Ruberoid: A Pivotal Company in Asbestos History and Litigation
Ruberoid Company, a prominent manufacturer of asbestos-containing products, played a significant role in the history of asbestos exposure, occupational hazards, and subsequent legal battles. Known for its production of asbestos insulation, shingles, and cement panels, Ruberoid's practices and products have been central to numerous lawsuits and public health concerns. The company’s history, including its eventual acquisition by GAF Corporation in 1967, highlights the widespread use of asbestos in industrial and consumer products and the corporate negligence that contributed to the asbestos health crisis.
Ruberoid Company began operations in 1936, focusing on asbestos mining and the production of asbestos-containing materials such as insulation, shingles, and cement panels. The company operated asbestos mines in Vermont and became a major supplier of asbestos products in the United States. In the 1930s, Ruberoid faced its first lawsuits when employees at its St. Louis plant sued the company for respiratory impairments caused by asbestos exposure. These lawsuits alleged that Ruberoid failed to warn workers about the dangers of asbestos, neglected to install proper ventilation systems, and did not provide respirators or medical examinations.
In 1967, Ruberoid was acquired by GAF Corporation, which assumed its assets and liabilities. Despite growing evidence of the health risks associated with asbestos, Ruberoid continued to manufacture and market asbestos-containing products. Internal documents from the company, such as a 1966 memorandum titled "Asbestos—Potential Cause of Cancer," reveal that Ruberoid executives were aware of the dangers of asbestos exposure but prioritized minimizing public awareness and regulatory scrutiny.
Ruberoid's history is deeply intertwined with asbestos litigation and the development of occupational safety laws. The company was named in numerous lawsuits filed by workers and their families, alleging negligence and failure to warn about the health risks of asbestos. Notable cases include:
Scientific findings during the mid-20th century, including research by Dr. Irving Selikoff, established a clear link between asbestos exposure and diseases such as mesothelioma, asbestosis, and lung cancer. Despite this, Ruberoid continued to market its products as safe, with promotional materials claiming they contained "no harmful ingredients."
Ruberoid’s legacy continues to influence asbestos litigation and public health policy. The company’s practices serve as a case study in corporate negligence and the long-term consequences of prioritizing profits over safety. After its acquisition by GAF Corporation, Ruberoid’s liabilities contributed to GAF’s eventual bankruptcy and the establishment of an asbestos trust to compensate victims.
Today, Ruberoid’s history is frequently cited in mesothelioma lawsuits and asbestos-related legal battles. The company’s internal documents, lawsuits, and promotional materials provide critical evidence of corporate knowledge and negligence, strengthening cases against asbestos manufacturers. Ruberoid’s story also underscores the importance of regulatory oversight and the need for transparency in industrial practices.
One of the most significant pieces of evidence against Ruberoid is the 1966 memorandum from sales official L.B. Farrell to Ruberoid President E.J. O'Leary. The memo, titled "Asbestos—Potential Cause of Cancer," attached news reports of interviews with Dr. Selikoff, who warned about the dangers of asbestos exposure to workers and their families. Farrell expressed concern that the publicity could cause "substantial employee relations problems" but did not recommend any changes to safety practices or product warnings. This document has been used in lawsuits to demonstrate Ruberoid’s awareness of asbestos risks and its failure to act.
Ruberoid’s history is a critical chapter in the broader story of asbestos exposure and its devastating impact on workers, consumers, and public health. The company’s actions and the resulting legal battles continue to shape asbestos law and occupational safety standards today.
