Union Carbide
Union Carbide is infamous for the massive gas leak it caused in Bhopal India in 1984. The Bhopal disaster killed countless thousands of people (estimates range from about 4000 to 15,000 deaths) and still holds the record of the world’s worst industrial catastrophe. But the company was also involved in another deadly substance – asbestos.
Union Carbide has been a leading producer of petrochemicals since 1919, when it filed the first patent for the commercial preparation of ethylene. They grew steadily throughout the 20th century, acquiring numerous manufacturers such as Bakelite and expanding into the consumer products arena. Union Carbide has been a wholly-owned subsidiary of Dow Chemical since 1999.
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Until 1985, Union Carbide mined and sold chrysotile asbestos from its King City, California mine under the brand name “Calidria Asbestos.” The company supplied this asbestos to manufacturers for use in floor and ceiling tiles, adhesives, sealants, paints, joint compound, and countless other products that benefited from strengthening, insulating, and fireproofing. Union Carbide also used the asbestos to insulate pipes, boilers and other machinery in their own plants.
While its asbestos business was highly profitable in the short term, it spelled disaster for Union Carbide in the long run. This was because chrysotile asbestos, like all forms of the mineral, can cause serious illnesses such as mesothelioma cancer in those who inhale or swallow the fibers. Union Carbide has faced thousands of asbestos lawsuits from individuals who have developed an asbestos-related disease as a result of exposure to Calidra Asbestos.
Anyone who worked with Union Carbide asbestos products may have inhaled asbestos and should be considered at risk of mesothelioma and other cancers. Union Carbide knew for decades that asbestos was dangerous, but did nothing to warn or protect its workers or the public.
If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with mesothelioma or lung cancer as a result of exposure to Union Carbide asbestos products, you may be eligible for compensation. A mesothelioma attorney may be able to help you recover damages from your asbestos exposure.