Johns-Manville’s Asbestos History
The story of Johns-Manville Corporation unfolds from 1858 when Henry Ward Johns embarked on crafting roofing materials in his basement, eventually patenting an asbestos product in 1868. By 1886, Charles Manville’s involvement in the Manville Covering Company synergized with Johns’ endeavors, propelling the distribution of asbestos roofing materials and other products. Despite Johns’ passing in 1898, the company persisted, expanding into textiles, roofing, and insulation.
The official merger in 1901 established the Johns-Manville Corporation, marking a significant milestone in the asbestos industry. Sales soared, exceeding $45 million by the mid-1920s, culminating in a public listing on the New York Stock Exchange in 1927. Despite the onset of asbestos-related diseases among employees, Johns-Manville’s production continued, bolstered by wartime demand during World War I and World War II.
Operations extended to asbestos mines, augmenting internal production and external sales. However, mounting awareness of asbestos risks in the 1960s precipitated a decline in growth, mirrored by a surge in legal challenges. By the early 1980s, over 9,000 lawsuits prompted Johns-Manville’s Chapter 11 bankruptcy filing in 1982, culminating in the establishment of two asbestos trust funds.
Johns-Manville’s Asbestos Product Range
Johns-Manville emerged as a premier manufacturer and distributor of raw asbestos and asbestos-containing goods across industries, notably construction and automotive sectors. Its product portfolio encompassed adhesives, textiles, fireproofing materials, and roofing products.
The company’s foray into automotive parts production underscored its pervasive presence in asbestos-related industries. Commonly encountered products included asbestos cement sheets, insulation materials, and friction components, found in construction, industrial, and automotive applications.
Occupational Asbestos Risks with Johns-Manville
Thousands of workers across diverse industries faced occupational asbestos hazards, handling insulation, construction materials, and raw asbestos. Construction laborers, miners, and factory workers constituted a significant demographic at risk.
Additionally, widespread product distribution extended exposure risks beyond company facilities to contractors and workers in ancillary industries. Secondary exposure pathways posed risks to homeowners, vehicle owners, and family members, amplifying asbestos-related disease prevalence.
Johns-Manville’s Legal Challenges
Johns-Manville grappled with escalating litigation as employees voiced concerns over asbestos-related health issues from as early as 1929. Legal milestones underscored growing momentum, culminating in significant verdicts against the company. Settlements in subsequent years highlighted the enduring legacy of asbestos-related litigation, compelling Johns-Manville to address historical liabilities and responsibilities.
Establishment and Operation of Johns-Manville’s Asbestos Trust Fund
Asbestos-related lawsuits prompted Chapter 11 bankruptcy in 1982, leading to the establishment of two asbestos trust funds to address personal injury claims and property damage liabilities. Despite challenges related to underfunding and claim eligibility, the trust fund remains a vital resource for asbestos victims seeking compensation for grievances against Johns-Manville’s legacy.