville — Johns-Manville, originally founded in 1858 and later renamed Manville Corporation in 1981, was a leading manufacturer and distributor of asbestos-containing products.
The American Petroleum Institute — The American Petroleum Institute (API) is a major trade association representing the oil and natural gas industry in the United States.
Corporate Conduct & Industry Practices
Corporate Behavior in the Asbestos Industry This category investigates how companies handled asbestos production, warnings, risk management, and internal communication. Topics include document suppression, marketing practices, and the balance between profit and worker safety. These entries are essential for understanding how corporate decisions contributed to widespread exposure — and liability.
The following 44 Encyclopedia entries are primarily about this category:
ABB Lummus — ABB Lummus, a subsidiary of the global engineering and technology conglomerate ABB Group, has been a significant entity in asbestos litigation due to its historical involvement in the design and construction of industrial facilities that utilized asbestos-containing materials (ACMs).
Armstrong World Industries — Armstrong World Industries, originally known as Armstrong Cork Company, was a major manufacturer and distributor of asbestos-containing products throughout the 20th century.
Artra Group (Synkoloid) — The Artra Group, formerly known as Synkoloid, is a significant entity in the history of asbestos litigation and corporate accountability.
ASARCO — ASARCO (American Smelting and Refining Company) is a prominent example of corporate involvement in asbestos-related industries and the subsequent legal and medical consequences of asbestos exposure.
Asbestos Magazine — Asbestos Magazine was a trade publication that served as the primary communication platform for the asbestos industry in the United States from 1919 to 1983.
Asbestos Textile Institute (ATI) — The Asbestos Textile Institute (ATI) was a prominent industry trade association formed to represent the interests of companies involved in the production and use of asbestos textiles.
Babcock & Wilcox (B&W) — Babcock & Wilcox (B&W) is a prominent name in the industrial and energy sectors, known for its engineering and manufacturing of boilers, power generation systems, and other heavy industrial equipment.
Celotex — Celotex Corporation, a prominent manufacturer of asbestos-containing products, played a significant role in the history of asbestos litigation and corporate accountability.
Combustion Engineering — Combustion Engineering, a prominent American engineering firm, played a significant role in the development and manufacturing of industrial equipment, including boilers, furnaces, and other heat-generating machinery.
Congoleum — Congoleum Industries, a prominent manufacturer of vinyl-asbestos flooring, played a significant role in the history of asbestos exposure and subsequent litigation.
Durabla — Durabla, a company historically known for manufacturing industrial gaskets and sealing products, played a significant role in the asbestos industry during the 20th century.
Eagle-Picher Industries, Inc. — Eagle-Picher Industries, Inc.: A Key Player in Asbestos Litigation and Corporate Controversy
Fibreboard Company — Fibreboard Corporation, originally established as the Paraffine Companies in 1919, became a significant player in the asbestos industry through its production of insulation materials, gaskets, and other asbestos-containing products.
Flexitallic Gasket Company — The Flexitallic Gasket Company, a prominent manufacturer of industrial gaskets and sealing products, has played a significant role in the history of asbestos use in industrial applications.
Fuller Austin — Fuller Austin, a construction and insulation company, has become a significant name in the history of asbestos litigation due to its involvement in the use and distribution of asbestos-containing materials.
GAF Corporation — GAF Corporation, originally known as the General Aniline & Film Corporation, became a significant entity in the asbestos industry through its acquisition of the Ruberoid Company in 1967.
Garlock — Garlock, now operating as Garlock Sealing Technologies, is a company historically known for manufacturing asbestos-containing products, including gaskets, packings, and cloth.
Harbison-Walker — Harbison-Walker Refractories Company, a prominent manufacturer of refractory products, played a significant role in the history of asbestos use and the subsequent wave of asbestos-related litigation.
Jeffery Mine — The Jeffrey Mine, located in Asbestos, Quebec, Canada, is one of the most historically significant asbestos mines in the world.
Johns Manville — Johns-Manville, originally founded in 1858 and later renamed Manville Corporation in 1981, was a leading manufacturer and distributor of asbestos-containing products.
Kaiser Aluminum & Chemical Corporation — Kaiser Aluminum & Chemical Corporation, a prominent player in the aluminum and chemical manufacturing industries, has been a significant entity in the context of asbestos litigation.
