Rock Wool Manufacturing Company

Rock Wool Manufacturing Company’s History of Asbestos Exposure

Rock Wool Manufacturing Company, founded in 1943 by Edward Cusick Sr. in Leeds, Alabama, is widely known for producing insulation and construction materials throughout the United States. For decades, builders have used their mineral wool and rock wool insulation products in homes, factories, and construction sites for their fire resistance and durability. What many employees, contractors, and even families who lived in houses insulated with rock wool blown-in insulation didn’t know was that these products contained asbestos. 

Today, Rock Wool continues to manufacture insulation products for residential, industrial, commercial, and marine applications under the DELTA brand name, none of which contain asbestos.If you’ve ever wondered, “Does rock wool insulation contain asbestos?” or “Does mineral wool contain asbestos?” this blog gives you the answers, explains the risks, and guides you on the steps to take if you or a loved one was exposed.

Asbestos Products and Worker Exposure

The company had many widely used products that contained asbestos. Some of their most popular products included rock wool blown-in insulation, mineral wool insulation, and industrial cements. For decades, Rock Wool marketed these products as safe and essential for protecting buildings, ships, and equipment. Unfortunately, the products once labeled as “protective” were silently putting lives in danger. The asbestos fibers mixed into these products made them hazardous to anyone who manufactured, installed, or worked around them. 

U.S. veterans were among those heavily affected by Rock Wool’s mineral wool asbestos products. Asbestos-containing insulation in boiler rooms, steam lines, and engine rooms regularly exposed sailors and shipyard workers to asbestos. They released asbestos dust into the air every time they cut, repaired, or removed insulation. Many veterans spent years working in these confined areas where asbestos fibers were disturbed on a daily basis. If you or a loved one worked with or around Rock Wool’s mineral wool products, you may be at risk of developing asbestos-related diseases such as mesothelioma and asbestosis. 

How Were Rock Wool Manufacturing Company Workers Exposed?

Learning that the company used asbestos-containing products can come as a surprise to many former employees and their families. Raw asbestos regularly exposed workers at Rock Wool Manufacturing Company during the mixing, cutting, and packaging of materials. Contractors, pipefitters, and construction crews also had a high risk of exposure when installing or removing rock wool insulation in homes, factories, and shipyards. 

Rock Wool failed to warn workers about the risks of asbestos and its devastating effects. Once inside the body, inhaled asbestos fibers embed themselves in the lung tissue. Over the years, the fibers cause inflammation and scarring internally before symptoms begin to appear. Those who have been exposed to rock wool blown-in insulation asbestos or mineral wool insulation may experience symptoms such as shortness of breath, chest pain, or persistent coughing. Unfortunately, by the time symptoms appear, asbestos-related diseases such as mesothelioma, asbestosis, or lung cancer have already developed. 

Rock Wool Lawsuits and Settlements

Learning about Rock Wool’s negligence can feel overwhelming, but there are resources available for victims and their families. As workers and their families began to link their illnesses to Rock Wool Manufacturing Company’s products, people started taking action through the legal system. Those suffering from asbestos-related diseases began filing lawsuits against the company, alleging their materials, such as rock wool, blown-in insulation, and mineral wool, contained hidden asbestos fibers. 

Many people have filed claims against the company, including a 1994 trial where a jury found Rock Wool guilty. The court concluded that Rock Wool failed to provide notice about the dangers contained within its products. In the same year, a group of former employees filed a lawsuit against Rock Wool and other companies after developing asbestos-related diseases from long-term exposure. The court found Rock Wool partially liable and awarded the claimants $1.25 million in compensation.

In 1996, Rock Wool Manufacturing Company filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy, resulting in the company establishing the Rock Wool Asbestos Trust. The Trust supported future victims and their families by processing personal injury and property claims, allowing them to continue receiving compensation even after bankruptcy. If you or a loved one worked with Rock Wool insulation, our patient advocates are here to listen to your concerns, answer your questions, and connect you with experienced asbestos attorneys who can help you explore your options. 

How to File a Case Against Rock Wool Manufacturing Company

Even though the Rock Wool Asbestos Trust closed in 2011, those exposed to rock wool blown-in insulation asbestos or other Rock Wool products still have legal options available to them. In many cases, victims file lawsuits directly against Rock Wool or other responsible parties, but consulting with an experienced asbestos attorney will help you understand the options available to you. If you or a loved one was diagnosed with mesothelioma or asbestosis, don’t hesitate to reach out today. Our team of patient advocates is here to support you every step of the way, connect you with medical professionals, and help you secure the financial support you deserve.