Rutland
Rutland Fire Clay Company was founded in Montpelier, Vermont, in 1883. Its first marketed product was a stove lining intended to reduce soot buildup and make stoves more efficient. The company gradually branched out to make stove polishes.
The company devoted a large portion of its early investment press to creosote – a combustion byproduct that tends to build up in chimneys or stoves. Many of Rutland’s products during the early 1900s were designed to reduce soot, thereby simplifying home fireplace maintenance. These items also made Rutland very popular when shortages during World War II saw increased wood stove usage.
The company also created:
Rutland later added major masonry products and heavy-duty construction adhesives to its product list.
Rutland and Asbestos
Some of the items made by Rutland contained hazardous substances such as asbestos. Many of those who used contaminated Rutland goods subsequently developed cancerous symptoms. Unfortunately, asbestos cancers like mesothelioma may not exhibit noticeable symptoms until the cancer has reached a late stage of development.
Rutland Joint Compound has been asbestos-free since 1988. But in earlier years, asbestos was a popular fill used in patching compounds and cements that were asked to stand up to high temperatures. Rutland’s focus on manufacturing large lots of construction products made low-cost asbestos a desirable choice.
Rutland used the raw material Kaolinite, a clay mineral, from the Monkton Deposit around Rutland, Vt. It mined the deposit for 15 years, from 1930 to 1944, and the material that was gathered required a great deal of processing before it was usable.
The company also used rocks from around Vermont in its processing, and one type of rock (geological ultramafic regions) that makes up part of the Appalachian mineral belt that extends throughout the state contains asbestos minerals.
The prevalence of asbestos in the Vermont strata makes it hard to tell what Rutland produced that was contaminated with asbestos. However, items frequently encountered at job sites where exposure occurred and their applicable years of manufacture include:
- Rutland Boiler Covering (1920 to 1977)
- Rutland Furnace Cement (1920 to 1977)
- Rutland Ready-Mined Joint Cement (1920 to 1977)
- Rutland Wallboard Joint Cement (1900 to 1978)
- Rutland Roofing Cement No. 4 (1910 to 1977)
- Rutland Roofing Cement No. 7 (1910 to 1977)
Some of these products contained up to 10 percent chrysotile asbestos. When homeowners remodel, drilling, sawing or breaking through walls or panels to access crawlspaces, they can kick up asbestos dust. Inhaling these particles is the leading cause of mesothelioma.
Rutland and Asbestos Litigation
From 1984 to 1999, 50,000 asbestos-related cases were filed against Rutland. Company president Thomas Martin testified before Congress in 1999 and estimated Rutland’s liability for current and future asbestos claims at $67 million.
Rutland had 37,000 pending cases and $3 million in assets when it filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in October 1999. Martin said asbestos claims were the sole cause of the bankruptcy.
The company set up a trust fund to deal with the claims (and future ones). Claims are accepted only part of the year and any settlements are subject to fund availability.
If you believe you, a loved one or someone you know were exposed to asbestos from Rutland products or factories, it is recommended you see a doctor for a full evaluation. Medical tests are the only reliable means of confirming asbestos inhalation or mesothelioma symptoms. The Mesothelioma Center offers a Doctor Match Program to pair patients with the most qualified mesothelioma specialist in their area. To request more information about mesothelioma, simply fill out the form on this page to receive an information packet in the mail.
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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.
