The Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company, known today as 3M, is a successful science-based company and global manufacturer of adhesives and other products. For many years, 3M used asbestos in its operations and products. When 3M workers and consumers began developing life-threatening asbestos diseases, lawsuits against the company followed.
There is currently more than $30 billion available in asbestos trust funds. If you or a loved one have been diagnosed with mesothelioma, asbestos-related lung cancer, or asbestosis, keep in mind that you may be entitled to substantial compensation. We invite you to fill out our form today for a free Financial Compensation Packet, filled with information about experienced mesothelioma lawyers in your area, how to get paid in 90 days, how to file an asbestos trust fund claim, and much more.
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Did 3M Use Asbestos?
3M was founded to mine natural resources in northern Minnesota and make products from mined materials. Eventually, the company shifted to manufacturing.
3M used asbestos in many of its products for several years. These include adhesives and caulking materials.
3M History
3M was founded in 1902 by Dr. J Danley Budd, John Dwan, William A. McGonagle, Herman W. Cable, and Henry S. Bryan.
- According to the company’s official website, the five founders all had a single goal in mind for the company at the beginning: to mine corundum, a mineral found in a Crystal Bay mine.
- Although the company’s founders didn’t have luck with corundum, a partnership began that would take the company to global proportions.
- In 1910, the company settled in St. Paul, Minnesota, and within ten years, created the waterproof sandpaper used to repel dust during automobile manufacturing.
- In 1925, the invention of masking tape by Richard G. Drew started the company’s Scotch brand, which grew to include cellophane tape and pressure-sensitive tape.
- By World War II, 3M began manufacturing products for the military, including Scotchlite™ Reflective Sheeting and filament adhesive tape, which expanded the company into the graphics arts industry, leading to offset printing plates.
- Throughout the next several years, 3M continued to grow substantially. It added various products to its line, including Scotchgard™ products, Thermo-Fax™, Post-it® products, and more.
- The company’s enormous success led to the opening of several factories worldwide, including locations in Australia, Canada, Mexico, France, and England.
By the time the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) placed strict regulations on asbestos, 3M had already used the toxic set of minerals in various products for many years. 3M eventually faced asbestos-related claims and lawsuits against the company.
Today, 3M does not use asbestos in its products. It does make protective gear for asbestos workers, though. This includes respirator kits, eyewear, and body suits. It also provides training and technical support for using these products.
Which 3M Products Contained Asbestos?
3M used asbestos in several products over many years:
- Adhesive
- Caulk
- Cement
- Centerlite
- Greenlite Powder
- Heat Protective Rolls
- Heating Elements
- Hot Melt Sunset Resin
- Laminated Sheets
- Rubber Coated Asbestos Cloth
- Sandpaper
- Sealers
- Solid Pavement Material
- Sticky Tar Caulking
- Wet Adhesives
Asbestos Exposure and 3M Respirators
3M manufactures respirators designed to protect workers from asbestos and other toxic substances. The company faced controversy in the 1960s when some of its respirator models caused asbestos exposure:
- 3M 8500 Dust Mask. 3M claimed the 8500 model would protect workers from toxic dust. Later lawsuits contended that the masks failed. Workers who thought they were protected from asbestos were not. Some of these workers developed asbestos illnesses.
- 3M 8710 Disposable Respirator. The 8710 model was approved for use in workplaces with asbestos. Some workers did not realize that this approval only extended to situations in which asbestos levels were ten times or less than ten times the legal exposure limit.
3M Asbestos-Related Lawsuits
To date, former employees, contractors, and consumers have filed over 300,000 asbestos-related lawsuits and claims against 3M. These are a few notable cases.
Heather Von St. James
In 2005, Heather Von St. James, of St. Paul, Minnesota, was diagnosed with mesothelioma in her early 40s.
St. James was the daughter of a man who made a living by sanding drywall. He would come from work in asbestos-filled clothing and asbestos in his hair and on his skin each day.
This eventually led to St. James’ second-hand asbestos exposure. St. James filed an asbestos-related claim against 3M, the company responsible for her father’s asbestos exposure.
A confidential agreement wouldn’t allow St. James to confirm her compensation.
Frank Zickert
3M also faced numerous lawsuits for its 3M 8710 mask, which was considered defective.
In 2014, the wife of former worker Frank Zickert, who died of mesothelioma, sued 3M for providing defective face masks that didn’t prevent workers from inhaling asbestos fibers.
Zickert’s job involved making asbestos-containing fire doors and other products, and he relied on the mask to protect himself from the dangers of asbestos fibers.
According to the lawsuit, the masks didn’t work, ultimately leading to Zickert’s death.
“Frank’s job involved making asbestos fire doors with material similar to Kaylo that contained chrysotile amosite asbestos fibers, cleanup, and disposal of the waste and scrap from such doors. At certain times the mixing of asbestos fibers to make the cores for the fire doors was a part of the manufacturing process,” the lawsuit states.
Unlike many other companies faced with thousands of asbestos-related lawsuits, 3M never filed for bankruptcy and continues to face asbestos-related claims.
Who Was Exposed to Asbestos Through 3M?
Workers from various occupations were affected by 3M’s asbestos-containing products, as the company made a variety of things shipped worldwide.
The occupations most affected include:
- Drywall sanders
- 3M employees (manufacturers)
- Factory workers
- Mechanics
- Engineers
- Automobile manufacturers
Common 3M products that contained asbestos include caulking materials and adhesives. The company no longer uses asbestos in any of its products.
How To Seek Compensation After 3M Asbestos Exposure
If you or a family member worked for 3M, talk to your doctor about the possibility of asbestos exposure. If you used any of their products that contained asbestos, you are also at risk for illness.
An asbestos attorney can help you take legal action and seek compensation if you receive a diagnosis of mesothelioma or another asbestos illness.
You could be eligible to file a lawsuit to seek a settlement. Depending on the source of the asbestos, you might also qualify for a claim with an asbestos trust fund.
Additional Resources and Help for Asbestos Victims
If you or a loved one are suffering from mesothelioma, asbestos-related lung cancer, or asbestosis, keep in mind that you may be eligible for a substantial amount of compensation. Don’t forget to fill out our form to get our free Financial Compensation Packet, filled with information on the experienced asbestos and mesothelioma attorneys in your area. For additional assistance, contact us toll-free at 800-793-4540.
