Gold Bond Adhesive
In decades past, asbestos was used in myriad building products for several reasons. First of all, asbestos was an excellent insulator, able to resist fire and high temperatures. Secondly, the use of asbestos in certain products made these products more durable, which allowed them to be replaced less often, therefore resulting in a substantial savings. Thirdly, asbestos was readily available and inexpensive to use, so manufacturers could also save money by using asbestos in their products.
One of the top users of asbestos was the National Gypsum Company. Founded in 1925, they were the leader in the production of asbestos-containing flexible gypsum wallboard. They were so proud of this wallboard and proclaimed it to be the lightest and strongest of all manufactured wallboard. In addition, they dubbed it “Gold Bond” and stamped each shipment with the Gold Bond insignia. Before long, Gold Bond became the best selling gypsum wallboard and a host of accompanying products were sold to complement the wallboard, including Gold Bond adhesive, which was used to glue the wallboard in place. It also may have been used to affix floor and ceiling tiles and other similar building products.
Gold Bond Adhesive was an excellent product except for one serious flaw – it contained hazardous asbestos, just like most of the other Gold Bond products on the market. Anyone who came in contact with the adhesive may have been exposed to dangerous asbestos fibers. This included those who worked in the National Gypsum factory as well as contractors, drywallers, tile setters, or anyone else who may have used Gold Bond adhesive while on the job.
Though the use of asbestos in Gold Bond and other products was halted around 1980, contractors and even do-it-yourselfers may still encounter Gold Bond adhesive today when performing renovation projects which might include ripping out old drywall, floors, or ceilings. Great care should be taken when working inside old structures where Gold Bond adhesive and other similar products may have been used. Respirators should always be used so as to avoid inhaling dangerous asbestos dust.
In 1990, National Gypsum declared Chapter 11 bankruptcy. They reorganized and emerged from the bankruptcy three years later. Post-bankruptcy, the company was required to set up the NGC Settlement Trust, which was to be funded by $5 million in cash and more than $600 million in insurance polices. This trust is used to settle asbestos claims against the company.
If you were exposed to Gold Bond adhesive or other Gold Bond products manufactured by National Gypsum Company and you have developed mesothelioma, you may be eligible for compensation from their trust fund. An experienced asbestos attorney can help you make that determination. For more details, order our free mesothelioma information kit today.
Last modified: September 23 2008.
