Bondex International Asbestos Trust

The Bondex Asbestos Trust, initially funded with $797 million, launched in 2016. It handles claims relating to the Specialty Products Holding Corporation, Bondex International, Inc., Republic Powdered Metals, Inc., and NMBFiL, Inc.

Since its inception, the trust has processed over 10,000 claims and accepts both electronic and paper submissions.

Like most asbestos trust funds, the Bondex Trus pays only a percentage of the value of each claim to ensure enough funds remain to compensate all current and future claimants. The current payment percentage is 29.5%, higher than many other trusts.

See if you qualify for compensation from the Bondex International Asbestos Trust Fund.

Bondex International & Asbestos Exposure

Founded in 1959 as a subsidiary of Reardon Co., Bondex manufactured roofing cement, joint compounds, and paint, much of which contained asbestos. 

Purchased by Republic Powdered Metals (later known as RPM International) in 1966 as part of its acquisition of Reardon Co., Bondex continued to expand its product offerings, eventually becoming a leading manufacturer of home improvement products marketed to homeowners and professionals. 

Bondex’s sealants, patching plasters, finishing compounds, and joint compounds came in two primary forms: one that used water-soluble glue as a binder and set by evaporation, and the other that came in a powder form and used water to form a paste.

The dry powder form was generally the more popular. A 1980 study by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) found that the dry powder form was used in about 80% of the products on the market. Due to its breathability, this form was also the most hazardous.  

Dry powder compounds were usually packaged in large paper bags that were slit open with a knife. Consumers then dumped the powder into a container. After water was added, the compound was mixed with an electric drill mixer.

The putty, or mud, was applied as necessary and sanded once dried. Dust from the power and the dry mud floated in the air and settled onto the hair, skin, and clothing of those using it, increasing opportunities for secondary asbestos exposure.

Mounting Asbestos Lawsuits Against Bondex

The first Bondex mesothelioma lawsuits were filed in 1980. For nearly 20 years, the number of claimants remained relatively low, so the company handled the legal claims in-house, mostly by settling the cases in batches.

The company said the number of claims increased sharply in 2000 when other asbestos companies began filing bankruptcy. The court later refuted the claim, finding that more Bondex asbestos-containing products were being identified instead.

Bondex products were popular with home improvement enthusiasts and construction professionals. Claimants in Bondex asbestos lawsuits come from all walks of life and were exposed in a variety of ways.

• Dr. Saeed Beshid used Bondex products while working on home improvement projects. The courts awarded him $2.9 million.
• The family of Robert Wager, a former carpenter who died of mesothelioma, sued Bondex and several other companies in a wrongful death suit. They were awarded $4.5 million in damages.
• The family of a California construction worker who died of pleural mesothelioma after 30 years of asbestos exposure won $15.25 million in a wrongful death lawsuit against Bondex and several other defendants.  

Most asbestos claims never go to trial and instead are settled out of court. In either case, working with an experienced mesothelioma attorney may greatly improve the odds of receiving fair and just compensation for asbestos-related injuries.

Associated Companies 

Reardon Co. established its Bondex subsidiary in St. Louis, Missouri, in 1959. The company grew quickly, performing well as a home improvement and construction product manufacturer.

In 1966, Republic Powdered Metals purchased Reardon Co. and its subsidiaries, including Bondex. Republic Powdered Metals, later known as RPM International, continued expanding and purchased many smaller manufacturers of construction products. 

Bondex discontinued its asbestos use in the late 1970s, although some sources reported that it continued to include asbestos in its products until 1981. It is still operational as a subsidiary of RPM International.

Companies Associated With Bondex:

• Alox Corp.
• American Emulsions Co.
• Carboline Company
• Chemical Specialties Manufacturing Corp.
• Craft House Corp.
• Dean & Barry Co.
• Design/Craft Fabrics
• Euclid Chemical Co.
• Haartz-Mason, Inc.
• Maharam Fabric
• Mameco International
• Mohawk Products
• NMBFiL, Inc.
• Proko Industries, Inc.
• Reardon Co.
• Republic Powdered Metals, Inc.
• RPM International
• Specialty Products Holding Corporation
• Testor Corporation
• Thibaut Wallcoverings
• Westfield Coatings Corp.
• William Zinsser & Co.

High-Risk Jobs Associated With Bondex

Bondex products were popular with do-it-yourselfers and professionals because they were widely available and easy to handle. Homeowners who did repairs using Bondex have an increased risk of asbestos exposure, as do their family members. 

