Rock Wool Manufacturing – Asbestos Trust Fund & Lawsuits

Rock Wool Manufacturing Company used asbestos in its production of mineral wool boards and insulation cement, which were employed to enhance the thermal efficiency of pipe insulation. This mineral wool, commonly referred to as rock wool, experienced widespread use in construction during the 20th century, having been patented in the United States. Although its prevalence has decreased, rock wool is still utilized in specific applications, such as low-slope roof insulation and residential construction.

During the peak of rock wool's popularity, numerous companies were involved in its production, such as Johns Manville and Gold Bond. While many of their products did not contain asbestos, some manufacturers began to combine asbestos with rock wool, creating a mixture that heightened the risk of exposure for workers. The danger was particularly relevant not only during the installation and removal of these products but also for the workers in the manufacturing facilities who faced constant asbestos exposure while creating rock wool products.

As a result of the health risks associated with asbestos exposure, Rock Wool Manufacturing faced a multitude of lawsuits from employees claiming their health had been adversely affected. The company declared Chapter 11 bankruptcy in response to the overwhelming financial burden that these claims presented. It subsequently restructured and established the Rock Wool Asbestos Trust on December 20, to manage and compensate victims of asbestos-related injuries. However, this trust is now inactive, having not accepted new claims since January 13,.

Throughout the legal proceedings, Rock Wool was implicated in many asbestos cases, including instances where individuals developed mesothelioma, a serious cancer linked to asbestos exposure. The courts established that the company was negligent in its responsibility to produce safe products and failed to provide adequate warnings regarding the hazards associated with asbestos. In one notable case, during a trial, Rock Wool was ordered to pay damages for its failure to caution consumers adequately.

In particular, a legal case involving the Jacksons highlighted Rock Wool's complicity, as they alleged that the company’s asbestos-containing products had led to severe health consequences for Samuel Jackson. This lawsuit resulted in a settlement during the trial, further underscoring Rock Wool's involvement in numerous other claims, totaling an estimated 150,000 lawsuits against the company.

During the period from the 1930s to the late 1970s, Rock Wool incorporated a variety of products containing asbestos, such as Delta Maid Insulating Cement and High Temp Insulating Cement. These asbestos-laden adhesives were pivotal in securing thermal insulation around pipes, hence increasing the exposure risk for workers involved in their application. The impact on the construction industry was profound, affecting countless workers who may have inhaled toxic asbestos fibers during installation or renovation tasks.

Rock Wool’s asbestos products posed significant risks not only to factory workers but also to various trades within the construction sector, including power plant workers, shipyard workers, Navy personnel, insulators, demolition workers, and general construction laborers. Their exposure was exacerbated during the installation and removal processes when dust and airborne particles were prevalent.

Founded in 1937, Rock Wool Manufacturing has evolved since its inception, expanding product lines to include residential insulation that no longer contains asbestos. The evolution of the company reflects broader trends in construction materials, where the dangers of asbestos have led to the development of safer alternatives. For contemporary applications, Rock Wool markets its insulation under the trade name DELTA, ensuring compliance with current safety standards and regulations.

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