[{"content":"About plasticmoldingasbestos.com This site is an independent media reference documenting asbestos exposure in the phenolic resin and plastic molding compound industry, and the legal frameworks available to molders, press operators, tumbler operators, and other workers (and their families) affected by asbestos-related disease.\nPublisher Rights Watch Media Group LLC (RWMG) operates a network of public-records research sites covering occupational asbestos exposure in the United States. Sister sites include the AsbestosIndex (asbestos-products.com), the Industrial Exposure Archive (industrialexposurearchive.com), per-state archives (Missouri, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Michigan, Nebraska, Ohio, Wisconsin), a Heat \u0026amp; Frost Insulators trade archive (insulatorsmesothelioma.com), and a Navy ship/shipyard archive (navyshipexposure.com).\nSourcing Every claim about a manufacturer, product, or worker exposure pathway on this site is drawn from one or more of: publicly filed asbestos litigation records, federal regulatory filings (NIOSH, OSHA, EPA), Mil-Spec documents (MIL-M-14), bankruptcy trust documents, and the published industrial-hygiene literature. We do not allege facts. We document what has been alleged, found, or measured in publicly filed records.\nEditorial sponsorship O\u0026rsquo;Brien Law Firm (St. Louis, Missouri — 315 West Adams, Kirkwood, MO 63122) is the editorial sponsor of this site. OBLF is an asbestos and mesothelioma practice with experience pursuing claims on behalf of phenolic and plastic-molding workers nationwide.\nWhat this site is not Not legal advice. Statutes of limitations and case-evaluation criteria vary by state; this site provides general background, not case-specific counsel. Not a finding of fact or liability. References to manufacturers and products reflect what has been alleged or documented in public records. Not endorsed by any of the manufacturers or companies referenced. We document their asbestos-era products as a matter of public record. Contact To report a data error, suggest a new facility or product page, or correct misattributed information: mesowatchhelp@gmail.com\n","permalink":"https://plasticmoldingasbestos.com/about/","summary":"\u003ch1 id=\"about-plasticmoldingasbestoscom\"\u003eAbout plasticmoldingasbestos.com\u003c/h1\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis site is an independent media reference documenting asbestos exposure in the phenolic resin and plastic molding compound industry, and the legal frameworks available to molders, press operators, tumbler operators, and other workers (and their families) affected by asbestos-related disease.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 id=\"publisher\"\u003ePublisher\u003c/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRights Watch Media Group LLC\u003c/strong\u003e (RWMG) operates a network of public-records research sites covering occupational asbestos exposure in the United States. Sister sites include the \u003cstrong\u003eAsbestosIndex\u003c/strong\u003e (asbestos-products.com), the \u003cstrong\u003eIndustrial Exposure Archive\u003c/strong\u003e (industrialexposurearchive.com), per-state archives (Missouri, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Michigan, Nebraska, Ohio, Wisconsin), a Heat \u0026amp; Frost Insulators trade archive (insulatorsmesothelioma.com), and a Navy ship/shipyard archive (navyshipexposure.com).\u003c/p\u003e","title":"About This Archive"},{"content":"Compounders Compounders worked at the compound-manufacturing plants where raw asbestos fiber was mixed with phenolic resin to produce the granulated molding compound that downstream shops would mold into finished parts. This was the highest-exposure category in the entire phenolic molding trade — compounders handled raw asbestos fiber in bulk quantities every day.\nWhat the job involved The compounding operation typically followed these stages:\nReceiving and bagging asbestos — bulk raw asbestos arrived in bags, often 50-100 lb each. Compounders opened, weighed, and transferred fiber. Mixing with resin — asbestos fiber was blended with liquid phenolic resin in large industrial mixers. The mixing process aerosolized fiber. Drying and granulating — the wet compound was dried and broken into granules of uniform size suitable for downstream molding. Sieving and quality control — granules sieved to specification; rejected oversize material reprocessed. Bagging and shipping — finished compound bagged for shipment to molding shops. Plants where compounders worked The major compound-manufacturer plants where compounders were employed:\nUnion Carbide Bakelite — Bound Brook NJ, Pittsfield MA Monsanto Chemical (Resinox) — St. Louis MO Durez Plastics \u0026amp; Chemicals — North Tonawanda NY, Niagara Falls NY, Kenton OH Rogers Corporation — Rogers CT, Manchester CT Plenco — Chicago IL (1934-1950s), Sheboygan WI (1950s-1983) General Electric — Pittsfield MA + various GE captive operations Westinghouse — Micarta operations Fiberite Corporation — Winona MN See the Companies \u0026amp; Defendants page for full plant details.\nExposure intensity — the NIOSH 140× record Compounder exposures during the asbestos era were among the highest documented in any industrial occupation. The NIOSH measurement at some Rogers Corporation operations of 140 times the then-current asbestos exposure limit is the most-cited single record for this category, but is representative of conditions at multiple compounder workstations across the industry through the 1970s.\nBagging operations specifically — handling raw asbestos bags, opening them, and transferring fiber — were characterized by sustained high-fiber-concentration exposures throughout the workday.\nWhy compounder cases are typically strong For litigation purposes, compounder cases benefit from:\nClear chain of exposure — the worker handled raw asbestos at a manufacturer plant Documented industrial-hygiene measurements — NIOSH and OSHA records at compound plants are extensive Concentrated defendant — the employer is also the compound manufacturer (UCC, Monsanto, Durez, etc.) Well-developed bankruptcy trusts — most major compound manufacturers have established trust funds for asbestos claims If you or a family member worked as a compounder at any of the major asbestos-phenolic compound plants, the case should be evaluated promptly.\nIf you (or a family member) worked this occupation Free, confidential case evaluation: Speak with O\u0026rsquo;Brien Law Firm — (314) 936-2956\nMost workers in these occupations did not know that the \u0026ldquo;plastic\u0026rdquo; they handled contained asbestos. The compound manufacturers and downstream molding shops are documented in publicly filed litigation. Trust-fund claims and civil lawsuits can both be pursued — see the Trust Funds page for the compensation pathways.\nReferences to manufacturers, products, and exposure intensities reflect what has been alleged or documented in publicly filed asbestos litigation, NIOSH and OSHA measurements, and industry archives.\n","permalink":"https://plasticmoldingasbestos.com/occupations/compounder/","summary":"\u003ch1 id=\"compounders\"\u003eCompounders\u003c/h1\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCompounders\u003c/strong\u003e worked at the compound-manufacturing plants where raw asbestos fiber was mixed with phenolic resin to produce the granulated molding compound that downstream shops would mold into finished parts. \u003cstrong\u003eThis was the highest-exposure category in the entire phenolic molding trade\u003c/strong\u003e — compounders handled raw asbestos fiber in bulk quantities every day.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 id=\"what-the-job-involved\"\u003eWhat the job involved\u003c/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe compounding operation typically followed these stages:\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003col\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReceiving and bagging asbestos\u003c/strong\u003e — bulk raw asbestos arrived in bags, often 50-100 lb each. Compounders opened, weighed, and transferred fiber.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMixing with resin\u003c/strong\u003e — asbestos fiber was blended with liquid phenolic resin in large industrial mixers. The mixing process aerosolized fiber.