01. History of Asbestos Use
IBM (Endicott) History of Asbestos Use
International Business Machines (IBM) Corporation was founded in 1911, a time when asbestos use was widespread in the United States. Originally named the Computing-Tabulating-Recording Company (CTR), IBM is best known in the computer science and technology industries as an early developer of personal computers.
As the birthplace of IBM, the Endicott, New York, plant has long been an important location for the company. In 2002, IBM sold the 4.1 million-square-foot grounds. By 2023, IBM ended its lease on the last building the company occupied in Endicott.
The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) has done multiple studies on the IBM plant in Endicott. Their research shows that workers at the Endicott plant may have been exposed to one or more carcinogens, including asbestos.
IBM didn’t explicitly prohibit the use of asbestos materials in products until 1993. IBM’s most recent annual report notes their obligations in asbestos cleanup are tied to demolishing or renovating buildings.
The company couldn’t estimate when these asbestos remediation projects would be done or what the total costs would be. As of December 31, 2023, the company had recorded $244 million in cleanup-related liabilities, down from $271 million in 2022.
Resources for Mesothelioma Patients
02. Asbestos Products
IBM (Endicott) Asbestos Products
There are no known IBM products with asbestos in them. However, multiple IBM factories, including the Endicott plant, may have been a source of asbestos exposure for IBM workers.
The following IBM locations are known to have used asbestos products on site:
- Boston, MA
- Campbell, CA
- East Fishkill, NY
- Endicott, NY
- Franklin Lakes, NJ
- Gaithersburg, MD
- Glendale, NY
- Harrison, NY
- Lexington, KY
- Manassas, VA
- Menlo Park, CA
- Montgomery County, MD
- New York, NY
- Palo Alto, CA
- Philadelphia, PA
- Pittsburgh, PA
- Poughkeepsie, NY
- Research Triangle Park, NC
- San Diego, CA
- San Jose, CA
- Stanford, CA
- Tacoma, WA
- White Plains, NY
- Wyckoff, NJ
03. Occupational Exposure
IBM (Endicott) and Occupational Exposure
Workers at IBM’s Endicott plant and other locations may have been exposed to asbestos through materials used to build them. Many products in the construction industry contain the mineral because it is durable, resists heat and is relatively inexpensive.
Factory workers, machinists and maintenance staff are just some of the employees who may have regularly been exposed to asbestos materials. Occupational exposure may lead to an asbestos-related illness, such as mesothelioma or asbestosis.
The most recent NIOSH study on the IBM Endicott plant found higher rates of mesothelioma and pleural cancer among workers hired before 1969. There was no evidence suggesting asbestos was used in the site’s manufacturing processes.
04. Asbestos Lawsuits
Asbestos Lawsuits Against IBM
Some IBM workers have been exposed to asbestos on the job. Those diagnosed with an asbestos-related illness may be eligible to seek compensation. A mesothelioma lawyer can help file a claim and handle asbestos lawsuits.
Workers for IBM have filed successful lawsuits against the company and received settlements. Some examples include:
- $3,209,745 for an 83-year-old Navy veteran and tile setter
- $2,473,190 for an 82-year-old plumber and steamfitter
- $782,621 for a 73-year-old Navy veteran and technician
05. Asbestos Trust Fund
IBM (Endicott) Asbestos Trust Fund
IBM does not have an asbestos trust fund. However, former IBM employees who worked at the Endicott plant and have been diagnosed with lung cancer or mesothelioma may be eligible to file a claim with the following asbestos settlement trusts:
- ACandS Asbestos Settlement Trust
- Armstrong World Industries Asbestos Trust
- Babcock & Wilcox Asbestos Trust
- Eagle-Picher Industries, Inc. Personal Injury Settlement Trust (EPI)
- Keene Creditors Trust
- Owens Corning/Fibreboard Asbestos Personal Injury Trust
- Owens-Illinois Asbestos Personal Injury Trust
- United States Mineral Products Company Asbestos PI Settlement Trust
The actual compensation amount claimants receive depends on factors like their age, asbestos exposure history, type of illness and their legal firm’s past settlements.
A mesothelioma lawyer can help IBM employees diagnosed with an asbestos illness determine the best legal options for their case.