Bondex products were also popular with professionals in the construction industry. The powdered forms of many of their products quickly became airborne during use. Those who worked with them every day were at constant risk of asbestos inhalation.

Jobs at Highest Risk for Asbestos Exposure

Other At-Risk Jobs

• Carpenters
• Demolition workers
• Do-it-yourselfers/amateur home improvement enthusiasts
• Insulators
• Laggers
• Masons
• Plumbers
• Tapers
• Painters

Asbestos Products Used at Bondex

Bondex used asbestos in its products because of the mineral’s heat, fire, and chemical resistance and its ability to increase tensile strength in mixtures. Despite warnings from environmental health officials, Bondex petitioned to sell its products even after a recall was issued.

Bondex International asbestos products were sold under the following brand names:

• Bondex
• Reardon
• Trax
• Dramex
• Wards (sold at Montgomery Ward)
• Penncraft (sold at JCPenney)

Top Asbestos-Containing Products Used at Bondex Include:

• Alumanation 301 
• Alumanation 350 
• Bondex 100-A 
• Bondex 200-B 
• Bondex 500-C
• Bondex Bondek Black Mastic
• Bondex Bondek Roof Cement
• Bondex Bondek Roof Coating
• Bondex Handy-Patch All-Purpose Patcher
• Bondex Heavy Duty
• Bondex Hi & Dri Joint Cements
• Bondex Perma-Plastic
• Bondex Permaroof
• Bondex Plaster of Paris
• Bondex SX All-Purpose Joint Cement
• Bondex Topping Cements
• Dramex Spanish Texturing Paint
• Dramex Texture Paint
• Metro Interior Finish
• Penncraft Texture Paint 
• Penncraft Water Putty
• Reardon’s Bondex Waterproof Cement Paint
• Reardon Resurfo
• Reardon’s SX Joint Cement
• Reardon’s Water Putty
• Reardon’s Wood Putty
• Trax Joint Cement
• Trax Texture Paint
• Ward’s Texture
• Ward’s Wood Putty

The Formation of the Bondex Asbestos Trust

The Bondex Asbestos Trust launched on July 1, 2016, to settle all current and future asbestos claims made against Specialty Products Holding Corp., Bondex International, Inc., Republic Powdered Metals, Inc., and NMBFiL, Inc. 

The trust recognizes eight asbestos-related diseases as eligible for payment from the trust. All claims are reviewed and paid on a first-in, first-out (FIFO) basis in accordance with the trust distribution procedures (TDP).

The trust reserves 85% of its annual budget — called the maximum annual payment or MAP — for handling claims related to mesothelioma. The remaining 15% of the yearly budget handles claims related to all other diseases.

Fill out the form below to see if you may be eligible for compensation through the Bondex Asbestos Trust fund.

Understanding the Different Review Processes

The Bondex Asbestos Trust offers claimants two claim review processes to choose from when filing: expedited and individual. Each option has benefits and drawbacks unique to the process selected.

If you qualify, your lawyer can help you choose which option may be right for you based on the individual circumstances of your claim.

Expedited Review

Expedited review offers claimants with straightforward cases and complete paperwork the quickest route to compensation. Expedited review claims are processed quickly, and claimants can begin receiving payment in as little as 90 days.

Successful expedited review claims receive a preset settlement amount called the scheduled value. The claimant’s diagnosis determines the scheduled value of a claim, and the amount is not negotiable. 

Expedited review may be a good option if you need compensation quickly to cover pressing medical and living expenses. However, not all claims are eligible for expedited review. Those with more complex claims, less complete documentation, exceptional circumstances, and all Lung Cancer 2 (Level VI) claims must undergo individual review. 

Individual Review

Individual review allows claimants to have their claims examined in detail and receive a settlement offer tailored to their circumstances. Individual review claims take longer to resolve than expedited review claims, but they usually — though not always — end with a higher settlement amount. 

Individual review may be the best option for those who want the maximum settlement value, can afford to wait, have less complete documentation, or have other special circumstances they want the trust to consider when awarding compensation.

All Foreign and Lung Cancer 2 (Level VI) claims must undergo individual review.

Settlement and Payment Percentage in 2024

Like most trusts, the Bondex Asbestos trust pays only a percentage of each claim’s value to ensure enough funds remain to compensate all legitimate claimants. 

The current payment percentage is relatively high at 29.5%, meaning a mesothelioma claim with a scheduled value of $80,000 would be paid out as $23,600 once the payment percentage is applied. 