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDrying and granulating\u003c/strong\u003e — the wet compound was dried and broken into granules of uniform size suitable for downstream molding.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSieving and quality control\u003c/strong\u003e — granules sieved to specification; rejected oversize material reprocessed.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBagging and shipping\u003c/strong\u003e — finished compound bagged for shipment to molding shops.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ol\u003e\n\u003ch2 id=\"plants-where-compounders-worked\"\u003ePlants where compounders worked\u003c/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe major compound-manufacturer plants where compounders were employed:\u003c/p\u003e","title":"Compounders — Raw Asbestos Handling at Phenolic Compound Plants"},{"content":"Durez Plastics \u0026amp; Chemicals (Hooker Chemical / Occidental) Durez Plastics \u0026amp; Chemicals Corporation was a major manufacturer of asbestos-filled phenolic molding compounds during the 1930s–1970s asbestos era. The company was acquired by Hooker Chemical in 1955, and later became part of Occidental Chemical Corporation. Its Durite™ brand of asbestos-phenolic compounds was widely used in electrical-component manufacturing.\nAsbestos use period Durez continued asbestos use through 1978. The company maintained the standard 3-5% asbestos by weight filler composition typical of the industry, with specific high-performance grades using higher percentages for specialized applications.\nPlants North Tonawanda, New York — Durez headquarters and primary phenolic compound manufacturing plant Niagara Falls, New York — secondary Durez compound production Kenton, Ohio — Midwest Durez phenolic operations Litigation history Durez has been a named defendant in numerous asbestos-phenolic exposure cases:\nKestenbaum v. Durez/UCC (2013, NY) — Summary judgment denied; the court record in this case established the asbestos content of Durez and UCC phenolic compounds Durez electrician settlement — $1.7 million publicly reported Former Durez worker (2022) — $2.5 million+ publicly reported settlement Successor liability through Occidental Chemical Corporation makes Occidental the active defendant for current Durez-product claims.\nWorker exposure pathways at Durez plants Workers at the North Tonawanda, Niagara Falls, and Kenton Durez operations were exposed during raw asbestos handling, Durite compound formulation, pelletizing, packaging, and shipping. Downstream molding-shop workers experienced compound handling, hopper loading, molding, trimming, and finishing exposures.\nIf you worked with this company\u0026rsquo;s asbestos-phenolic compounds Worker exposure documentation typically includes: pay stubs and W-2s showing employment dates, union dispatch records (for union-shop members), social security earnings statements, and any company-issued product or material safety information you may have retained.\nFree, confidential case evaluation: Speak with O\u0026rsquo;Brien Law Firm — (314) 936-2956\nAll consultations are free. No fee unless a financial recovery is made on your behalf.\nReferences to manufacturers, products, and litigation history reflect what has been alleged or documented in publicly filed asbestos litigation, federal regulatory records, and industry archives. This information does not constitute a finding of fact or liability.\n","permalink":"https://plasticmoldingasbestos.com/companies/durez/","summary":"\u003ch1 id=\"durez-plastics--chemicals-hooker-chemical--occidental\"\u003eDurez Plastics \u0026amp; Chemicals (Hooker Chemical / Occidental)\u003c/h1\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDurez Plastics \u0026amp; Chemicals Corporation\u003c/strong\u003e was a major manufacturer of asbestos-filled phenolic molding compounds during the 1930s–1970s asbestos era. The company was acquired by \u003cstrong\u003eHooker Chemical\u003c/strong\u003e in 1955, and later became part of \u003cstrong\u003eOccidental Chemical Corporation\u003c/strong\u003e. Its \u003cstrong\u003eDurite™\u003c/strong\u003e brand of asbestos-phenolic compounds was widely used in electrical-component manufacturing.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 id=\"asbestos-use-period\"\u003eAsbestos use period\u003c/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDurez continued asbestos use through 1978. The company maintained the standard 3-5% asbestos by weight filler composition typical of the industry, with specific high-performance grades using higher percentages for specialized applications.\u003c/p\u003e","title":"Durez Plastics \u0026 Chemicals — Durite Asbestos-Phenolic Compounds"},{"content":"Fiberite Corporation Fiberite Corporation of Winona, Minnesota manufactured phenolic and other thermoset compounds during the asbestos era. The company was acquired by Cytec Industries in 1997.\nAsbestos use period Fiberite continued asbestos use in phenolic compounds through the early 1980s — among the latest of the major compound manufacturers to discontinue asbestos formulations.\nPlant Winona, Minnesota — Fiberite\u0026rsquo;s primary phenolic compound manufacturing operation Products The Fiberite product line included asbestos-filled phenolic molding compounds for industrial and commercial applications. Specific grades — including the Fiberite 1333a thermoset compound — are documented on the AsbestosIndex product archive.\nLitigation history Through the Cytec successor (Cytec Industries was later acquired by Solvay in 2015), the corporate liability chain for Fiberite-product asbestos claims continues. Multiple cases involving Fiberite compound exposure are in the public record.\nWorker exposure pathways at Fiberite plants Workers at the Winona, MN Fiberite operations were exposed during raw asbestos handling, compound formulation, pelletizing, packaging, and shipping. Downstream molding-shop workers experienced compound handling, hopper loading, molding, trimming, and finishing exposures.\nIf you worked with this company\u0026rsquo;s asbestos-phenolic compounds Worker exposure documentation typically includes: pay stubs and W-2s showing employment dates, union dispatch records (for union-shop members), social security earnings statements, and any company-issued product or material safety information you may have retained.\nFree, confidential case evaluation: Speak with O\u0026rsquo;Brien Law Firm — (314) 936-2956\nAll consultations are free. No fee unless a financial recovery is made on your behalf.\nReferences to manufacturers, products, and litigation history reflect what has been alleged or documented in publicly filed asbestos litigation, federal regulatory records, and industry archives. This information does not constitute a finding of fact or liability.\n","permalink":"https://plasticmoldingasbestos.com/companies/fiberite/","summary":"\u003ch1 id=\"fiberite-corporation\"\u003eFiberite Corporation\u003c/h1\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFiberite Corporation\u003c/strong\u003e of \u003cstrong\u003eWinona, Minnesota\u003c/strong\u003e manufactured phenolic and other thermoset compounds during the asbestos era. The company was acquired by \u003cstrong\u003eCytec Industries\u003c/strong\u003e in 1997.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 id=\"asbestos-use-period\"\u003eAsbestos use period\u003c/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFiberite continued asbestos use in phenolic compounds through the \u003cstrong\u003eearly 1980s\u003c/strong\u003e — among the latest of the major compound manufacturers to discontinue asbestos formulations.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 id=\"plant\"\u003ePlant\u003c/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWinona, Minnesota\u003c/strong\u003e — Fiberite\u0026rsquo;s primary phenolic compound manufacturing operation\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2 id=\"products\"\u003eProducts\u003c/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Fiberite product line included asbestos-filled phenolic molding compounds for industrial and commercial applications. Specific grades — including the Fiberite 1333a thermoset compound — are documented on the \u003ca href=\"https://www.asbestos-products.com/\"\u003eAsbestosIndex product archive\u003c/a\u003e.