Legal Encyclopedia Entries

The legal history of asbestos is one of corporate secrecy, evolving liability doctrines, and landmark litigation. The following categories explore the core legal concepts that shape asbestos cases — from failure to warn and strict liability to jurisdictional strategies and evidentiary rules. Whether you're a plaintiff, attorney, journalist, or researcher, this section provides the legal context behind the largest mass tort in American history.

Legal Standards & Burdens

Burden of Proof and Legal Thresholds in Asbestos Cases This category explains the standards courts use to evaluate evidence in asbestos litigation, including burdens of proof, causation tests, and admissibility rules. Whether a plaintiff must prove exposure was a “substantial factor” or meet the “preponderance of evidence” threshold depends on these doctrines. Mastering them is critical for litigators on both sides of a claim

The following 3 Encyclopedia entries are also relevant to this category:

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.
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.

Types of Legal Claims

Legal Pathways for Asbestos Victims This category outlines the various claims available to those harmed by asbestos, including personal injury, wrongful death, premises liability, product liability, and trust fund claims. Understanding these claim types helps victims and their families pursue compensation through the most effective legal channels based on their circumstances.

The following 2 Encyclopedia entries are also relevant to this category:

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.
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.

Legal Terminology

Terms That Define the Legal Landscape of Asbestos Litigation This category includes key legal terms that appear frequently in asbestos litigation, such as “burden of proof,” “proximate cause,” “joint and several liability,” and “statute of limitations.” These terms form the foundation of how asbestos claims are structured, argued, and resolved in court. Understanding them is essential for navigating legal documents, pleadings, and case law.

Legal Doctrines & Liabilities

Legal Doctrines and Theories of Asbestos Liability This category explores the legal principles used to hold companies accountable for asbestos-related harm. Topics include product liability, duty to warn, failure to test, successor liability, and the bare metal defense. These doctrines shape how courts assign responsibility, determine negligence, and assess damages in asbestos litigation — making them essential knowledge for legal professionals and claimants alike.

The following 6 Encyclopedia entries are primarily about this category:

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.
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.
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.
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.

The following 89 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).
Actinolite — Actinolite is a naturally occurring mineral belonging to the amphibole group, characterized by its fibrous structure when in its asbestos form.
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.
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.
Apoptosis — Apoptosis, often referred to as "programmed cell death," is a highly regulated biological process that eliminates damaged, dysfunctional, or potentially dangerous cells from the body.
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.
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.
Asbestosis — Asbestosis is a chronic, progressive lung disease caused by the inhalation of asbestos fibers.
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.
Braun-Traun Epidemiological Study — The Braun-Truan Epidemiological Study, conducted by Daniel C.
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.
Celotex — Celotex Corporation, a prominent manufacturer of asbestos-containing products, played a significant role in the history of asbestos litigation and corporate accountability.
Chrysotile — Chrysotile, often referred to as "white asbestos," is the most prevalent form of asbestos and belongs to the serpentine mineral group.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Cumulative Exposure — Cumulative exposure refers to the total amount of a hazardous substance, such as asbestos fibers, that an individual has been exposed to over time.
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.
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
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.
Erionite — Erionite is a naturally occurring fibrous zeolite mineral with a chemical composition of approximately $$NaK_2MgCa_1/Al_8Si_{28}O_{72} \cdot 28H_2O$$.
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.
Frequency, Proximity, and Regularity — The terms "frequency, proximity, and regularity" are critical in understanding and evaluating asbestos exposure, both from a medical and legal perspective.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Lung Cancer — Lung cancer is a malignant disease characterized by the uncontrolled growth of abnormal cells in the lung tissue.
Mesothelioma — Mesothelioma is a rare and aggressive cancer that develops in the mesothelial cells lining the serosal cavities of the body, including the pleura (lungs), peritoneum (abdomen), and pericardium (heart).
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Ovarian Cancer — Ovarian cancer is a malignant condition originating in the ovaries, the female reproductive organs responsible for producing eggs and hormones such as estrogen and progesterone.
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.
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.
Pleural Thickening — Pleural thickening is a medical condition characterized by the thickening of the pleura, the thin membrane surrounding the lungs and lining the chest cavity.
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.
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.
Secondary Exposure — Secondary exposure, also known as "bystander exposure" or "take-home exposure," refers to indirect contact with asbestos fibers by individuals who were not directly involved in handling asbestos-containing materials.
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.
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 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.
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.
Throat Cancer — Throat cancer, medically referred to as cancers of the pharynx and larynx, encompasses malignancies that develop in the tissues of the throat, including the nasopharynx, oropharynx, hypopharynx, and larynx (voice box).
Tremolite — Tremolite is a naturally occurring mineral belonging to the amphibole group, characterized by its fibrous or asbestiform structure.
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.
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.
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.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.
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.
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.
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.

