01. History of Asbestos Use
GAF Corporation History of Asbestos Use
General Aniline and Film (GAF) Corporation was an American branch of the German company I.G. Dyes. This German parent company produced dyes and chemical goods, including chemical weapons.
GAF’s business growth was stunted during World War II when the United States government seized the company because of its German affiliations. Once the government released GAF from its seizure, the company began to quickly expand its product offering, spanning across many different construction products.
Part of this expansion included their acquisition of Ruberoid Corporation in 1965. Ruberoid was a roofing supplies manufacturer that legally changed its name to GAF Corporation in 1968.
GAF Corporation became responsible for Ruberoid’s operations, which included the largest asbestos mine in Virginia. Asbestos was mined and incorporated into their products because it was easily accessible and cost-friendly.
GAF Corporation relied heavily on the use of asbestos throughout all of its product lines and didn’t cease using the asbestos mine until 1975. Records show that GAF products continued to contain asbestos through 1981. Similar to many other asbestos companies, GAF Corporation saw much of its success in the mid-1980s during an increase in housing construction.
Resources for Mesothelioma Patients
02. Asbestos Products
GAF Corporation Asbestos Products
GAF Corporation made construction products like roofing shingles, siding, vinyl flooring and insulation cement. Like other construction products before the 1980s, many GAF products contained asbestos. The mineral was popular for its strength, durability and fireproof qualities.
The natural fire resistance of asbestos was ideal for flooring, tiles, walls and other materials at risk of fire. Asbestos also offered weather resistance, which was ideal for roofing, siding and other outdoor products. These products led to exposure risks for tens of thousands of people.
GAF Corporation continued producing some asbestos-containing products until 1982. Today, GAF’s product line focuses on roofing products for both residential and commercial purposes.
03. Occupational Exposure
GAF Corporation and Occupational Exposure
Through Ruberoid’s acquisition, GAF was responsible for miners’ asbestos exposure. In working with large quantities of asbestos on a frequent basis, miners have been very susceptible to developing asbestos-related illnesses, like malignant mesothelioma.
In addition to miners, GAF also was responsible for the exposure of its workers and consumers. Construction workers, insulation workers and those installing, repairing and removing their materials could have come in contact with the mineral.
04. Asbestos Lawsuits
Asbestos Lawsuits Against GAF Corporation
The dangers of asbestos became known as early as the 1930s. Throughout the mid-1900s, cases of mesothelioma, asbestosis and other diseases were growing, and legislation was being put in place to limit asbestos risk. Many asbestos companies chose to prioritize profits instead of worker and consumer health, including GAF Corporation.
By 2005, GAF was named in 500,000 asbestos claims.
The Ruberoid asbestos mine was not closed down until 1975, and GAF products produced through 1981 contained asbestos. Miners, workers and consumers have filed claims against GAF Corporation for the past few decades, seeking compensation for their asbestos diagnoses and related suffering.
By 2005, GAF, together with G-I holdings, had paid over $750 million to asbestos victims in just seven years. G-I Holdings remained responsible for around 150,000 asbestos lawsuits that had been filed or were expected to be filed. To accommodate the growing number of claims, G-I Holdings, GAF’s parent company, filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in 2001. They were also required to set up an asbestos trust fund to pay out current and future claims.
05. Asbestos Trust Fund
GAF Asbestos Trust Fund
GAF Corporation’s asbestos trust fund is set up through its parent company, G-I Holdings, and is referred to as the G-I Holdings Inc. Trust. The trust fund was created in 2009 within the company’s reorganization plan. It began accepting claims in 2010 and continues to accept claims today.
Like other asbestos trust funds, GAF pays out asbestos claims using a set payment percentage to guarantee funds for future claims. Payout numbers reflect base-level values, and the actual values may vary depending on many different factors.
Factors that influence payouts include (but aren’t limited to) age, exposure, type of asbestos illness and firm settlement history. The current payment percentage is 5%, but the amount a claimant is compensated can vary. Those interested in filing a claim should consult with a mesothelioma lawyer to fully understand their options.
