Johns Manville
The Johns Manville Corporation is a worldwide manufacturer of insulation and roofing products. The 150-year-old company generates $2 billion in annual sales and employs 6,500 workers. Based in Denver, Colo., Johns Manville has 41 manufacturing facilities throughout North America, Asia and Europe.
Since its founding in 1858, Johns Manville has grown into one of the world’s leading manufacturers of insulation and roofing materials. The company produced a large amount of insulation materials for use in World War II, when many of its products were utilized to insulate Navy ships.
Johns Manville recently introduced construction products to strengthen walls, prevent leaks and improve structures in other ways. The California Climate Action Registry in 2008 recognized the company as a climate action leader. Shortly thereafter, Johns Manville entered the solar panel roofing market.
Johns Manville and Asbestos
Johns Manville was one of the first major companies to use asbestos in its products. From the late 1800s through the 1900s, Johns Manville employees were exposed to asbestos through a number of materials. In the mid-1970s, Johns Manville was still one of the leading U.S. manufacturers of asbestos-containing construction materials. Shortly thereafter, the company began phasing out the use of asbestos and all asbestos products were eliminated by 1985.
During the creation, installation or removal of these products, asbestos exposure is a serious hazard. Inhaling airborne asbestos fibers is known to cause mesothelioma, lung cancer and asbestosis. While symptoms do not immediately arise, exposed workers should understand the potential of developing one of these conditions in the future.
Litigation for Johns Manville
In the 1930s, Johns Manville had evidence that asbestos was toxic. Even with this information, the company continued to incorporate asbestos into its products. Johns Manville used asbestos until laws mandated otherwise in the 1970s.
One of the first asbestos-related lawsuits brought against Johns Manville was by Clarence Borel, who installed insulation and was regularly exposed to asbestos. Borel was diagnosed with mesothelioma in 1969, prompting him to file suit against the company and 10 other manufacturers of asbestos-containing insulation. It was ruled that the manufacturers were obligated to tell employees about workplace dangers and take adequate precautions. Johns Manville was found guilty of negligence.
Over the next decade, so many suits were filed against Johns Manville that the company was forced to declare bankruptcy in 1982. The company created the Manville Personal Injury Settlement Trust, a trust fund to compensate claimants. The trust remains active and has compensated many mesothelioma patients and their families.
Resources for Industrial Workers
Industrial workers can be at a high risk for asbestos-related diseases. Employees of Johns Manville before asbestos regulations were implemented should be cautious for the development of an asbestos-related disease. Because mesothelioma symptoms can take decades to arise from the time of exposure, doctors recommend regular medical exams for industrial workers. Symptoms industrial workers should watch for include coughing, shortness of breath, fatigue and chest pain.
If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with mesothelioma, a mesothelioma expert should be consulted. Our Mesothelioma Doctor Directory provides you with a list of mesothelioma specialists in your area. One of our Patient Advocates can assist you in finding the right doctor for your diagnosis. To speak with a Patient Advocate, call (800) 615-2270.
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© 2012 The Mesothelioma Center |
Last Modified Thursday, February 9th, 2012 | Disclaimer | Privacy Policy |
The information provided by The Mesothelioma Center is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.
Sponsored by a law firm concentrating in asbestos litigation, The Peterson Firm, LLP with offices at 1350 Connecticut Ave, NW, Fifth Floor, Washington DC 20036.
