Union Carbide

Highest-Risk Occupations

The asbestos extraction at the King City mine exposed hundreds of Union Carbide employees to asbestos between 1963 and 1985. As a result of their work, these individuals faced significant risks from direct contact, likely inhaling cancer-causing asbestos particles that cause conditions like mesothelioma.

Who Is at Highest Risk for Exposure?

Although anyone exposed to Union Carbide’s asbestos products or its Calidria brand asbestos faces increased risk from repeated exposure, certain occupations are at even greater risk. Miners and mill workers, who directly handled raw asbestos, are especially vulnerable.

Miners

Asbestos miners are among the most at-risk for developing asbestos-related illnesses because they handled the material directly during mining operations. Daily exposure in poorly ventilated conditions significantly increased their likelihood of developing diseases such as mesothelioma. 

Despite knowing the dangers, Union Carbide failed to adequately warn many miners about the serious health risks associated with asbestos exposure. 

Mill Workers

Mill workers employed at Union Carbide plants where the Calidria product line was manufactured were continually exposed to fine asbestos powder. Asbestos fibers can remain airborne for hours, often floating visibly in the air in areas with high concentrations or poor air flow. Many such workers later developed serious asbestos‑related diseases. 

Family Members Exposed to Secondhand Asbestos

Victims of secondhand asbestos exposure, which often occurs during the laundering of contaminated work clothes, may be eligible to pursue legal action against Union Carbide for its negligent use of asbestos. Surviving dependents may also be entitled to compensation through a wrongful death lawsuit.

Union Carbide Asbestos Products

Union Carbide did not directly manufacture products containing asbestos. Instead, it provided asbestos to other companies for their manufacturing processes. 

The company sold Calidria asbestos to manufacturers in the following industries:

• Agriculture
• Construction
• Automotive
• Pharmaceuticals
• Textiles
• Adhesives
• Paint
• Insulation

Companies known to have used Union Carbide’s Calidria include Georgia-Pacific, Kelly-Moore Paint Co., and U.S. Gypsum. 

Evidence shows that Union Carbide leadership ignored health warnings and did not update safety manuals to inform workers of the dangers of asbestos.

Top Asbestos-Containing Products

• SG‑210 Calidria

Securing Compensation From Union Carbide

Individuals who developed asbestos-related diseases due to Union Carbide’s actions can seek justice and financial compensation. Expert legal guidance can help you and your family navigate the challenges of an asbestos lawsuit.

Additionally, individuals eligible for compensation from Union Carbide may be eligible for other forms of compensation, such as VA benefits, workers’ compensation, and more. We can help you determine your eligibility for free and ensure you are aware of all your compensation options.

Union Carbide has an unusually broad exposure footprint due to the sale of Calidria asbestos to other asbestos manufacturers. Many victims with a case against Union Carbide are also eligible for compensation from one or more of its customers, with some individuals able to seek compensation from over 20 asbestos companies.

– Daniel Wasserberg, Attorney

Filing a Lawsuit

Union Carbide has never filed for bankruptcy or established an asbestos trust fund. Victims seeking compensation from the company must file a lawsuit in civil court.

There are two primary types of lawsuits that victims of Union Carbide asbestos exposure can file when seeking compensation:

• Personal injury lawsuit: This type allows living victims of asbestos exposure to seek compensation for their losses.
• Wrongful death lawsuit: This type allows dependents or family members of deceased asbestos exposure victims to recover damages for the loss of their loved one.

Many lawsuits end in settlements without ever going to trial. Accepting an out-of-court settlement gives victims access to relatively quick compensation. Unlike a trial verdict, a settlement agreement is legally binding and cannot be appealed once both parties have agreed to it.

Key Requirements to File

• Diagnosis: Claimants must have a diagnosis of an asbestos-related illness (such as mesothelioma, lung cancer, or asbestosis) OR proof of a wrongful death from an asbestos-related illness. 
• Proof of exposure: Documentation linking the victim’s illness to asbestos exposure from Union Carbide through employment or use of their products is required. 
• Statute of limitations: Potential claimants have a limited time to file a claim. Deadlines vary by state, with most averaging just two to three years, so it’s critical to move quickly.

Notable Lawsuits Against Union Carbide

You don’t need to have worked directly for Union Carbide or lived near the company’s mine to qualify for compensation. Because Union Carbide’s asbestos was widely used across various industries and products, you may be eligible to pursue legal action if your asbestos-related disease can be traced back to the company.

If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with an asbestos-related disease due to asbestos exposure from Union Carbide’s activity or from products made using asbestos sold by Union Carbide, we can provide you with a free case assessment. Contact us today.

Union Carbide’s Involvement With Asbestos

Union Carbide produced chemicals and polymers used in various household, industrial, and agricultural products. Between 1963 and 1985, the company operated an asbestos mine in King City, California.

Union Carbide mined and processed asbestos. They then sold it under the Calidria brand to other companies for use in manufacturing products, such as paint, cement, wall coatings, and adhesives. 

Internal documents and litigation reveal that the company’s leadership was aware of the dangers of asbestos but downplayed the risks to purchasers. This negligence has resulted in numerous lawsuits, as the profound human impact became evident, with thousands of workers developing serious asbestos-related illnesses.

Dow Chemical purchased Union Carbide in 1999 for $11.6 billion. 

Contact Us for a Free Case Assessment

Union Carbide mined, processed, and sold asbestos under the brand name Calidria. Manufacturers across numerous industries used Union Carbide asbestos in their products, creating a large exposure footprint. 

If you or a loved one was exposed to asbestos through Union Carbide, you may be entitled to compensation. Determining your eligibility for financial relief due to asbestos-related diseases can be complex, but our team is here to help.

We offer free resources and personalized case reviews to help you understand your rights and navigate the legal process. By contacting us, you’ll receive expert guidance tailored to your situation. 
We are committed to supporting you throughout your journey. Contact our team today to determine your eligibility for compensation and learn more about your potential case value, free of charge.

Written & Legally Reviewed By

Samuel Meirowitz Esq. Attorney and On-Site Legal Advocate

Samuel Meirowitz is a member of the “Top 100 Trial Lawyers.” Mr. Meirowitz was named a “Rising Star” in 2013 & 2014 by Super Lawyers and then a Super Lawyer every year since 2016. In 2013, Mr. Meirowitz obtained what is believed to be the first multi-million-dollar asbestos verdict seen in more than two decades in a New York federal court. In that highly contentious matter, Mr. Meirowitz was able to convince the jury to hold a boiler manufacturer responsible for 60 percent of the $3.8 million awarded, despite the defendant’s attempt to escape all blame by pointing fingers at the plaintiff’s employer and the U.S. Navy (in which the plaintiff admirably served from 1966-70 during the Vietnam conflict). This verdict was upheld by the United States Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit.

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