Ford Fights Mesothelioma Lawsuits by Funding Questionable Research

It is impossible to say exactly how many victims of malignant mesothelioma were sickened by exposure to products manufactured by the Ford Motor Company, but it is a significant number. A recent report shows that the company, facing constant lawsuits, has invested over $40 million in research specifically designed to cast doubt on asbestos’ role in causing the disease.

Iconic Auto Manufacturer Was Well Aware of Asbestos’ Role in Causing Mesothelioma

Though Ford Motor Company represents an iconic brand associated with American values of hard work and responsibility, its company executives were aware that exposure to its vehicle parts could cause asbestos-related illnesses like malignant mesothelioma. An internal memo written fifty years ago, following an analysis of research on asbestos’ role in causing cancer, bemoaned the $1.25 cost burden that using asbestos-free brakes would impose. 

Report Details Ford’s Funding of Research Questioning Asbestos’ Role in Mesothelioma

In what many view as a response to constant losses in mesothelioma lawsuits, Ford has spent decades quietly funding research supporting the idea that asbestos does not cause illness. The Center for Public Integrity and Vice News collaborated on a report showing that over $40 million has been invested in writing and gathering papers meant to weaken evidence that asbestos in brake linings could sicken those who worked with the parts. The research funded by Ford has been based on early studies based on what many scientists and physicians have called bad science. They say that it is “just supporting litigation” and that it “has had a real negative impact on pushing the science forward.”

Juries Understand That Asbestos Causes Mesothelioma 

Though this questionable practice of denying asbestos’ role is meant to confuse juries seated in mesothelioma trials, it has largely failed in the face of notable health institutions including the World Health Organization stating that there is “no safe exposure level for asbestos.”