3M

The Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company, known today as 3M, is a successful science-based company and global manufacturer of adhesives and other products. For many years, 3M used asbestos in its operations. When 3M workers and consumers began developing life-threatening asbestos diseases, lawsuits against the company followed.

There currently more than $30 billion available in asbestos trust funds. If you or a loved one have been diagnosed with mesothelioma, asbestos-related lung cancer, or asbestosis, keep in mind that you may be entitled to substantial compensation. We invite you to fill out our form today for a free Financial Compensation Packet, filled with information about experienced mesothelioma lawyers in your area, how to get paid in 90 days, how to file an asbestos trust fund claim, and much more. 

3M History

3M was founded in 1902 by Dr. J Danley Budd, John Dwan, William A, McGonagle, Herman W. Cable, and Henry S. Bryan.

According to the company’s official website, the five founders all had a single goal in mind for the company at the beginning: to mine corundum, a mineral found in a Crystal Bay mine.

Although the company’s founders didn’t have luck with corundum, a partnership began that would take the company to global proportions.

In 1910, the company settled in St. Paul, Minnesota, and within ten years, created the waterproof sandpaper used to repel dust during automobile manufacturing.

In 1925, the invention of masking tape by Richard G. Drew started the company’s Scotch brand, which grew to include cellophane tape and pressure-sensitive tape.

By World War II, 3M began manufacturing products for the military, including Scotchlite™ Reflective Sheeting and filament adhesive tape, which made the company expand into the graphics arts industry, leading to offset printing plates.

Throughout the next numerous years, 3M continued to grow substantially. It added a wide variety of products to its line, including Scotchgard™ products, Thermo-Fax™, Post-it® products, and more.

The company’s enormous success led to the opening of several factories worldwide, including locations in Australia, Canada, Mexico, France, and England.

However, by the time the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) placed strict regulations on asbestos, 3M had already used the toxic set of minerals in various products for many years. 3M eventually faced asbestos-related claims and lawsuits against the company.

3M Asbestos-related Lawsuits

To date, former employees, contractors, and consumers have filed over 300,000 asbestos-related lawsuits and claims against 3M. These are a few notable cases.

Heather Von St. James

In 2005, Heather Von St. James, of St. Paul, Minnesota, was diagnosed with mesothelioma in her early 40s.

St. James was the daughter of a man who made a living by sanding drywall. He would come from work in asbestos-filled clothing and asbestos in his hair and on his skin each day.

This eventually led to St. James’ second-hand asbestos exposure. St. James filed an asbestos-related claim against 3M, the company responsible for her father’s asbestos exposure.

A confidential agreement wouldn’t allow St. James to confirm her compensation.

Frank Zickert

3M also faced numerous lawsuits for its 3M 8710 mask, which was said to be defective.

In 2014, the wife of former worker Frank Zickert, who died of mesothelioma, sued 3M for providing defective face masks that didn’t prevent workers from inhaling asbestos fibers.

Zickert’s job involved making asbestos-containing fire doors and other products, and he relied on the mask to protect from the dangers of asbestos fibers.

According to the lawsuit, the masks didn’t work, which ultimately led to Zickert’s death.

“Frank’s job involved making asbestos fire doors with material similar to Kaylo that contained chrysotile amosite asbestos fibers, cleanup, and disposal of the waste and scrap from such doors. At certain times the mixing of asbestos fibers to make the cores for the fire doors was a part of the manufacturing process,” the lawsuit states.

Unlike many other companies faced with thousands of asbestos-related lawsuits, 3M never filed for bankruptcy and continues to face asbestos-related claims.

Occupations Affected by 3M

Workers from various occupations were affected by 3M’s asbestos-containing products, as the company made a variety of things shipped worldwide.

The occupations most affected include:

• Drywall sanders
• 3M employees (manufacturers)
• Factory workers
• Mechanics
• Engineers
• Automobile manufacturers

Common 3M products that contained asbestos include caulking materials and adhesives. The company no longer uses asbestos in any of its products.

If you or a family member worked for 3M, talk to your doctor about the possibility of asbestos exposure. An asbestos attorney can help you take legal action and seek compensation.

Additional Resources and Help for Asbestos Victims

If you or a loved one are suffering from mesothelioma, asbestos-related lung cancer, or asbestosis, keep in mind that you may be eligible for a substantial amount of compensation. Don’t forget to fill out our form to get our free Financial Compensation Packet, filled with information on the experienced asbestos and mesothelioma attorneys in your area. For additional assistance, contact us toll-free at 800-793-4540.