The Mergenthaler Linotype Company used asbestos to insulate its machinery. Years of asbestos use exposed workers and repair technicians. Some of these workers got sick and filed asbestos lawsuits against Merghenthaler Linotype.
If you suffer from mesothelioma, asbestos-related lung cancer, or asbestosis, you may be eligible for a large amount of compensation. Currently, there is over $30 billion in asbestos trust funds set up for those who have been diagnosed with an asbestos-related illness. Fill out our form to receive our free Financial Compensation Packet. Our packet is loaded with information on experienced mesothelioma attorneys in your area, how to file a claim for asbestos trust funds, how to get paid in 90 days, and more.
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Did Mergenthaler Linotype Use Asbestos?
Many varied industries used asbestos in the middle of the 20th century. Asbestos was a common choice for insulation because it was effective, abundant, and inexpensive.
Mergenthaler was one of many companies that used asbestos for years. It used asbestos to insulate its machines, which produced a significant amount of heat.
Mergenthaler History
- Ottmar Mergenthaler designed the linotype machine, revolutionizing the printing industry. His invention made it faster, easier, and less expensive to print. He made his first linotype machine in New York in 1886.
- Mergenthaler established the Mergenthaler Linotype Company in Brooklyn in 1890. The first customer was The New York Tribune.
- Mergenthaler quickly came to dominate the printing industry, selling its innovative machines all over the U.S. and then worldwide.
- By the early 1900s, the company had sold over 10,000 units. With its booming success, Mergenthaler Linotype expanded its business by purchasing several factories around the world.
- Linotype machines generated a lot of heat and were insulated with asbestos materials.
- The company’s success continued until the 1970s when newer, advanced equipment began to make the linotype machine obsolete.
- Eventually, Mergenthaler Linotype transferred its focus to computerized typesetting systems, which increased business and kept the company afloat.
- In the 1990s, Mergenthaler Linotype started a merger with Hell GmbH, forming the Linotype-Hell AG. The new company moved away from typesetting and began focusing on typographical software.
- Before its merger, the company used asbestos in its products, ultimately leading to asbestos-related lawsuits. These lawsuits never cost enough to force the company into bankruptcy.
Mergenthaler Linotype Products with Asbestos
Linotype machines helped to automate printing, but the machines generated a lot of heat. They required insulation to prevent overheating and to protect workers.
For many years, Mergenthaler insulated its linotype machines with asbestos. Asbestos cement was a common type of insulator used in linotypes. It served as an insulating coating on many components, including crucibles.
Occupations Affected by Asbestos in Mergenthaler Linotypes
Mergenthaler workers who manufactured the company’s products were at risk of asbestos exposure. Handling asbestos materials to install them in the machines put them at risk for releasing and inhaling harmful asbestos fibers.
Workers who faced even greater risks of asbestos exposure repaired linotype machines. Technicians who worked on the linotype machines would pack asbestos-filled paste between the various parts of the machines.
When the Linotype needed repair, asbestos was pasted into the empty spaces before replacing the machine parts.
Anyone who worked at a publishing company and handled the repairs of linotype machines was at risk of inhaling dangerous asbestos fibers. A 1922 manual, provided by Mergenthaler Linotype, advised the workers to:
“Break away as much of the asbestos insulating material packed between the crucible and the jacket as is possible.”
As a result, thousands of people suffered due to asbestos exposure from the company’s machines.
The 1922 manual had no warnings regarding the harmful effects of asbestos and how it can lead to life-threatening illnesses, such as mesothelioma, asbestosis, and asbestos-related lung cancer.
Mergenthaler Asbestos Lawsuits
Mergenthaler Linotype faced numerous asbestos lawsuits related to worker exposure and resulting asbestos diseases.
Many of the sick workers took legal action against Mergenthaler to recover damages. One later lawsuit was filed in 2020. Thomas Pearsons developed mesothelioma after working for decades for the Vermont Standard newspaper.
Part of Pearsons’ job involved maintaining a Mergenthaler Model 8 Linotype machine. Although Mergenthaler stopped using asbestos in the 1940s, many cases arose later because small newspapers and publishers continued to use and maintain linotype machines for decades.
Mergenthaler Today
Today, the company goes by the name Linotype and creates various fonts and typographic products for individuals and businesses.
Linotype is based in Brooklyn, New York, and no longer uses asbestos in any of its products.
If You Were Exposed to Asbestos Merganthaler Linotypes
If you worked with Mergenthaler products that contained asbestos, you could be at risk for serious illness. A mesothelioma lawyer can help you seek compensation if you get sick.
Mergenthaler never filed for bankruptcy and never established an asbestos trust fund. Victims of exposure can still sue the company in its current form and seek damages.
An experienced lawyer or asbestos law firm can determine if you have a case. They can also review your work history and find any other companies liable for your illness and resulting expenses.
Additional Information and Resources
Remember to fill out our form for your free Financial Compensation Packet, with information on asbestos and mesothelioma lawyers in your area. For additional assistance, contact us at 800-793-4540.
