Synkoloid Company

Synkoloid Company is a New Jersey-based manufacturer of paints and paint materials. The company developed an extensive line of products, including Tex-Wall, Synko Topping, Plastibond, Prime ‘n’ Fill and Snobond. Such products were produced by Synkoloid between 1949 and 1976.

Synkoloid company was was acquired by Artra Group in 1975. The company currently faces a number of asbestos-related lawsuits that address the prevalence of asbestos in their products. Muralo Company later took over the company in 1981, but will not inherit any legal responsibility for the Synkoloid asbestos claims.

Synkoloid Company and Asbestos

The United States’ Department of Labor Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) set legal worker exposure limits defined for asbestos handling. Companies such as Synkoloid that use asbestos are required to medically monitor employees and provide each employee with personal protective gear.

Asbestos use has significantly decreased in the United States since the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issued a ban of asbestos-containing materials in 1989. The Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals in New Orleans overturned that decision in 1991. The following materials remain banned: flooring felt, rollboard and corrugated, commercial or specialty paper, but many of Synkoloid's products were not included in these rulings.

Synkoloid used asbestos in several varieties of spackling paste, patching material and joint compound. Asbestos was favored for its versatility, and it was found to be one of the strongest naturally occurring minerals. Asbestos was cheap, readily available and worked better than any other product available at that time. It is believed that Synkoloid stopped using asbestos in their products around 1976. However, the company’s products manufactured prior to 1976 do contain asbestos. These products may still be present in older homes and buildings.

Companies generally continued to use asbestos as long as they could because there simply was no replacement product that could perform as well and satisfy their customers. Unfortunately, the long-term effects of asbestos can include several serious health complications, which were documented as early as the 1930s and ’40’s.

Artra Group declared Chapter 11 bankruptcy in 2002 after facing 46,000 asbestos-related claims. The Artra Asbestos Trust was formed in 2007 as part of Artra’s reorganization. The trust was established to process, liquidate and pay valid asbestos-related claims fairly.

Muralo was also forced to file for bankruptcy in 2003 despite the clause in their purchase agreement to keep them from being held accountable for any previous claims. Muralo was facing 50,000 asbestos-related claims at the time of their bankruptcy filing. After the formation of the Artra Group’s asbestos trust, Muralo was then relieved of any asbestos-related liability.

If you or someone you know worked for or may have been exposed to any products manufactured or distributed by Artra Group, Muralo Company or Synkoloid Company, it is strongly recommended that you visit a doctor to discuss potential health complications. Mesothelioma is a deadly disease and symptoms may take up to 50 years to develop. For assistance with finding a doctor in your area who can provide screenings for asbestos-related diseases, please contact the Mesothelioma Center’s Doctor Match Program.