Kaiser Gypsum Company — Kaiser Gypsum Company, a prominent manufacturer of building materials, played a significant role in the asbestos industry during the mid-20th century.
Kaylo — Kaylo is a thermal insulation product historically manufactured by Owens-Illinois and later by Owens Corning.
National Gypsum Company — National Gypsum Company, a prominent manufacturer of building materials, played a significant role in the asbestos industry throughout much of the 20th century.
North American Refractories Company (NARCO) — North American Refractories Company (NARCO) was a major manufacturer of refractory products, including bricks, cement, and other materials designed to withstand high temperatures.
Outrageous Misconduct — "Outrageous Misconduct" is a pivotal exposé and legal analysis of the asbestos industry's role in one of the most significant public health crises of the 20th century.
Owens-Corning — Owens-Corning, a prominent American manufacturer of building materials, has been at the center of asbestos-related litigation for decades.
Pittsburgh Corning — Pittsburgh Corning, a joint venture established in 1937 by Pittsburgh Plate Glass (PPG) and Corning Glass Works, became a significant player in the asbestos industry following its acquisition of the Unibestos product line in 1962.
Plibrico — Plibrico, a company historically involved in the production of refractory materials, has become a significant name in asbestos litigation due to its use of asbestos in its products.
Porter Hayden Company — The Porter Hayden Company, a prominent insulation contractor and distributor of asbestos-containing materials, has become a significant entity in the history of asbestos litigation.
Quebec Asbestos Mining Association — The Quebec Asbestos Mining Association (QAMA), established in 1931, was a pivotal organization representing the interests of asbestos mining companies in Quebec, Canada.
Raybestos-Manhattan — Raybestos-Manhattan, later renamed Raymark Industries in 1982, was a prominent manufacturer of asbestos-containing products, including brake linings, clutch facings, and textiles.
Saranac Laboratories — Saranac Laboratories, established in 1921 as part of the Edward Trudeau Sanatorium in the Adirondack Mountains of New York, played a critical role in the study of occupational diseases, particularly those related to asbestos exposure.
Sepco Corporation — Sepco Corporation, a manufacturer of industrial gaskets and sealing products, has been a significant entity in asbestos litigation due to its historical use of asbestos in its products.
The American Petroleum Institute — The American Petroleum Institute (API) is a major trade association representing the oil and natural gas industry in the United States.
The Flintkote Company — The Flintkote Company, established in 1901, was a prominent manufacturer of construction materials, including roofing, siding, and insulation products.
Turner & Newall — Turner & Newall (T&N) was a British multinational company that became synonymous with the asbestos industry during the 20th century.
Turner & Newall (T&N) — Turner & Newall (T&N) was a prominent British company established in 1920 through the merger of four businesses specializing in asbestos-related products.
U.S. Gypsum Corporation (USG) — The U.S. Gypsum Corporation (USG) is a prominent entity in the history of asbestos litigation, known for its extensive use of asbestos in building materials and its involvement in numerous legal cases related to asbestos exposure.
Unibestos — Unibestos is a brand of asbestos-containing insulation material that played a significant role in the history of asbestos-related occupational exposure and subsequent litigation.
Vermiculite Contamination — Vermiculite contamination refers to the presence of asbestos fibers, particularly tremolite asbestos, in vermiculite, a naturally occurring mineral widely used in construction, insulation, and agricultural products.
W.R. Grace (WRG) — W.R. Grace & Company (WRG) is a prominent example of corporate involvement in asbestos-related industries and the subsequent legal and regulatory challenges that arose from its operations.
Western MacArthur Company — The Western MacArthur Company, a prominent name in asbestos litigation, has become a symbol of corporate liability and the devastating health consequences of asbestos exposure.
Yarway Corporation — Yarway Corporation, a manufacturer of industrial valves, steam traps, and other equipment, has been a significant entity in asbestos litigation due to its historical use of asbestos-containing materials in its products.
The following 34 additional Encyclopedia entries are also related to this category:
Anthony Lanza — Anthony Lanza was a prominent and polarizing figure in the mid-20th century, whose work and influence spanned the fields of occupational health, industrial hygiene, and asbestos-related litigation.
