Synkoloid Company made joint compounds, paints, and other construction products with asbestos for many years. Thousands of lawsuits against Synkoloid and its parent companies led to bankruptcy and the establishment of a trust fund.
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.
Did Synkoloid Use Asbestos?
Synkoloid manufactured joint compounds and other products using asbestos until the 1970s. Asbestos was a common ingredient in construction materials during that time. Asbestos insulated materials and made them stronger.
Synkoloid History
Synkoloid began in 1894 in Staten Island, New York. It started as a small business, but by 1928, it had created and patented Spackle®, a dry mix paint powder that was new in the construction industry.
- Spackle put Synkoloid on the map as an innovative new product. It came in powder form. When consumers added water, it became a paste that could be used as a joint compound.
- Throughout the 1950s, Synkoloid continued to expand, adding products such as latex emulsion, waterproof paint, and interior and exterior paints.
- Many of Synkoloid’s products contained asbestos. This continued for decades despite the risk of life-threatening illnesses caused by asbestos exposure. Synkoloids already saw asbestos-related claims as early as the 1960s.
- The Artra Group bought Synkoloid in 1975 and phased out the use of asbestos. It took over all pending asbestos lawsuits and liabilities.
- Muralo Company bought Synkoloid from The Atra Group in 1981 but did not take on liability for any asbestos claims from before 1981.
- Artra was left with costly asbestos lawsuits and eventually filed for bankruptcy in 2002. This left Muralo liable for claims. It, too, filed for bankruptcy. Both companies reorganized and established a joint trust fund to handle claims.
A company called PaintSolutions bought some of the Synkoloid product line in 2014. It makes and sells Synkoloid brand products but without asbestos.
What Synkoloid Products Were Made With Asbestos?
Nearly all companies that made construction products in the middle of the 20th century used asbestos. Asbestos was prized for its ability to insulate, and it was affordable and readily available.
Like similar manufacturers, Synkoloid used asbestos in many of its insulation and other construction products:
- Cement patch
- EZE-Text texture
- Flexi patch
- Kool-Kap roof coating
- Plastibond
- Prime ‘n Fill
- Snohide
- Stucco ‘n Cement
- Surface conditioner
- Synko-topping
- Tex-Add
- Tex-Wall
- Triple-duty joint compound
- Vinyl condition paste
- Vinyl prep mix
- Vinyl roof paint
Who Was at Risk for Exposure to Synkoloid Asbestos Products?
Since Synkoloid primarily manufactured and distributed paint and products, anyone, including workers and consumers, who came into contact with these asbestos-containing products was at risk for exposure.
Some of the workers who were affected by Synkoloid products include:
- Construction Workers
- Painters
- Drywall Installers
- Insulators
- Carpenters
- Home Renovation Specialists
- Roofers
- Laborers
Residential homes that used Synkoloid products before 1975 may contain asbestos. If they are well contained, they pose minimal risk. If these products are deteriorating, flaking, or otherwise disturbed, they can cause exposure to anyone in the home.
Synkoloid Asbestos Lawsuits
Synkoloid, and then Artra Group and Muralo, faced many lawsuits from people exposed to asbestos who later got sick.
One lawsuit involved John Henry Pace. He worked as a self-employed contractor and eventually developed asbestosis. Pace used many asbestos products while working in the 1960s and 1970s, including Synkoloid joint compound. He successfully sued Synkoloid in 2002, receiving more than $2 million.
Synkoloid Bankruptcy and Asbestos Trust Fund
In 2002, with numerous pending asbestos-related lawsuits, Artra Group filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy.
Muralo also filed for bankruptcy. Part of the reorganization plan of the companies was to create and establish an asbestos trust fund once the company emerged from bankruptcy.
In 2007, the Artra Asbestos Trust was created and funded by both Artra and Muralo.
While Artra established the trust fund under its company name, Muralo funded a portion of the trust with over $2 billion. According to the Artra Asbestos Trust official website:
“Claims may be filed with the Trust on or after November 1, 2007. The Trust has set the initial Claim Filing Date as May 1, 2008. All claims filed with the Trust between November 1, 2007, and May 1, 2008 will be deemed filed with the Trust on the Initial Claim Filing Date.”
The Trust increased the payment percentage from 0.5% to 0.6% in 2021.
How to File a Claim Over Synkoloid Asbestos Exposure
Contact a mesothelioma lawyer if you worked with or suspect you worked with Synkoloid products that contained asbestos and now have a related illness. They can help you access compensation from the trust.
An experienced asbestos attorney can also help you find other sources of compensation. The ARTRA Trust payment percentage is very low. You could be eligible for claims with other trusts or to file a lawsuit to seek damages.
Additional Information and Legal Resources
Remember to fill out our form for your free Financial Compensation Packet, with information on asbestos and mesothelioma lawyers in your area. Keep in mind that if you’ve been diagnosed with an asbestos-related disease, you may be eligible for considerable compensation. For additional assistance, contact us at 800-793-4540.