\u003c/p\u003e","title":"Fiberite Corporation — Asbestos-Phenolic Compounds"},{"content":"Flash Trimmers / Deflashers Flash trimmers (also called deflashers) manually cut, drilled, sawed, and ground excess plastic (\u0026ldquo;flash\u0026rdquo;) from molded asbestos-phenolic parts. Each cutting or grinding operation released asbestos fiber from the phenolic matrix into the breathing zone of the operator and into the ambient air of the work area.\nWhat the job involved A flash trimmer\u0026rsquo;s typical tasks included:\nHand-trimming with knives — cutting flash from parting lines of molded parts Disc sanding / belt sanding — smoothing surfaces, removing imperfections Drilling — opening holes in molded parts where mold cores were not used Sawing — cutting larger molded parts to size, separating multi-cavity parts Filing and deburring — hand-finishing edges and detail features Inspection — close visual inspection of finished parts before packaging Each of these mechanical operations broke down the surface of the asbestos-containing phenolic matrix and released fiber. Unlike asbestos products where the fiber is bound in a relatively stable matrix (like floor tile), phenolic-resin matrices liberated fiber readily under mechanical stress.\nExposure intensity Flash trimming and sanding tasks were among the higher-exposure activities in the phenolic molding trade. The combination of direct mechanical action on the asbestos-containing matrix and the close breathing-zone position of the worker created characteristic high-exposure conditions throughout the workday.\nVentilation at these workstations was often inadequate or absent through the asbestos era. Local-exhaust ventilation (LEV) systems specifically designed to capture asbestos fiber were not standard equipment at most phenolic molding shops until late in the era — often after asbestos use had already been discontinued.\nPlants where flash trimmers worked Flash trimming was performed at every level of the phenolic molding trade — from large compound-manufacturer captive operations to small independent molding shops. The work was frequently assigned to less-senior workers, women, and contract labor, which has affected the demographics of mesothelioma cases now emerging from this occupation.\nIf you (or a family member) worked this occupation Free, confidential case evaluation: Speak with O\u0026rsquo;Brien Law Firm — (314) 936-2956\nMost workers in these occupations did not know that the \u0026ldquo;plastic\u0026rdquo; they handled contained asbestos. The compound manufacturers and downstream molding shops are documented in publicly filed litigation. Trust-fund claims and civil lawsuits can both be pursued — see the Trust Funds page for the compensation pathways.\nReferences to manufacturers, products, and exposure intensities reflect what has been alleged or documented in publicly filed asbestos litigation, NIOSH and OSHA measurements, and industry archives.\n","permalink":"https://plasticmoldingasbestos.com/occupations/flash-trimmer/","summary":"\u003ch1 id=\"flash-trimmers--deflashers\"\u003eFlash Trimmers / Deflashers\u003c/h1\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFlash trimmers\u003c/strong\u003e (also called \u003cstrong\u003edeflashers\u003c/strong\u003e) manually cut, drilled, sawed, and ground excess plastic (\u0026ldquo;flash\u0026rdquo;) from molded asbestos-phenolic parts. Each cutting or grinding operation released asbestos fiber from the phenolic matrix into the breathing zone of the operator and into the ambient air of the work area.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 id=\"what-the-job-involved\"\u003eWhat the job involved\u003c/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA flash trimmer\u0026rsquo;s typical tasks included:\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHand-trimming with knives\u003c/strong\u003e — cutting flash from parting lines of molded parts\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDisc sanding / belt sanding\u003c/strong\u003e — smoothing surfaces, removing imperfections\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDrilling\u003c/strong\u003e — opening holes in molded parts where mold cores were not used\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSawing\u003c/strong\u003e — cutting larger molded parts to size, separating multi-cavity parts\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFiling and deburring\u003c/strong\u003e — hand-finishing edges and detail features\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eInspection\u003c/strong\u003e — close visual inspection of finished parts before packaging\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEach of these mechanical operations broke down the surface of the asbestos-containing phenolic matrix and released fiber. Unlike asbestos products where the fiber is bound in a relatively stable matrix (like floor tile), phenolic-resin matrices liberated fiber readily under mechanical stress.\u003c/p\u003e","title":"Flash Trimmers \u0026 Deflashers — Cutting \u0026 Sanding Asbestos Exposure"},{"content":"Get a Free Asbestos Case Review If you or a family member worked in plastic molding, phenolic compound manufacturing, or any operation that involved Bakelite, Resinox, Durez, Plenco, Micarta, or comparable thermoset compounds — and has been diagnosed with mesothelioma, asbestosis, lung cancer, or another asbestos-related disease — you may be entitled to significant compensation through asbestos trust funds and civil litigation.\nThis case review connects you directly with O\u0026rsquo;Brien Law Firm, an asbestos-mesothelioma practice based in St. Louis, Missouri that has experience pursuing claims for plastic-molding and phenolic-compound workers nationwide. There is no cost to speak with an attorney, no obligation to retain counsel, and no attorney fee unless a financial recovery is made on your behalf.\nThe phenolic resin / plastic molding exposure pathway is distinct from the classic insulation pathway. Many workers don\u0026rsquo;t even know they were exposed — they handled \u0026ldquo;plastic,\u0026rdquo; not knowing the asbestos filler that was blended into the molding compound. Recent verdicts in this category (including the 2024 GE Connecticut verdict of $22.5M for talc-contaminated phenolic compound) establish that this is a real, well-litigated exposure type. State statutes of limitation can limit the time available to file. Reaching out early preserves more options — including trust-fund claims that can be filed independently of any civil lawsuit.\n","permalink":"https://plasticmoldingasbestos.com/free-consultation/","summary":"\u003ch1 id=\"get-a-free-asbestos-case-review\"\u003eGet a Free Asbestos Case Review\u003c/h1\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIf you or a family member worked in plastic molding, phenolic compound manufacturing, or any operation that involved Bakelite, Resinox, Durez, Plenco, Micarta, or comparable thermoset compounds — and has been diagnosed with \u003cstrong\u003emesothelioma\u003c/strong\u003e, \u003cstrong\u003easbestosis\u003c/strong\u003e, \u003cstrong\u003elung cancer\u003c/strong\u003e, or another asbestos-related disease — you may be entitled to significant compensation through asbestos trust funds and civil litigation.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis case review connects you directly with \u003cstrong\u003eO\u0026rsquo;Brien Law Firm\u003c/strong\u003e, an asbestos-mesothelioma practice based in St. Louis, Missouri that has experience pursuing claims for plastic-molding and phenolic-compound workers nationwide. There is no cost to speak with an attorney, no obligation to retain counsel, and no attorney fee unless a financial recovery is made on your behalf.\u003c/p\u003e","title":"Free Asbestos Case Consultation — Plastic Molding \u0026 Phenolic Resin Workers"},{"content":"General Electric (GE) — Phenolic Compound Operations General Electric Company was the single largest consumer of phenolic compound in the United States during the asbestos era. GE\u0026rsquo;s phenolic operations centered at Pittsfield, Massachusetts (where GE was located adjacent to Union Carbide\u0026rsquo;s Bakelite operations) and extended to mold shops at GE plants nationwide.\nAsbestos use period GE used asbestos-filled phenolic compounds through approximately 1977. At peak production, GE was using approximately 60 million pounds per year of asbestos-phenolic compound across its various plants and product lines.