Arthur Vorwald — Arthur J. Vorwald was a prominent medical researcher and pathologist whose work in the mid-20th century intersected with the asbestos industry, occupational health, and legal disputes over asbestos-related diseases.
Barry Castleman — Barry Castleman is a renowned environmental scientist, author, and expert witness whose work has significantly influenced asbestos litigation and public health policy.
Bell Labs — The Bell Asbestos Mines, located in Thetford Mines, Quebec, were a significant site of chrysotile asbestos extraction during the mid-20th century.
Biological Effects of Asbestos Conference — The "Biological Effects of Asbestos" conference, held under the auspices of the New York Academy of Sciences in 1964, was a landmark event in the study of asbestos-related health risks.
Borel v. Fibreboard Paper Products Corporation — Borel v. Fibreboard Paper Products Corporation, decided by the U.S. Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals on September 10, 1973, is a foundational case in the history of asbestos litigation.
Braun-Traun Epidemiological Study — The Braun-Truan Epidemiological Study, conducted by Daniel C.
C.W. Price — C.W. Price is a notable figure in the historical and scientific study of asbestos-related diseases, particularly for his contributions to understanding the occupational hazards of asbestos exposure.
Chrysotile Defense — The "Chrysotile Defense" refers to a legal strategy employed by corporations and defense attorneys in asbestos litigation to argue that chrysotile asbestos, the most commonly used form of asbestos, poses significantly lower health risks compared to other types of asbestos, such as amphiboles (e.g., amosite and crocidolite).
Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA) — The Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA), commonly known as "Superfund," is a pivotal piece of U.S.
Corporate Negligence in Asbestos Cases — Corporate negligence in asbestos cases refers to the failure of companies to act responsibly in protecting workers, consumers, and the public from the known dangers of asbestos exposure.
Dr. Gerrit Schepers — Dr. Gerrit Schepers was a prominent figure in the study of occupational lung diseases, particularly those caused by asbestos exposure.
Encapsulation of Asbestos — Encapsulation of asbestos refers to a method of managing asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) by applying a sealant or coating to the material to prevent the release of asbestos fibers into the air.
Failure to Warn — The concept of "Failure to Warn" is a cornerstone in asbestos litigation, representing a legal doctrine that holds manufacturers and employers accountable for not adequately informing workers or consumers about the known dangers of asbestos exposure.
Gross Negligence — Gross negligence is a legal term that refers to a severe degree of carelessness or reckless disregard for the safety or rights of others.
Gunite — Gunite, also known as "dry-mix shotcrete," is a construction material composed of dry cement, sand, and water, which is pneumatically applied through a hose and mixed with water at the nozzle.
H.W. Johns — H.W. Johns, born in the mid-19th century, was a pivotal figure in the development of the asbestos industry in the United States. As the founder of the H.W. Johns Manufacturing Company, he played a critical role in popularizing asbestos as a versatile industrial material.
Industrial Hygiene Foundation — The Industrial Hygiene Foundation (IHF), originally established as the Air Hygiene Foundation in 1936, played a pivotal role in the intersection of occupational health, industrial practices, and asbestos litigation.
John Knox — John Knox, a medical officer for Turner & Newall (T&N), played a significant role in the historical and legal narrative surrounding asbestos exposure and its associated health risks.
Leroy Gardner — Leroy U. Gardner was a prominent researcher at the Saranac Laboratory for the Study of Tuberculosis, whose work in the 1930s and 1940s significantly advanced the understanding of asbestos-related diseases.
Lewis Brown — Lewis H. Brown, a prominent executive in the asbestos industry, served as the president of Johns-Manville Corporation, one of the largest asbestos manufacturers in the United States.
Morro Castle — The SS Morro Castle was a luxury passenger liner operated by the Ward Line, which tragically caught fire off the coast of New Jersey on September 8, 1934.
Naval Use of Asbestos — The use of asbestos in naval operations represents a significant chapter in the history of occupational exposure to toxic substances.
Nellie Kershaw — Nellie Kershaw (1891–1924) was a British textile worker whose death from asbestosis marked a pivotal moment in the history of occupational health and asbestos litigation.
Oliver Bowles — Oliver Bowles was a prominent figure in the mid-20th century whose work significantly contributed to the understanding of asbestos as a mineral and its industrial applications.
