Turner & Newall (T&N)
Turner & Newall (T&N) was one of the largest asbestos manufacturing companies in the world, playing a central role in the production and distribution of asbestos-containing products throughout the 20th century. The company’s operations and practices have become emblematic of corporate negligence in asbestos-related cases, with T&N facing numerous lawsuits for its role in exposing workers and the public to asbestos hazards. T&N’s history is a critical case study in understanding the intersection of industrial practices, public health, and legal accountability in asbestos litigation.
Founded in 1871 in Rochdale, England, Turner & Newall initially specialized in textiles but shifted to asbestos production in the early 20th century. By the 1920s, T&N had become a global leader in asbestos manufacturing, producing insulation, cement, and other asbestos-containing products. The company expanded its operations internationally, establishing subsidiaries in countries such as India, South Africa, and the United States.
Despite early evidence of asbestos-related health risks, T&N continued to promote asbestos as a "magic mineral" while downplaying its dangers. Internal documents from the 1920s and 1930s reveal that T&N executives were aware of the link between asbestos exposure and diseases like asbestosis and mesothelioma. However, the company actively suppressed this information, prioritizing profits over worker safety.
In the mid-20th century, T&N faced growing scrutiny as medical research increasingly linked asbestos exposure to severe health issues. The publication of the Merewether and Price report in 1930, which documented the health risks of asbestos, marked a turning point in public awareness. However, T&N continued to resist regulatory changes and failed to implement adequate safety measures in its facilities.
Turner & Newall’s practices have been central to numerous asbestos-related lawsuits, particularly in the United Kingdom and the United States. The company’s internal documents, uncovered during litigation, have provided critical evidence of corporate negligence. These documents reveal that T&N knowingly exposed workers to hazardous conditions, failed to warn employees and consumers about the risks of asbestos, and engaged in efforts to conceal the dangers from the public.
One of the most significant legal cases involving T&N was the Prudential Insurance Co. v. Turner & Newall case in 1987, which highlighted the company’s failure to protect workers and the public from asbestos exposure. Additionally, T&N’s role in setting up the Asbestosis Research Council in 1957 has been criticized as an attempt to control the narrative around asbestos-related diseases while avoiding meaningful safety reforms.
Scientifically, T&N’s operations have been linked to widespread cases of mesothelioma, asbestosis, and other asbestos-related diseases. Studies have documented high rates of illness among T&N workers and residents living near its facilities. The company’s use of blue asbestos (crocidolite), one of the most hazardous forms of asbestos, further exacerbated the health risks.
Turner & Newall’s legacy continues to influence asbestos litigation, public health policy, and industrial safety standards. The company declared bankruptcy in 2001 under the weight of mounting lawsuits, leaving a trail of victims seeking compensation. T&N’s bankruptcy led to the establishment of compensation trusts to address claims from individuals affected by asbestos exposure.
Today, T&N serves as a cautionary tale of corporate irresponsibility and the long-term consequences of prioritizing profits over safety. The company’s history has informed stricter regulations on asbestos use and has been a driving force behind global efforts to ban asbestos. However, the impact of T&N’s practices is still felt, particularly in developing countries where asbestos-related diseases remain prevalent.
One notable case is the June Hancock v. Turner & Newall lawsuit in 1995. June Hancock, a resident of Leeds, successfully sued T&N for exposing her to asbestos dust from a nearby factory, which led to her developing mesothelioma. The case was groundbreaking as it demonstrated that companies could be held liable for environmental asbestos exposure, not just occupational exposure. The High Court’s ruling in favor of Hancock set a precedent for future environmental asbestos cases.
Turner & Newall’s history underscores the devastating impact of asbestos on public health and the importance of holding corporations accountable for their actions. The company’s practices and the resulting legal battles remain a cornerstone of asbestos-related litigation and public health advocacy.