\nThe 2024 Connecticut verdict — $22.5M A landmark 2024 jury verdict in Connecticut awarded $22.5 million to a mesothelioma plaintiff for GE phenolic molding compound exposure that included talc contamination. This verdict establishes the current litigation framework for asbestos-phenolic exposure claims and confirms the documentary basis for GE liability.\nPlants Pittsfield, Massachusetts — GE\u0026rsquo;s primary phenolic operations location, near UCC Bakelite production Mold shops at GE plants nationwide — GE\u0026rsquo;s vertically integrated operations included captive molding at electrical-component plants throughout the country GE Schenectady — electrical equipment with molded asbestos-phenolic components GE Erie, PA — locomotive and industrial equipment manufacturing Products GE used asbestos-phenolic compounds across its electrical-component manufacturing:\nCircuit breakers and breaker housings Switchgear arc chutes and phase barriers Transformer components Distributor caps and ignition components Industrial motor components Aerospace and defense components meeting MIL-M-14 specification Worker exposure pathways at GE plants GE workers were exposed both at the Pittsfield phenolic compound operations and at downstream molding/assembly operations throughout GE\u0026rsquo;s manufacturing footprint. The vertically integrated production model means GE workers at electrical-component plants across the country had direct exposure to asbestos-phenolic compounds during molding, assembly, machining, and finishing operations.\nIf you worked with this company\u0026rsquo;s asbestos-phenolic compounds Worker exposure documentation typically includes: pay stubs and W-2s showing employment dates, union dispatch records (for union-shop members), social security earnings statements, and any company-issued product or material safety information you may have retained.\nFree, confidential case evaluation: Speak with O\u0026rsquo;Brien Law Firm — (314) 936-2956\nAll consultations are free. No fee unless a financial recovery is made on your behalf.\nReferences to manufacturers, products, and litigation history reflect what has been alleged or documented in publicly filed asbestos litigation, federal regulatory records, and industry archives. This information does not constitute a finding of fact or liability.\n","permalink":"https://plasticmoldingasbestos.com/companies/general-electric-phenolic/","summary":"\u003ch1 id=\"general-electric-ge--phenolic-compound-operations\"\u003eGeneral Electric (GE) — Phenolic Compound Operations\u003c/h1\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGeneral Electric Company\u003c/strong\u003e was the \u003cstrong\u003esingle largest consumer of phenolic compound in the United States\u003c/strong\u003e during the asbestos era. GE\u0026rsquo;s phenolic operations centered at \u003cstrong\u003ePittsfield, Massachusetts\u003c/strong\u003e (where GE was located adjacent to Union Carbide\u0026rsquo;s Bakelite operations) and extended to mold shops at GE plants nationwide.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 id=\"asbestos-use-period\"\u003eAsbestos use period\u003c/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eGE used asbestos-filled phenolic compounds through approximately \u003cstrong\u003e1977\u003c/strong\u003e. At peak production, GE was using approximately \u003cstrong\u003e60 million pounds per year\u003c/strong\u003e of asbestos-phenolic compound across its various plants and product lines.\u003c/p\u003e","title":"General Electric — Phenolic / Bakelite Asbestos Compound Operations"},{"content":"Molders Molders were the production-floor workers who operated compression molding presses to produce thermoset plastic parts from phenolic compound. Through the 1930s–1970s asbestos era, the compound they handled was asbestos-filled in nearly all electrical, defense, and high-performance applications.\nWhat the job involved The typical molder workday included:\nLoading compound — picking up bags of asbestos-filled phenolic compound granules and pouring them into press hoppers or directly into mold cavities. Each pour generated airborne fiber from the granule disturbance. Pre-heating — for many compounds, the granules were preheated before loading. Preheating sometimes released volatiles and fiber. Cycling the press — closing the press, applying heat (typically 300-350°F) and pressure (typically 1,000-2,000 psi), curing the resin, opening the press. Removing the part — sometimes still hot, with flash (excess material) attached. Cleaning between cycles — wiping mold faces, removing residue. Compressed-air cleaning was common and aerosolized fiber. A single press operator might run 50-200 cycles per shift, with each cycle generating compound handling and finished-part removal exposures.\nExposure intensity NIOSH measurements at phenolic molding operations documented 8-hour TWA exposures from 0.006 to 0.08 fibers/cm³, with peak short-term concentrations substantially higher during specific tasks. Some operations were documented at fiber concentrations more than 140 times the then-current exposure limit (notably some Rogers Corporation operations).\nPlants where molders worked Molders were employed throughout the asbestos era at:\nCompound manufacturer captive operations — UCC Bound Brook NJ, Monsanto St. Louis MO, Durez North Tonawanda NY, Plenco Sheboygan WI, GE Pittsfield MA Independent molding shops nationwide — including Koller Craft (Fenton, MO), Carter Carburetor (St. Louis, MO), Reichhold Chemicals (Valley Park, MO and Morris, IL), Resinoid Engineering (IL), Rostone Corporation (Lafayette, IN), Belden Manufacturing (Richmond, IN), Motor Wheel (Lansing, MI), Allen-Bradley (Milwaukee, WI), and hundreds of others. Defense / aerospace contractors — producing components meeting MIL-M-14 specification Trade unions Molders were sometimes organized through industrial unions (UAW, IUE, Teamsters, IAM) depending on the plant. Union pay records and pension data may help establish employment history for case evaluation. Non-union molding shops are also well-documented in public records.\nLatency and case timing Mesothelioma latency from initial asbestos exposure is typically 20-50 years. Molders who worked during the 1950s-1970s asbestos era may be presenting with mesothelioma now in 2020s-2030s. Statutes of limitation begin running from the date of diagnosis, not the date of exposure.\nIf you (or a family member) worked this occupation Free, confidential case evaluation: Speak with O\u0026rsquo;Brien Law Firm — (314) 936-2956\nMost workers in these occupations did not know that the \u0026ldquo;plastic\u0026rdquo; they handled contained asbestos. The compound manufacturers and downstream molding shops are documented in publicly filed litigation. Trust-fund claims and civil lawsuits can both be pursued — see the Trust Funds page for the compensation pathways.\nReferences to manufacturers, products, and exposure intensities reflect what has been alleged or documented in publicly filed asbestos litigation, NIOSH and OSHA measurements, and industry archives.\n","permalink":"https://plasticmoldingasbestos.com/occupations/molder/","summary":"\u003ch1 id=\"molders\"\u003eMolders\u003c/h1\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMolders\u003c/strong\u003e were the production-floor workers who operated compression molding presses to produce thermoset plastic parts from phenolic compound. Through the 1930s–1970s asbestos era, the compound they handled was asbestos-filled in nearly all electrical, defense, and high-performance applications.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 id=\"what-the-job-involved\"\u003eWhat the job involved\u003c/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe typical molder workday included:\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003col\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLoading compound\u003c/strong\u003e — picking up bags of asbestos-filled phenolic compound granules and pouring them into press hoppers or directly into mold cavities. Each pour generated airborne fiber from the granule disturbance.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePre-heating\u003c/strong\u003e — for many compounds, the granules were preheated before loading. Preheating sometimes released volatiles and fiber.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCycling the press\u003c/strong\u003e — closing the press, applying heat (typically 300-350°F) and pressure (typically 1,000-2,000 psi), curing the resin, opening the press.