Paul Brodeur — Paul Brodeur was a renowned investigative journalist whose work played a pivotal role in exposing the health hazards of asbestos and the corporate misconduct surrounding its use.
Richard Doll — Sir Richard Doll (1912–2005) was a pioneering British epidemiologist whose work significantly advanced the understanding of occupational and environmental health risks, including the link between asbestos exposure and cancer.
Statutes of Repose — Statutes of repose are legal provisions that establish a fixed time limit within which a lawsuit must be filed, regardless of when the harm or injury is discovered.
Strict Liability — Strict liability is a legal doctrine that holds a party responsible for damages or injuries caused by their actions or products, regardless of intent or negligence.
Sumner Simpson — Sumner Simpson, a prominent executive in the asbestos industry during the mid-20th century, is a pivotal figure in the history of asbestos litigation and corporate conduct.
Sumner Simpson Papers — The Sumner Simpson Papers are a collection of internal corporate documents that have become one of the most significant pieces of evidence in asbestos litigation.
The Jeffrey Mine — The Jeffrey Mine, located in Asbestos, Quebec, is one of the most infamous asbestos mines in the world.
Threshold Limit Value (TLV) — The Threshold Limit Value (TLV) is a guideline developed to indicate the level of exposure to a chemical substance or physical agent, such as asbestos, that is considered safe for workers during a standard workday.
Vandiver Brown — Vandiver Brown, a corporate attorney for Johns-Manville from the 1930s to 1950, played a pivotal role in shaping the asbestos industry’s response to mounting evidence of asbestos-related health risks.
Key Documents & Records
The Paper Trail Behind the Asbestos Industry This category highlights the internal memos, government filings, depositions, lab reports, and other critical documents that shape asbestos litigation. These records often provide the “smoking gun” — proving what companies knew, when they knew it, and what they did or didn’t do in response. They're foundational in building strong legal claims.
The following 1 Encyclopedia entry are primarily about this category:
Sumner Simpson Papers — The Sumner Simpson Papers are a collection of internal corporate documents that have become one of the most significant pieces of evidence in asbestos litigation.
The following 11 additional Encyclopedia entries are also related to this category:
Asbestos Magazine — Asbestos Magazine was a trade publication that served as the primary communication platform for the asbestos industry in the United States from 1919 to 1983.
Asbestos Textile Institute (ATI) — The Asbestos Textile Institute (ATI) was a prominent industry trade association formed to represent the interests of companies involved in the production and use of asbestos textiles.
Eagle-Picher Industries, Inc. — Eagle-Picher Industries, Inc.: A Key Player in Asbestos Litigation and Corporate Controversy
Oliver Bowles — Oliver Bowles was a prominent figure in the mid-20th century whose work significantly contributed to the understanding of asbestos as a mineral and its industrial applications.
Outrageous Misconduct — "Outrageous Misconduct" is a pivotal exposé and legal analysis of the asbestos industry's role in one of the most significant public health crises of the 20th century.
Raybestos-Manhattan — Raybestos-Manhattan, later renamed Raymark Industries in 1982, was a prominent manufacturer of asbestos-containing products, including brake linings, clutch facings, and textiles.
Saranac Laboratories — Saranac Laboratories, established in 1921 as part of the Edward Trudeau Sanatorium in the Adirondack Mountains of New York, played a critical role in the study of occupational diseases, particularly those related to asbestos exposure.
Sumner Simpson — Sumner Simpson, a prominent executive in the asbestos industry during the mid-20th century, is a pivotal figure in the history of asbestos litigation and corporate conduct.
Turner & Newall (T&N) — Turner & Newall (T&N) was a prominent British company established in 1920 through the merger of four businesses specializing in asbestos-related products.
U.S. Gypsum Corporation (USG) — The U.S. Gypsum Corporation (USG) is a prominent entity in the history of asbestos litigation, known for its extensive use of asbestos in building materials and its involvement in numerous legal cases related to asbestos exposure.
Vandiver Brown — Vandiver Brown, a corporate attorney for Johns-Manville from the 1930s to 1950, played a pivotal role in shaping the asbestos industry’s response to mounting evidence of asbestos-related health risks.
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