The Hidden Cost of Progress: A Look at the Companies Behind Asbestos Use in America
For decades, asbestos was marketed as a miracle material. Its heat-resistant, durable, and affordable properties made it a go-to choice for construction, automotive, and industrial products. But beneath its widespread use was a devastating truth: asbestos exposure causes mesothelioma and other deadly diseases.
Where Was Asbestos Used?
Throughout the 20th century, asbestos was widely used across various industries for its durability, insulation, and fire-resistant properties. Some of the major industries include:
🔧 Construction & Building Materials
- Pipe insulation
- Roofing shingles
- Floor tiles (vinyl/asphalt)
- Cement panels and siding
- Joint compounds and adhesives
- Ceiling tiles and spray-applied coatings
- Plaster, drywall, and fireproof doors
🚢 Shipbuilding & Maritime
- Boiler rooms
- Pipe lagging
- Gaskets
- Engine insulation
- Bulkhead panels
- Asbestos blankets and gloves
🚗 Automotive & Heavy Equipment
- Brake linings and pads
- Clutch facings
- Transmission parts
- Gaskets and heat shields
- Hood liners and insulation
🏭 Manufacturing & Industrial Plants
- Furnaces and kilns
- Power plant insulation
- Textile mills (asbestos fabrics)
- Refineries and chemical plants
- Foundries and steel mills
- Packaging and fireproof coatings
✈️ Aerospace & Military
- Jet engine components
- Fire-retardant coatings
- Aircraft brakes and seals
- Military barracks and vehicles
🏡 Consumer & Household Products
- Hairdryers
- Irons and ironing board covers
- Crock pots and slow cookers
- Talcum powder and cosmetics
- Cigarette filters (certain brands)
🚒 Fire Safety & Emergency Services
- Fireproof clothing and blankets
- Firefighter helmets and hoods
- Asbestos ropes and curtains
Although asbestos may look like a fibrous, whitish-gray material, its presence in products is often invisible. Accurate identification requires specialized laboratory analysis.
A Short History of Asbestos in the U.S.
Asbestos use in the U.S. began in earnest in the late 1800s and surged in popularity after World War II. It was praised for being fireproof, inexpensive, and readily available. During America’s postwar construction boom, it became a staple in homes, schools, factories, and offices.
But while the benefits were touted publicly, behind closed doors, many companies were aware of the risks. By the mid-20th century, research showed strong links between asbestos exposure and respiratory illnesses, including mesothelioma, lung cancer, and asbestosis. Yet, manufacturers continued to use it—and even suppressed data about its dangers.
Why Was Asbestos Allowed to Remain in Use?
The long latency period between asbestos exposure and disease—often 20 to 50 years—meant symptoms took decades to appear. This delay allowed companies to deflect responsibility for years, while millions of workers, veterans, and families were exposed.
Though a partial federal ban on asbestos was enacted in 1989, it remains legal today for products to contain up to 1% asbestos. That means buildings constructed before the 1980s—and even some modern products—may still pose a danger.
Major Companies Involved in Asbestos Manufacturing and Sales
Dozens of companies profited from asbestos while allegedly hiding its risks. Among the most well-known:
- 🏗️ Construction & Insulation Companies
- Johns-Manville
- Owens Corning
- W.R. Grace & Co.
- National Gypsum
- United States Gypsum (USG)
- Armstrong World Industries
- Celotex Corporation
- Kaiser Aluminum
- Georgia-Pacific
- Pittsburgh Corning
⚙️ Industrial & Chemical Companies- Union Carbide
- Raybestos-Manhattan, Inc.
- Fibreboard Corporation
- H.K. Porter Company
- GAF Corporation
- DAP, Inc.
- Nicolet, Inc.
- Western MacArthur
- Babcock & Wilcox
🛠️ Automotive Manufacturers- Ford Motor Company
- General Motors
- Chrysler (DaimlerChrysler)
- Bendix Corporation
- BorgWarner
- Honeywell (successor to Bendix)
- Garlock Sealing Technologies
⛏️ Asbestos Mining Companies- Johns-Manville (also a miner)
- W.R. Grace (Libby, Montana vermiculite mine)
- Turner & Newall
- Canadian Johns-Manville (Quebec mines)
- Calaveras Asbestos Ltd.
🛳️ Shipbuilding & Maritime Corporations- Newport News Shipbuilding
- Bethlehem Steel Shipyards
- Ingalls Shipbuilding
- General Dynamics
- Electric Boat Division
🔌 Energy & Utility Companies- General Electric
- Westinghouse Electric
- ExxonMobil
- DuPont
- Chevron
- ConocoPhillips
🛍️ Consumer Brands & Retailers- Avon (some talc products)
- Colgate-Palmolive (Cashmere Bouquet talc)
- Johnson & Johnson (baby powder)
- Sears, Roebuck & Co.
- Revlon
These companies mined, manufactured, or sold asbestos products—even as reports mounted about the devastating effects on workers, workers' families, and consumers.
You Are Not Alone
If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with mesothelioma or an asbestos-related disease such as mesothelioma, lung cancer or asbestosis, you may be entitled to financial compensation. Legal accountability has brought justice to thousands of families harmed by asbestos exposure.
At Madeksho Law, we’ve spent over 50 years fighting for those impacted by corporate negligence. Our team has recovered more than $400 million for victims and their families.
📞 Call 888-910-MESO (6376) or contact us online for a free and confidential consultation. We're here to help you understand your options and fight for what you and your family deserve.