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRemoving the part\u003c/strong\u003e — sometimes still hot, with flash (excess material) attached.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCleaning between cycles\u003c/strong\u003e — wiping mold faces, removing residue. Compressed-air cleaning was common and aerosolized fiber.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ol\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA single press operator might run 50-200 cycles per shift, with each cycle generating compound handling and finished-part removal exposures.\u003c/p\u003e","title":"Molders — Plastic Molding Worker Asbestos Exposure"},{"content":"Monsanto Chemical Corporation — Resinox Monsanto Chemical Corporation, headquartered in St. Louis, Missouri, produced the Resinox line of phenolic molding compounds during the asbestos era. Resinox grades — including RI-4052 and electrical-grade variants — were widely specified for circuit-breaker components, electrical assemblies, and industrial molded parts. Monsanto\u0026rsquo;s St. Louis location and Missouri/Illinois market presence make it a particularly important defendant for workers in the central-U.S. industrial corridor.\nAsbestos use period Monsanto\u0026rsquo;s Resinox phenolic compound line included asbestos-filled grades through the standard 1930s–late 1970s window. Specific grades such as RI-4052 are documented in publicly filed litigation records as having contained asbestos fiber as a reinforcing filler.\nProducts The Resinox line included:\nElectrical-grade phenolic compounds — for arc chutes, phase barriers, switchgear, and circuit breaker components General-purpose molding compounds — for industrial and consumer applications Aerospace-grade compounds — meeting MIL-M-14 specification Downstream consumers of Monsanto Resinox included regional molding shops throughout Missouri, Illinois, Indiana, and Kansas — including the Koller Craft LLC plant in Fenton, Missouri (a documented mesothelioma-exposure jobsite covered in the Missouri Asbestos archive).\nSt. Louis headquarters Monsanto\u0026rsquo;s St. Louis presence is significant for workers in the regional industrial economy. Workers at Monsanto\u0026rsquo;s St. Louis facilities (including the John F. Queeny Plant and W.G. Krummrich Plant) had direct exposure to phenolic compound manufacturing operations. Downstream molding-shop workers across Missouri and Metro East Illinois worked with Monsanto-supplied Resinox compound throughout the asbestos era.\nLitigation history Monsanto has been named as a defendant in asbestos-phenolic compound cases involving both compound-manufacturing employees and downstream molding-shop workers. Settlements and verdicts in this category remain a subject of active litigation.\nWorker exposure pathways at Monsanto Resinox plants Workers at Monsanto\u0026rsquo;s St. Louis compound-manufacturing operations were exposed during raw asbestos handling (bagging, mixing), Resinox compound formulation, pelletizing, packaging, and shipping. Bystander exposure included maintenance crews, lab technicians, and plant supervision. Downstream molding-shop workers experienced exposure during compound handling, hopper loading, compression molding, flash trimming, tumbling/deflashing, and finishing operations.\nIf you worked with this company\u0026rsquo;s asbestos-phenolic compounds Worker exposure documentation typically includes: pay stubs and W-2s showing employment dates, union dispatch records (for union-shop members), social security earnings statements, and any company-issued product or material safety information you may have retained. With these records, an attorney can evaluate which trust funds may apply and whether a civil claim is viable.\nFree, confidential case evaluation: Speak with O\u0026rsquo;Brien Law Firm — (314) 936-2956\nAll consultations are free. No fee unless a financial recovery is made on your behalf.\nReferences to manufacturers, products, and litigation history reflect what has been alleged or documented in publicly filed asbestos litigation, federal regulatory records, and industry archives. This information does not constitute a finding of fact or liability. This site does not provide legal or medical advice. No attorney-client relationship is created by use of this site.\n","permalink":"https://plasticmoldingasbestos.com/companies/monsanto-resinox/","summary":"\u003ch1 id=\"monsanto-chemical-corporation--resinox\"\u003eMonsanto Chemical Corporation — Resinox\u003c/h1\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMonsanto Chemical Corporation, headquartered in \u003cstrong\u003eSt. Louis, Missouri\u003c/strong\u003e, produced the \u003cstrong\u003eResinox\u003c/strong\u003e line of phenolic molding compounds during the asbestos era. Resinox grades — including RI-4052 and electrical-grade variants — were widely specified for circuit-breaker components, electrical assemblies, and industrial molded parts. Monsanto\u0026rsquo;s St. Louis location and Missouri/Illinois market presence make it a particularly important defendant for workers in the central-U.S. industrial corridor.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 id=\"asbestos-use-period\"\u003eAsbestos use period\u003c/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMonsanto\u0026rsquo;s Resinox phenolic compound line included asbestos-filled grades through the standard 1930s–late 1970s window. Specific grades such as RI-4052 are documented in publicly filed litigation records as having contained asbestos fiber as a reinforcing filler.\u003c/p\u003e","title":"Monsanto Chemical Corporation — Resinox Asbestos-Phenolic Compounds"},{"content":"Plenco — Plastics Engineering Company Plenco (Plastics Engineering Company) was founded in Chicago, Illinois in 1934 and later relocated operations to Sheboygan, Wisconsin. The company manufactured phenolic molding compounds — including the Plenco 343 and Plenco 316 grades, among others — through the asbestos era.\nAsbestos use period Plenco used asbestos as a filler in phenolic molding compounds from 1950 through 1983. This is one of the longest documented asbestos-use timelines among the major compound manufacturers, extending several years past most of its competitors.\nPlants Chicago, Illinois (1934-1950s) — original founding location, Illinois manufacturing operations Sheboygan, Wisconsin (1950s-present) — current operations, where asbestos-phenolic compound manufacturing continued through 1983 Litigation history The Plenco litigation history is one of the most quantitatively documented in this category:\nLiberty Mutual Insurance paid $14.3 million in settlements and judgments on Plenco asbestos exposure claims (publicly reported) Multiple worker-exposure cases involving both compound manufacturing employees and downstream molding-shop workers The 1950-1983 asbestos use window means Plenco-related claims may involve more recent worker employment than most asbestos-era cases Plenco product grades The Plenco product line included multiple asbestos-filled phenolic compound grades:\nPlenco 343 — general-purpose phenolic molding compound Plenco 316 — phenolic molding compound for electrical applications Other grades for specialized industrial molding These specific grades are documented on the AsbestosIndex product archive with full product reference pages.\nWorker exposure pathways at Plenco plants Workers at the Chicago and Sheboygan Plenco operations were exposed during raw asbestos handling, compound formulation, pelletizing, packaging, and shipping. The extended use timeline through 1983 means workers employed in the late 1970s and early 1980s may also have substantial exposure history.\nIf you worked with this company\u0026rsquo;s asbestos-phenolic compounds Worker exposure documentation typically includes: pay stubs and W-2s showing employment dates, union dispatch records (for union-shop members), social security earnings statements, and any company-issued product or material safety information you may have retained.\nFree, confidential case evaluation: Speak with O\u0026rsquo;Brien Law Firm — (314) 936-2956\nAll consultations are free. No fee unless a financial recovery is made on your behalf.\nReferences to manufacturers, products, and litigation history reflect what has been alleged or documented in publicly filed asbestos litigation, federal regulatory records, and industry archives. This information does not constitute a finding of fact or liability.