Raybestos-Manhattan & Raymark Industries
Raymark Industries Inc., originally called Raybestos-Manhattan Inc., is a former asbestos manufacturing firm. Like many similar firms, Raymark has a history of involvement in asbestos litigation brought by asbestos exposure victims who suffered from the carcinogenic effects of their products.
Raymark began producing asbestos brake linings in 1919 at their Raymark Industries Inc. facility located in Stratford, Fairfield County, Connecticut. This factory remained in operation until 1989, and the company's products were used in a wide range of applications, from personal vehicles to professional racing cars, where they are still present. If you have worked in an automotive shop or at a race track, you've most likely encountered Raymark products.
History of Environmental Contamination
Raymark has also been brought to court for environmental contamination in the areas in which their plants were located. This environmental contamination was not limited just to asbestos. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, other hazardous byproducts such as lead, metals and solvents were deposited by the company as well.
For patients with mesothelioma, a rare type of cancer, the presence of other carcinogens is of utmost concern. Mesothelioma is primarily caused by asbestos exposure, but individuals with mesothelioma are negatively affected by the presence of other cancer-causing factors in their environment. Pollution created by Raymark's automobile parts facilities still exists to this day. If you have been diagnosed with mesothelioma and believe you may have been affected by Raymark Industries' products or facilities, please fill out the form on this page or call (800) 615-2270 to receive more information.
Raymark Industries & Asbestos Use
In order to create automobile brake pads that would not break down during intense operating temperatures, companies like Raymark used asbestos and other durable low-cost materials in their products. Brake pads work by creating friction that slows the rotating surfaces in a vehicle. The process of breaking generates a lot of heat, which is a mechanical downside. Companies such as Raymark discovered that asbestos could be used to insulate friction materials from excessive heat.
Until as late as July 1984, Raymark facilities captured asbestos and lead with a number of shallow pools. These lagoons operated for more than 60 years and accumulated large amounts of toxic asbestos waste, as well as polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), alcohol and corrosive chemicals. The pools would gradually fill to capacity, and when this occurred, they would be dredged and the toxic, solid mass was placed in landfills.
Hazardous Asbestos Waste & Raymark Industries
Some employees exposed to asbestos during their careers at Raymark Industries died, but both plant workers and nearby residents were often affected by the products manufactured by Raymark. Health outcome data reviewed by the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) revealed that Stratford, Connecticut, had higher-than-average rates of mesothelioma and all other cancers in residents under 25 years of age.
Numerous EPA investigations at Raymark's facility in Stratford have been conducted since 1984. In 1993, the ATSDR issued a Public Health Advisory stating that people could be exposed to contaminants in the area in a number of ways, including by inhalation, skin contact, soil waste ingestion and ingestion of contaminated local seafood.
As of 1995, 41 residential properties had been positively identified as contaminated with waste from Raymark. Local public buildings such as parks and schools, where the waste was used as landscaping fill, were contaminated enough to require major cleanup operations. Raymark left a swath of hazardous contamination in its wake, with 14 Connecticut areas designated as former waste disposal sites in need of ATSDR evaluation.
Raymark Industries & Asbestos Litigation
With its long history of asbestiform mineral and other contaminant use, Raymark has been the subject of much litigation since the 1970s. The company filed bankruptcy as a result of the asbestos litigation.
In Stevens v. Raymark Industries, Inc. et al., the dependent widow of a former Raymark employee was awarded benefits following her husband's asbestosis-related death in 2000. The employee's illness was caused by exposure to asbestos and other factors. Although Raymark attempted to dispute the case on multiple grounds, the court upheld its decision in favor of the widow. Another important case brought by the State of Connecticut against Raymark recouped the amount spent by the state on cleanup efforts, which bankrupted the firm.
Unfortunately for many individual sufferers of asbestos-related illnesses, securing restitution has been difficult. Raymark has a history of corporate restructuring that took place in order for the company to avoid asbestos-related liabilities. While successive court cases held Raybestos and Raymark to their original obligations, victims must be ready to fight for their well-deserved restitution. Trust funds have been established in the past to provide recompense for new claimants, but these funds were established prior to the bankruptcies and restructuring actions, making some funds difficult to access.
If you believe that you have been exposed to asbestos due to Raybestos parts or time spent working or living around a Raymark facility, you are urged to have a medical exam as soon as possible. Medical tests are the only way to be sure that asbestos exposure has occurred, and the earlier you start monitoring for signs of asbestosis and mesothelioma, the greater your chances of receiving early treatment and a better prognosis.
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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.