Legal Strategy & Defense Tactics

Legal Strategies in Asbestos Litigation This category examines the litigation playbook used by both plaintiffs and defense teams in asbestos cases. Topics include evidentiary tactics, the bare metal defense, use of expert testimony, and strategies for proving or denying causation. These entries provide insight into how legal teams construct or challenge claims involving occupational exposure and corporate knowledge.

The following 2 Encyclopedia entries are primarily about this category:

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).
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.

Jurisdiction & Venue

Where and How Asbestos Cases Are Filed This category looks at the geographic and procedural aspects of asbestos litigation: which court hears the case, why certain venues are preferred, and how jurisdictional rules affect outcomes. Topics include forum shopping, multidistrict litigation (MDL), and state-specific procedural quirks that influence both strategy and speed.

Government Regulations & Policies

How Governments Responded to Asbestos This category explores the laws, policies, and enforcement actions implemented by governments around the world to manage asbestos risks. Topics include U.S. EPA and OSHA regulations, international bans, and shifting standards over time. These entries help explain how policy evolved in response to mounting evidence — and how regulatory gaps contributed to prolonged exposure.

The following 2 Encyclopedia entries are primarily about this category:

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.
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.

The following 1 additional Encyclopedia entry are also related to this category:

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.

Evidence & Expert Standards

Proving Asbestos Cases: Evidence and Expertise This category examines the standards used to evaluate medical and scientific evidence in asbestos litigation. Topics include expert qualifications, admissibility rules, and diagnostic criteria like ILO classifications and B-reader standards. These tools are key to building or contesting causation in legal settings.

The following 46 Encyclopedia entries are also relevant 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.
Artra Group (Synkoloid) — The Artra Group, formerly known as Synkoloid, is a significant entity in the history of asbestos litigation and corporate accountability.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Celotex — Celotex Corporation, a prominent manufacturer of asbestos-containing products, played a significant role in the history of asbestos litigation and corporate accountability.
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).
Colon Cancer — Colon cancer, a malignancy originating in the large intestine, is one of the most common cancers worldwide.
Cor Pulmonale — Cor pulmonale is a condition characterized by the enlargement and failure of the right ventricle of the heart due to high blood pressure in the pulmonary arteries (pulmonary hypertension).
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.
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.
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.
Frequency, Proximity, and Regularity — The terms "frequency, proximity, and regularity" are critical in understanding and evaluating asbestos exposure, both from a medical and legal perspective.
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.
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.
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.
Kaylo — Kaylo is a thermal insulation product historically manufactured by Owens-Illinois and later by Owens Corning.
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.
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.
Ovarian Cancer — Ovarian cancer is a malignant condition originating in the ovaries, the female reproductive organs responsible for producing eggs and hormones such as estrogen and progesterone.
Phagocytosis — Phagocytosis is a fundamental biological process in which specialized cells, known as phagocytes, engulf and digest foreign particles, pathogens, and cellular debris.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Secondary Exposure — Secondary exposure, also known as "bystander exposure" or "take-home exposure," refers to indirect contact with asbestos fibers by individuals who were not directly involved in handling asbestos-containing materials.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.

Legal Damages & Remedies

Compensation and Remedies for Asbestos Harm This category explores the types of compensation available in asbestos cases, from medical costs and lost wages to punitive damages and wrongful death awards. It also includes trust fund payouts and structured settlements. These entries help clarify what victims and their families can recover — and what arguments determine how much.

The following 1 Encyclopedia entry are also relevant to this category:

Cor Pulmonale — Cor pulmonale is a condition characterized by the enlargement and failure of the right ventricle of the heart due to high blood pressure in the pulmonary arteries (pulmonary hypertension).

Court Procedures

How Asbestos Cases Move Through the Courts This category details the procedural machinery behind asbestos litigation — from filing and discovery to motion practice, trial, and settlement. It also covers specialized procedures like case consolidation, expedited dockets, and trust claim discovery. These entries explain the mechanics behind what happens once a lawsuit is filed.

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