\n","permalink":"https://plasticmoldingasbestos.com/companies/plenco/","summary":"\u003ch1 id=\"plenco--plastics-engineering-company\"\u003ePlenco — Plastics Engineering Company\u003c/h1\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePlenco (Plastics Engineering Company)\u003c/strong\u003e was founded in \u003cstrong\u003eChicago, Illinois in 1934\u003c/strong\u003e and later relocated operations to \u003cstrong\u003eSheboygan, Wisconsin\u003c/strong\u003e. The company manufactured phenolic molding compounds — including the Plenco 343 and Plenco 316 grades, among others — through the asbestos era.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 id=\"asbestos-use-period\"\u003eAsbestos use period\u003c/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePlenco used asbestos as a filler in phenolic molding compounds from \u003cstrong\u003e1950 through 1983\u003c/strong\u003e. This is one of the longest documented asbestos-use timelines among the major compound manufacturers, extending several years past most of its competitors.\u003c/p\u003e","title":"Plenco (Plastics Engineering Company) — Asbestos-Phenolic Compounds"},{"content":"Press Operators Press operators ran the compression molding, transfer molding, and injection molding presses that produced thermoset plastic parts during the asbestos era. In smaller shops, the press operator and the molder were the same person. In larger operations, press operators specialized in running and maintaining specific press lines while material handlers loaded compound.\nWhat the job involved A press operator\u0026rsquo;s responsibilities included:\nSetting up and changing molds — physical handling of mold tooling, often with residual cured compound and asbestos dust attached Operating the press cycle — closing, applying heat/pressure, opening, ejecting parts Adjusting cure times, temperatures, and pressures — based on compound type and part specifications Inspecting parts as they came off the press — close-range examination of freshly molded asbestos-containing parts Cleaning the press between runs — removing cured compound residue from mold faces, ejector pins, and press surfaces Specific press types Asbestos-phenolic compounds were processed in three main press types during the era:\nCompression molding — the most common type for asbestos-phenolic. Granules loaded into open mold, press closes and cures. Transfer molding — compound loaded into a \u0026ldquo;transfer pot\u0026rdquo; that pushes the heated material through runners into the mold. Used for parts with inserts. Injection molding (less common for thermosets) — heated compound injected from a barrel into the closed mold Each press type involved compound handling, heat/pressure cycling, and finished part removal — with characteristic exposure patterns for each.\nExposure pathways unique to press operators Beyond the compound handling exposures shared with molders, press operators experienced:\nMold cleaning — using rags, scrapers, and sometimes compressed air to clean mold faces between cycles. Compressed-air cleaning was a known major exposure source. Press maintenance — opening press components for repair, exposing accumulated dust Tool changeover — physical handling of cured-compound-encrusted tooling Plants where press operators worked Press operators were employed at the same compound-manufacturer plants and downstream molding shops as molders (see the Molders page for site list).\nIf you (or a family member) worked this occupation Free, confidential case evaluation: Speak with O\u0026rsquo;Brien Law Firm — (314) 936-2956\nMost workers in these occupations did not know that the \u0026ldquo;plastic\u0026rdquo; they handled contained asbestos. The compound manufacturers and downstream molding shops are documented in publicly filed litigation. Trust-fund claims and civil lawsuits can both be pursued — see the Trust Funds page for the compensation pathways.\nReferences to manufacturers, products, and exposure intensities reflect what has been alleged or documented in publicly filed asbestos litigation, NIOSH and OSHA measurements, and industry archives.\n","permalink":"https://plasticmoldingasbestos.com/occupations/press-operator/","summary":"\u003ch1 id=\"press-operators\"\u003ePress Operators\u003c/h1\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePress operators\u003c/strong\u003e ran the compression molding, transfer molding, and injection molding presses that produced thermoset plastic parts during the asbestos era. In smaller shops, the press operator and the molder were the same person. In larger operations, press operators specialized in running and maintaining specific press lines while material handlers loaded compound.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 id=\"what-the-job-involved\"\u003eWhat the job involved\u003c/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA press operator\u0026rsquo;s responsibilities included:\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSetting up and changing molds\u003c/strong\u003e — physical handling of mold tooling, often with residual cured compound and asbestos dust attached\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOperating the press cycle\u003c/strong\u003e — closing, applying heat/pressure, opening, ejecting parts\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAdjusting cure times, temperatures, and pressures\u003c/strong\u003e — based on compound type and part specifications\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eInspecting parts as they came off the press\u003c/strong\u003e — close-range examination of freshly molded asbestos-containing parts\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCleaning the press between runs\u003c/strong\u003e — removing cured compound residue from mold faces, ejector pins, and press surfaces\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2 id=\"specific-press-types\"\u003eSpecific press types\u003c/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAsbestos-phenolic compounds were processed in three main press types during the era:\u003c/p\u003e","title":"Press Operators — Compression \u0026 Transfer Molding Asbestos Exposure"},{"content":"Rogers Corporation Rogers Corporation manufactured phenolic-resin compounds at facilities in Rogers, Connecticut and Manchester, Connecticut during the asbestos era. Rogers is documented in publicly filed records as having had some of the highest measured asbestos exposure levels of any phenolic compound manufacturer.\nAsbestos use period Rogers continued asbestos use in phenolic compounds through the late 1970s. The company\u0026rsquo;s compound production was specialized for high-performance applications, including aerospace and electronics.\nThe NIOSH 140× exposure record One of the most-cited records in asbestos-phenolic litigation is the NIOSH measurement of 8-hour time-weighted-average asbestos exposures at some Rogers Corporation operations reaching 140 times the then-current exposure limit. This measurement, entered into publicly filed records, establishes the scale of worker exposure at Rogers compound operations during the 1970s.\nPlants Rogers, Connecticut — primary phenolic compound manufacturing operation, namesake of the company Manchester, Connecticut — secondary phenolic operations Litigation history Rogers has been a named defendant in asbestos-phenolic compound cases involving compound-manufacturing employees. The NIOSH 140× exposure record is a foundational document in establishing the scale of historical exposure at Rogers facilities.\nWorker exposure pathways at Rogers plants The publicly documented NIOSH measurements established that workers at Rogers operations during the 1970s experienced asbestos exposures at fiber concentrations well above any reasonable industrial-hygiene standard. Workers at Rogers, CT and Manchester, CT operations during the asbestos era may have substantial documented exposure history.\nIf you worked with this company\u0026rsquo;s asbestos-phenolic compounds Worker exposure documentation typically includes: pay stubs and W-2s showing employment dates, union dispatch records (for union-shop members), social security earnings statements, and any company-issued product or material safety information you may have retained.\nFree, confidential case evaluation: Speak with O\u0026rsquo;Brien Law Firm — (314) 936-2956\nAll consultations are free. No fee unless a financial recovery is made on your behalf.