The Congoleum Corporation is a flooring manufacturer that once used asbestos in its products. Congoleum faced numerous asbestos lawsuits after workers and others developed mesothelioma and other asbestos illnesses. Congoleum filed for bankruptcy to help compensate for the mounting asbestos claims.
If you or a loved one suffer from mesothelioma, asbestos-related lung cancer, or asbestosis, you may qualify for substantial compensation. Currently, there is over $30 billion in asbestos trust funds awaiting those who’ve been diagnosed with an asbestos illness. 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 Congoleum Use Asbestos?
Congoleum used asbestos in the flooring materials it manufactured between the late 1940s and the early 1980s. Many flooring manufacturers used asbestos because it added strength and durability. It also insulated flooring, which made homes more energy efficient. Congoleum does not use asbestos in its products today.
Congoleum Corporation History
Congoleum’s history dates back to the 1800s in Scotland. Founder Michael Nairn painted sailcloths to sell as coverings for dirt floors.
- The first headquarters were in Nairn’s home of Kirkcaldy, Scotland. Nairn’s son, Sir Michael Nairn, purchased the company from his father in 1886 and moved its headquarters to Mercerville, New Jersey.
- Nairn began manufacturing linoleum flooring in the U.S. under the name Nairn Linoleum.
- Nairn Linoleum acquired a company that developed novel roofing and flooring products called Congo. The name came from the materials imported from the Congo. The new name of the company combined the two previous companies: Congoleum.
- During the 1950s, the company added vinyl flooring for its stylish looks and low price. The business began to expand rapidly, and in the 1960s, the company changed its name once again to Congoleum Corporation.
- In 1993, Congoleum began a merger with Amtico Floors and bought a 513,000-square-foot building to manufacture and distribute its products throughout the U.S. and Canada.
- As with most manufacturers in the past, Congoleum heavily relied on asbestos for its fire and heat-resistance properties. This led to exposure in many workers and thousands of resulting lawsuits.
- Congoleum filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in 2003 and emerged with an asbestos trust fund in 2010.
Today, Congoleum continues to manufacture and sell flooring, sometimes through partnerships with other companies. Congoleum manufactures its products in Maryland, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania.
Congoleum Products Made with Asbestos
From 1943 to 1987, Congoleum manufactured the following asbestos-containing products:
- Asphalt tiles
- Sheet flooring
- Countertops
- Corkboards
- Vinyl flooring
- Cushioned vinyl
- Wall coverings
Several brand names of Congoleum products included asbestos:
- Builderflor
- Cushionflor
- Dynasty
- Fashionflor
- Flor-Ever
- Gold Seal
- Highlight
- Pacemaker
- Peerless
- Spacemaker
- Sparklewood
- Ultraflor
- Vinylbest
Who Was Exposed to Congoleum Asbestos Products?
Anyone who could have been exposed to asbestos through Congoleum flooring and other products should be aware of the risks. Past exposure can lead to illnesses like mesothelioma, lung cancer, and asbestosis many years later.
Congoleum workers who manufactured asbestos products had high risks of exposure. They worked with or near asbestos that shed fibers and entered the air where they could be inhaled.
The exposure risk is also high in workers who handled and used Congoleum products in the construction, repair, and renovation of buildings:
- Construction workers
- Contractors
- Flooring installers
- Renovation workers
- Demolition workers
- Laborers
The risk of exposure to asbestos in Congoleum flooring extends to homeowners. Anyone living in an older home with asbestos flooring could be exposed. The risk is highest if the flooring is damaged or deteriorating and during renovation work when the flooring is replaced.
Congoleum Asbestos Lawsuits
After an influx of asbestos-related lawsuits against the company, Congoleum attempted to file for bankruptcy in 1993. However, it wasn’t until 2010 before the company was allowed a reorganization plan.
According to court documents, some people who filed claims said they were aware of asbestos since the products were labeled with a warning. Yet, most employees, customers, and installers never received any warnings about the risks of asbestos.
One of the many Congoleum asbestos lawsuits involved Robert Ehret, a flooring contractor who developed pericardial mesothelioma, a very rare form of the disease that affects the heart.
After Ehret died, his widow sued Congoleum and other companies. She and her family were awarded over $3 million for the wrongful death.
Since its insurance company refused to compensate the claimants, Congoleum was forced to handle and fight all asbestos-related claims.
Congoleum Asbestos Trust
Due to the costs of lawsuits, Congoleum sought protection in Chapter 11 bankruptcy. In July 2010, the New Jersey District Court approved a reorganization plan for Congoleum.
The company placed around $270 million into an asbestos trust fund. Over 50% of Congoleum’s stock was put into the trust to pay claimants’ medical costs and death benefits to those who passed away from asbestos illnesses.
As of 2023, the Congoleum Plan Trust proposed lowering its payment percentage from 12.5 % to 8.42%. This is the percentage of a total claim that claimants receive.
Do Congoleum Floors Contain Asbestos?
Congoleum Corporation still operates, but none of its current products contain asbestos. It continues to make a variety of flooring products with safer materials. Older homes with old Congoleum flooring might contain asbestos.
How to Seek Compensation for Exposure to Congoleum Asbestos Products
If you worked with or were exposed to asbestos through Congoleum products, contact an asbestos law firm to determine what legal actions you can take. You may be eligible to make a claim with the Congoleum Trust.
You could have other options as well. A mesothelioma lawyer can review your work history to find all the companies that exposed you to asbestos. They will provide advice and guidance if you choose to take legal action to seek compensation.
Additional Resources and Legal Help for Asbestos Victims
If you’ve been injured by asbestos, keep in mind that there is a good chance that you’ll qualify for considerable 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.
