The American Petroleum Institute

The American Petroleum Institute: A Key Player in Asbestos Industry History and Litigation

Introduction The American Petroleum Institute (API) is a major trade association representing the oil and natural gas industry in the United States. While primarily focused on advancing the interests of its member companies, the API has played a significant role in the history of asbestos exposure and related litigation. The organization’s involvement in asbestos-related issues stems from its role in addressing occupational health hazards within the petroleum industry, including the widespread use of asbestos in refineries and other industrial settings. API’s actions, internal communications, and policies have been scrutinized in asbestos litigation, particularly in cases alleging corporate negligence and failure to protect workers from asbestos-related diseases such as mesothelioma.

Historical Background The API was founded in 1919 to represent the petroleum industry and promote its interests. By the mid-20th century, the organization became involved in addressing health and safety concerns, including the risks associated with asbestos exposure. Asbestos was widely used in petroleum refineries for insulation and fireproofing due to its heat-resistant properties. However, by the 1940s and 1950s, scientific evidence began to emerge linking asbestos exposure to severe health risks, including asbestosis, lung cancer, and mesothelioma.

Internal documents from the API and its member companies reveal early awareness of these risks. For example, in 1949, the Standard Oil Company (New Jersey) authored a confidential report discussing high concentrations of asbestos dust in refineries and its link to lung diseases. Similarly, the API’s Medical Advisory Committee (MAC) conducted studies and reviewed literature on occupational cancer risks, including asbestos-related diseases, throughout the 1950s and 1960s. Despite this knowledge, the API and its members often prioritized protecting the industry from regulatory scrutiny and liability over implementing comprehensive safety measures.

Legal and Scientific Context The API’s role in asbestos-related litigation has been significant due to its historical knowledge of asbestos hazards and its influence on industry practices. Internal memos and reports from the API and its member companies have been used as evidence in lawsuits to demonstrate corporate negligence and failure to warn workers about the dangers of asbestos exposure. For instance, a 1955 memorandum from the API’s MAC highlighted the carcinogenic risks of asbestos but emphasized the need to keep such information confidential to avoid “unjustified employee relations problems.”

Scientific findings have further implicated the API in asbestos-related cases. Studies conducted by API-affiliated researchers and member companies confirmed the link between asbestos exposure and diseases like mesothelioma. However, the API often sought to downplay these findings or limit their dissemination to avoid regulatory action. This pattern of behavior has been cited in lawsuits as evidence of a deliberate effort to conceal health risks and prioritize profits over worker safety.

Impact and Modern Relevance The API’s historical actions continue to have legal and public health implications today. Many asbestos-related lawsuits have relied on API documents to establish a pattern of industry-wide negligence. These cases have resulted in significant financial settlements and judgments against petroleum companies, highlighting the long-term consequences of failing to address occupational health hazards.

In recent years, the API has shifted its focus to advocating for modern safety standards and regulations. However, its historical role in asbestos-related issues remains a critical point of reference in ongoing litigation and public health discussions. The organization’s actions have also influenced broader debates about corporate responsibility and the need for transparency in addressing workplace hazards.

Example or Case Study One notable example of the API’s involvement in asbestos-related issues is its response to the 1964 New York Academy of Sciences Conference on asbestos. The conference, which presented groundbreaking research on the link between asbestos exposure and mesothelioma, prompted significant concern within the petroleum industry. Internal API communications reveal efforts to manage the fallout from this research, including attempts to align with academic institutions to control the narrative and mitigate potential liability.