\nReferences to manufacturers, products, and litigation history reflect what has been alleged or documented in publicly filed asbestos litigation, federal regulatory records, and industry archives. This information does not constitute a finding of fact or liability.\n","permalink":"https://plasticmoldingasbestos.com/companies/rogers-corporation/","summary":"\u003ch1 id=\"rogers-corporation\"\u003eRogers Corporation\u003c/h1\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRogers Corporation\u003c/strong\u003e manufactured phenolic-resin compounds at facilities in \u003cstrong\u003eRogers, Connecticut\u003c/strong\u003e and \u003cstrong\u003eManchester, Connecticut\u003c/strong\u003e during the asbestos era. Rogers is documented in publicly filed records as having had some of the highest measured asbestos exposure levels of any phenolic compound manufacturer.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 id=\"asbestos-use-period\"\u003eAsbestos use period\u003c/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRogers continued asbestos use in phenolic compounds through the late 1970s. The company\u0026rsquo;s compound production was specialized for high-performance applications, including aerospace and electronics.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 id=\"the-niosh-140-exposure-record\"\u003eThe NIOSH 140× exposure record\u003c/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOne of the most-cited records in asbestos-phenolic litigation is the NIOSH measurement of 8-hour time-weighted-average asbestos exposures at some Rogers Corporation operations reaching \u003cstrong\u003e140 times the then-current exposure limit\u003c/strong\u003e. This measurement, entered into publicly filed records, establishes the scale of worker exposure at Rogers compound operations during the 1970s.\u003c/p\u003e","title":"Rogers Corporation — Asbestos-Phenolic Compounds"},{"content":"Search across the phenolic resin and plastic molding archive — defendant companies, worker occupations, documented workplaces, asbestos-containing products, and trust-fund references.\n","permalink":"https://plasticmoldingasbestos.com/search/","summary":"\u003cp\u003eSearch across the phenolic resin and plastic molding archive — defendant companies, worker occupations, documented workplaces, asbestos-containing products, and trust-fund references.\u003c/p\u003e","title":"Search the Archive"},{"content":"Tumbler Operators Tumbler operators ran the tumbling machines that removed flash (excess material from molding) and surface imperfections from finished plastic parts. Tumbling is one of the highest-fiber-release tasks in the entire phenolic molding trade — the mechanical action of parts colliding inside the tumbler drum continuously abraded asbestos fiber from the phenolic matrix and aerosolized it within the tumbler enclosure.\nWhat the job involved A tumbler operator\u0026rsquo;s workday included:\nLoading parts — manually loading hundreds or thousands of molded parts into the tumbler drum Running the tumbler cycle — typically 15-60 minutes per batch; parts collided and abraded against each other and the tumbler medium (often abrasive material or steel shot) Unloading parts — opening the tumbler when the cycle finished Cleaning the tumbler — the critical exposure task The compressed-air problem After each tumbling cycle, operators typically used compressed-air hoses to:\nBlow out the inside of the tumbler drum (clearing trapped dust and abraded compound fragments) Blow off finished parts (clearing flash residue and dust from each part) Clean tooling and fixtures in the work area Compressed-air cleaning of tumbled-part dust was one of the highest single-task fiber exposures documented in industrial-hygiene literature. The technique aerosolized the entire accumulated dust load in the tumbler drum and dispersed it throughout the work area, creating extreme breathing-zone exposures for the operator and bystander exposures for nearby workers.\nExposure intensity Tumbler operators experienced both the chronic 8-hour TWA exposure of working in a phenolic molding plant and the acute spike exposures during each compressed-air cleaning cycle. NIOSH measurements of these spike exposures documented short-term concentrations multiple orders of magnitude above the chronic averages.\nPlants where tumbler operators worked Tumbling/deflashing operations existed at virtually every phenolic molding plant — both compound manufacturer captive operations and independent molding shops.\nIf you (or a family member) worked this occupation Free, confidential case evaluation: Speak with O\u0026rsquo;Brien Law Firm — (314) 936-2956\nMost workers in these occupations did not know that the \u0026ldquo;plastic\u0026rdquo; they handled contained asbestos. The compound manufacturers and downstream molding shops are documented in publicly filed litigation. Trust-fund claims and civil lawsuits can both be pursued — see the Trust Funds page for the compensation pathways.\nReferences to manufacturers, products, and exposure intensities reflect what has been alleged or documented in publicly filed asbestos litigation, NIOSH and OSHA measurements, and industry archives.\n","permalink":"https://plasticmoldingasbestos.com/occupations/tumbler-operator/","summary":"\u003ch1 id=\"tumbler-operators\"\u003eTumbler Operators\u003c/h1\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTumbler operators\u003c/strong\u003e ran the tumbling machines that removed flash (excess material from molding) and surface imperfections from finished plastic parts. \u003cstrong\u003eTumbling is one of the highest-fiber-release tasks in the entire phenolic molding trade\u003c/strong\u003e — the mechanical action of parts colliding inside the tumbler drum continuously abraded asbestos fiber from the phenolic matrix and aerosolized it within the tumbler enclosure.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 id=\"what-the-job-involved\"\u003eWhat the job involved\u003c/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA tumbler operator\u0026rsquo;s workday included:\u003c/p\u003e","title":"Tumbler Operators — Deflashing \u0026 Tumbling Asbestos Exposure"},{"content":"Union Carbide Corporation (UCC) — Bakelite Union Carbide Corporation (UCC) was the largest U.S. manufacturer of phenolic molding compounds during the asbestos era, marketed primarily under the Bakelite brand acquired with the Bakelite Corporation. Operations included plants at Bound Brook, New Jersey and Pittsfield, Massachusetts, with downstream distribution to molding shops across the country.\nAsbestos use period UCC continued to use asbestos as a filler in phenolic molding compounds through approximately 1977. A court record entered in Kestenbaum v. Durez/UCC (2013, NY) documented that approximately 40% of UCC\u0026rsquo;s phenolic resin production contained asbestos as of 1969. The summary-judgment denial in that case is one of the foundational records establishing UCC\u0026rsquo;s awareness of and use of asbestos fiber in its compound formulations.\nProducts The Bakelite asbestos-phenolic product line included molding compounds in grades suitable for compression molding, transfer molding, and injection molding of thermoset parts. End uses spanned:\nElectrical components — circuit breakers, switchgear arc chutes, phase barriers, transformer components, distributor caps Automotive — brake linings (typically 20–40% asbestos when Bakelite-based), clutch facings, transmission housings Industrial — gaskets, valve components, pipe fittings, boiler-room components Consumer — telephone casings, cookware handles, appliance housings, tool handles Defense / aerospace — components meeting MIL-M-14 specification Plants Bound Brook, New Jersey — UCC\u0026rsquo;s primary East Coast Bakelite operation Pittsfield, Massachusetts — phenolic compound production, in partnership with GE\u0026rsquo;s adjacent phenolic operations Litigation history UCC has been one of the most-frequently-named defendants in asbestos-phenolic litigation. The Kestenbaum record (cited above) is the single most-important judicial document confirming the scope of asbestos use in UCC\u0026rsquo;s phenolic resin business. Subsequent cases have leveraged this record to establish UCC\u0026rsquo;s knowledge and exposure to workers at compound manufacturing plants, molding shops, and downstream end-use sites.\nUCC has not filed for asbestos-related bankruptcy reorganization; claims are pursued through ongoing civil litigation rather than a trust fund.