The table below shows the current claim values for individual and expedited review before the application of the payment percentage.

Compensation for Individual Review

Disease	Compensation
Mesothelioma (Level VIII)	$125,000
Lung Cancer I (Level VII)	$50,000
Lung Cancer II (Level VI)	$9,250
Other Cancer (Level V)	$10,000
Severe Asbestosis (Level IV)	$25,000
Asbestosis/Pleural Disease (Level III)	N/A
Asbestosis/Pleural Disease (Level II)	N/A
Other Asbestos Disease (Level I Cash Discount Payment)	N/A

Compensation for Expedited Review

Disease	Compensation
Mesothelioma (Level VIII)	$80,000
Lung Cancer I (Level VII)	$33,000
Lung Cancer II (Level VI)	None
Other Cancer (Level V)	$6,667
Severe Asbestosis (Level IV)	$16,667
Asbestosis/Pleural Disease (Level III)	$2,500
Asbestosis/Pleural Disease (Level II)	$800
Other Asbestos Disease (Level I Cash Discount Payment)	$70

Eligibility Requirements for the Bondex Asbestos Trust

Claimants must be able to prove eligibility to receive compensation from the Bondex Asbestos Trust. The trust breaks eligibility requirements down into two primary categories: medical and exposure.

Claimants must provide significant documentation to meet both eligibility categories. Additionally, all claims must be filed within the statute of limitations to be considered for compensation. 

If you’re found eligible, an experienced asbestos lawyer can help you gather the documentation you need and ensure that your claim meets all relevant filing deadlines.

Medical Requirements

The medical requirements to prove a claim vary based on the eight scheduled disease levels. It’s important to review the specific details of your case, as each level has distinct criteria. However, certain medical requirements are common across multiple disease levels.

Common medical requirements include:

• Diagnosis with a scheduled disease by a doctor or pathologist
• Proof of the diagnosis in the form of testing or imaging, including:
  • X-ray
  • MRI
  • CT scan
  • PET scan
  • Pulmonary testing
  • Pathology report
• Supporting evidence linking the diagnosis to asbestos exposure
• A 10-year latency

Exposure Requirements

Claimants must be able to link their illness to exposure to products or activities related to the companies associated with the trust. Doing so requires significant documentary evidence.

Depending on the disease level, claimants must be able to prove:

• Six months of exposure prior to December 31, 1982
• Five years of cumulative occupational exposure
• Significant occupational exposure as defined by the TDP

Documents commonly used to prove exposure include:

• Construction records
• Insurance records
• Invoices
• Military service records
• Paystubs
• Sales records
• Witness statements/affidavits

Filing a Personal Injury Claim Against Bondex International

Filing a claim against the Bondex Asbestos Trust can be complex, requiring significant legwork to gather the necessary documents and legal know-how to efficiently navigate trust procedures. 

How to file a claim against the Bondex Asbestos Trust:

1. Choose between expedited and individual review.
2. File a completed claim form, including all required documentation.
   • The Bondex Trust offers claimants the option to file via the mail or electronically through their partner website.
3. Monitor the status of your claim.
   • If the trust finds any deficiencies in your documentation, do your best to remedy them.
4. If the claim is successful, accept your settlement offer. If the claim is unsuccessful, you may have options for additional arbitration in some cases.

Working with an experienced asbestos attorney greatly increases the likelihood that your claim will succeed while minimizing the burden placed on victims. 

Lawyers who specialize in asbestos litigation have access to special tools and databases that make gathering evidence and identifying specific products easier. They also offer expertise in negotiating with trusts, helping their clients seek the maximum available compensation.

Loved Ones & Family Members 

Asbestos-related illnesses are fast-moving and devastating. Unfortunately, this means that asbestos-exposure victims often cannot cope with the rigors of the claims process on their own. Many of those with the most severe illnesses, who are most in need of compensation, pass away before the claims process ends.  

When this happens, it falls to their family members and loved ones — often already struggling with caretaking duties — to fight for compensation in their place. If someone you love has been diagnosed with an asbestos-related disease, know that you don’t have to bear the physical, emotional, and financial burdens alone.

Experienced asbestos lawyers like those at Meirowitz & Wasserberg can help you understand your compensation options. We offer free initial consultations and have won millions for asbestos victims and their families from at-fault companies.

If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with an asbestos-related illness, we want to help you pursue the maximum compensation available to you. Contact us today for a free consultation.