\nWorker exposure pathways at UCC plants Workers at the Bound Brook and Pittsfield phenolic operations were exposed during raw asbestos handling (bagging, mixing), compound formulation, pelletizing, packaging, and shipping. Bystander exposure included maintenance workers, electricians, and plant supervision.\nIf you worked with this company\u0026rsquo;s asbestos-phenolic compounds Worker exposure documentation typically includes: pay stubs and W-2s showing employment dates, union dispatch records (for union-shop members), social security earnings statements, and any company-issued product or material safety information you may have retained. With these records, an attorney can evaluate which trust funds may apply and whether a civil claim is viable.\nFree, confidential case evaluation: Speak with O\u0026rsquo;Brien Law Firm — (314) 936-2956\nAll consultations are free. No fee unless a financial recovery is made on your behalf.\nReferences to manufacturers, products, and litigation history reflect what has been alleged or documented in publicly filed asbestos litigation, federal regulatory records, and industry archives. This information does not constitute a finding of fact or liability. This site does not provide legal or medical advice. No attorney-client relationship is created by use of this site.\n","permalink":"https://plasticmoldingasbestos.com/companies/union-carbide-bakelite/","summary":"\u003ch1 id=\"union-carbide-corporation-ucc--bakelite\"\u003eUnion Carbide Corporation (UCC) — Bakelite\u003c/h1\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eUnion Carbide Corporation (UCC) was the largest U.S. manufacturer of phenolic molding compounds during the asbestos era, marketed primarily under the \u003cstrong\u003eBakelite\u003c/strong\u003e brand acquired with the Bakelite Corporation. Operations included plants at \u003cstrong\u003eBound Brook, New Jersey\u003c/strong\u003e and \u003cstrong\u003ePittsfield, Massachusetts\u003c/strong\u003e, with downstream distribution to molding shops across the country.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 id=\"asbestos-use-period\"\u003eAsbestos use period\u003c/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eUCC continued to use asbestos as a filler in phenolic molding compounds through approximately 1977. A court record entered in \u003cem\u003eKestenbaum v. Durez/UCC\u003c/em\u003e (2013, NY) documented that \u003cstrong\u003eapproximately 40% of UCC\u0026rsquo;s phenolic resin production contained asbestos as of 1969\u003c/strong\u003e. The summary-judgment denial in that case is one of the foundational records establishing UCC\u0026rsquo;s awareness of and use of asbestos fiber in its compound formulations.\u003c/p\u003e","title":"Union Carbide Corporation — Bakelite Asbestos-Phenolic Compounds"},{"content":"Westinghouse Electric — Micarta Westinghouse Electric Corporation produced the Micarta™ brand of asbestos-reinforced phenolic-resin laminate during the asbestos era. Micarta was widely used in electrical insulation applications throughout Westinghouse\u0026rsquo;s manufacturing operations and was sold to industrial customers nationwide.\nAsbestos use period Westinghouse continued asbestos use in Micarta laminate through approximately 1980 — slightly later than most compound competitors due to the specialized electrical-insulation applications.\nWhat Micarta is Micarta is a layered laminate made from sheets of fabric, paper, or other reinforcement material impregnated with phenolic resin. During the asbestos era, asbestos cloth and asbestos paper were among the standard reinforcement materials used in Micarta production. The finished laminate combined the structural properties of phenolic resin with the thermal/electrical properties of asbestos reinforcement.\nPlants Westinghouse produced Micarta at multiple facilities. The specific plant locations and production timelines varied through the asbestos era and through subsequent corporate restructuring.\nLitigation history Westinghouse has been a named defendant in asbestos litigation including Micarta-exposure cases. The corporate successor (CBS Corporation / Viacom through later restructurings) is the active defendant for current Micarta-product claims.\nWorker exposure pathways at Westinghouse Micarta plants Workers at Westinghouse Micarta operations were exposed during raw asbestos cloth/paper handling, resin impregnation, lamination pressing, and finishing operations. Downstream users of Micarta sheet and rod stock experienced exposure during cutting, machining, drilling, and sanding operations at customer plants nationwide.\nIf you worked with this company\u0026rsquo;s asbestos-phenolic compounds Worker exposure documentation typically includes: pay stubs and W-2s showing employment dates, union dispatch records (for union-shop members), social security earnings statements, and any company-issued product or material safety information you may have retained.\nFree, confidential case evaluation: Speak with O\u0026rsquo;Brien Law Firm — (314) 936-2956\nAll consultations are free. No fee unless a financial recovery is made on your behalf.\nReferences to manufacturers, products, and litigation history reflect what has been alleged or documented in publicly filed asbestos litigation, federal regulatory records, and industry archives. This information does not constitute a finding of fact or liability.\n","permalink":"https://plasticmoldingasbestos.com/companies/westinghouse-micarta/","summary":"\u003ch1 id=\"westinghouse-electric--micarta\"\u003eWestinghouse Electric — Micarta\u003c/h1\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWestinghouse Electric Corporation\u003c/strong\u003e produced the \u003cstrong\u003eMicarta™\u003c/strong\u003e brand of asbestos-reinforced phenolic-resin laminate during the asbestos era. Micarta was widely used in electrical insulation applications throughout Westinghouse\u0026rsquo;s manufacturing operations and was sold to industrial customers nationwide.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 id=\"asbestos-use-period\"\u003eAsbestos use period\u003c/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWestinghouse continued asbestos use in Micarta laminate through approximately \u003cstrong\u003e1980\u003c/strong\u003e — slightly later than most compound competitors due to the specialized electrical-insulation applications.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 id=\"what-micarta-is\"\u003eWhat Micarta is\u003c/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMicarta is a layered laminate made from sheets of fabric, paper, or other reinforcement material impregnated with phenolic resin. During the asbestos era, asbestos cloth and asbestos paper were among the standard reinforcement materials used in Micarta production. The finished laminate combined the structural properties of phenolic resin with the thermal/electrical properties of asbestos reinforcement.\u003c/p\u003e","title":"Westinghouse Electric — Micarta Asbestos-Phenolic Laminate"},{"content":"Disclaimer Informational only — not legal advice. The information on this site is for general educational purposes only. It is drawn from public asbestos litigation records, federal regulatory filings, public-domain occupational-health research, and industry-publication histories. It is not legal advice. References to companies, products, and facilities are sourced from publicly filed asbestos litigation records, court filings, and regulatory databases.\nNo attorney-client relationship. No attorney-client relationship is created by reading this site, submitting a form, or calling the phone number listed. 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It is drawn from public asbestos litigation records, federal regulatory filings, public-domain occupational-health research, and industry-publication histories. It is not legal advice. References to companies, products, and facilities are sourced from publicly filed asbestos litigation records, court filings, and regulatory databases.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eNo attorney-client relationship.\u003c/strong\u003e No attorney-client relationship is created by reading this site, submitting a form, or calling the phone number listed. Communicating through this site does not by itself create an attorney-client relationship with O\u0026rsquo;Brien Law Firm or any other attorney.\u003c/p\u003e","title":"Disclaimer"}]