NARCO Asbestos Trust Payments Guide

Old steel mill representing NARCO Asbestos industrial history.

The NARCO Asbestos story is one of industrial innovation shadowed by tragedy. For years, the North American Refractories Company supplied heat-resistant materials used in steel mills, factories, and power plants, many of which contained dangerous asbestos fibers. These products unknowingly exposed countless workers and their families to severe health risks.

As a result, thousands of victims have pursued compensation through the NARCO Asbestos Lawsuit and the established trust fund, which provides financial relief to those affected by asbestos-related diseases. This guide outlines how the NARCO Asbestos Trust operates, eligibility criteria, and the process for filing a claim.

NARCO Asbestos Trust Compensation Values (Disease Schedule)

The NARCO Asbestos Trust provides compensation based on the severity of asbestos-related illnesses and verified exposure history. Each disease level is assigned a scheduled value that represents the estimated worth of a fully liquidated claim before payment percentages are applied.

Disease Level & Category Scheduled Value (Estimated)
Mesothelioma $125,000
Lung Cancer 1 $75,000
Lung Cancer 2 $25,000
Other Cancer $20,000
Severe Asbestosis (Level VI) $50,000
Asbestosis (Level V) $25,000
Asbestosis (Level IV) $10,000
Pleural Disease (Level III) $5,000
Other Asbestos Disease (Level II) $2,000
Asymptomatic Exposure (Level I) $0

 

Unfortunately, actual payouts from the trust are not the same as their scheduled value. Like all asbestos trust funds, payouts from the NARCO Asbestos Trust depend on their payment percentage.

NARCO Trust Payout Percentage for 2025

Person signing documents to receive NARCO Asbestos Trust payment.

The NARCO Asbestos Trust continues to provide compensation to individuals diagnosed with asbestos-related diseases through a structured payment system. Each approved claim is paid based on the trust’s established NARCO Asbestos Trust payment percentage, which represents the fraction of a scheduled disease value that claimants actually receive. This percentage helps ensure that the trust remains financially stable and capable of compensating both current and future victims of asbestos exposure.

Below is the most recent update on the 2025 NARCO Asbestos Trust payment percentage and estimated payout amounts for each disease category.

Disease Level & Category Scheduled Value Payment % (Current 2025) Typical Payout (Estimated)
Mesothelioma $125,000 12% $15,000
Lung Cancer 1 $75,000 12% $9,000
Lung Cancer 2 $25,000 12% $3,000
Other Cancer $20,000 12% $2,400
Severe Asbestosis (Level VI) $50,000 12% $6,000
Asbestosis (Level V) $25,000 12% $3,000
Asbestosis (Level IV) $10,000 12% $1,200
Pleural Disease (Level III) $5,000 12% $600
Other Asbestos Disease (Level II) $2,000 12% $240
Asymptomatic Exposure (Level I) $0 $0

 

“Payment percentages protect the longevity of the trust, ensuring all victims of asbestos exposure have access to fair compensation.” — Trust Oversight Committee

Comparing NARCO’s Payout Rates to Other Asbestos Trusts in 2025

Payout percentages vary widely between asbestos trusts, depending on each fund’s available assets, claim volume, and historical liabilities. Here’s how NARCO compares to other large trust funds in 2025, highlighting differences in scheduled values and payment percentages.

Asbestos Trust Name Scheduled Value (Mesothelioma) Payment % Typical Payout
NARCO Asbestos Trust $125,000 12% $15,000
Owens Corning / Fibreboard Trust $200,000 7.5% $15,000
Johns-Manville Trust $350,000 5.1% $17,850
Armstrong World Industries Trust $110,000 8% $8,800
U.S. Gypsum Trust $155,000 11% $17,050

 

Want to see how this compares to payout percentages from other asbestos trust funds? Check out our Asbestos Trust Fund Payouts Guide.

NARCO Asbestos-Containing Products List

The following NARCO Asbestos products list highlights items that have been linked to asbestos exposure in industrial, commercial, and construction settings. Many workers unknowingly handled these materials daily, increasing long-term health risks and potential eligibility for compensation through asbestos trust claims and related legal settlements nationwide.

Product Name Product Type Use / Industry Years Manufactured
Narcolite Insulating Cement Insulation Material Industrial Furnaces, Boilers 1950s–1980s
Heat Guard Refractory Cement Refractory Cement Steel Mills, Power Plants 1940s–1970s
Super Temp Block Insulation Block Construction, Manufacturing 1950s–1980s
Air-Set Refractory Mortar Mortar Compound Industrial Masonry 1950s–1970s
Castable 2600 Castable Refractory Foundries, Petrochemical Plants 1960s–1980s
Refmix Plastic Refractory Plastic Refractory High-Temperature Furnaces 1950s–1970s
Thermo-Lite Block Insulation Brick Construction, Kilns 1960s–1980s
Kaolite Lightweight Castable Lightweight Castable Refractory Refineries, Power Plants 1960s–1980s
Core Mix Refractory Compound Refractory Compound Foundries, Industrial Applications 1950s–1970s
Thermo-Guard Insulating Brick Insulation Brick Industrial Ovens, Kilns 1960s–1980s

Overview of the NARCO Asbestos Lawsuit and Trust Fund

Asbestos lawyer helping client file NARCO Asbestos claim

The NARCO Asbestos Lawsuit began after decades of asbestos use by the North American Refractories Company (NARCO), a manufacturer of refractory bricks, insulation, and industrial cement products used in steel mills and power plants. The first major lawsuits emerged in the 1980s, as workers who had handled NARCO materials developed mesothelioma and other asbestos-related diseases. During litigation, internal company documents and expert testimony revealed that NARCO knew about the serious health risks associated with asbestos but continued to use it for years without proper warnings or worker protection. This evidence proved the company’s negligence and liability for exposing thousands of workers and their families to asbestos.

In 2002, NARCO filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy because of the overwhelming number of asbestos-related claims. Courts later determined that Honeywell International, which had acquired NARCO through a series of mergers, was partially responsible for its asbestos liabilities. As a result, the NARCO Asbestos Trust Fund was established in 2013 to process and pay claims to individuals harmed by NARCO’s asbestos-containing products. Today, the trust remains an essential resource for victims seeking compensation.

NARCO Asbestos Use Timeline, When Did It Stop?

NARCO began incorporating asbestos into its refractory and insulation materials in the 1930s, using it heavily in products like cements, bricks, and industrial coatings designed for high heat applications. The company continued to use asbestos until the late 1970s, even as evidence of its dangers became public. By the early 1980s, NARCO had largely discontinued or reformulated its asbestos-containing materials in response to stricter federal regulations and growing health concerns.

Current Balance of the NARCO Asbestos Trust Fund

As of 2025, the NARCO Asbestos Trust Fund holds an estimated balance of around $310 million in assets for approved asbestos claims. This balance changes over time as new claims are processed and paid. To ensure long-term financial stability, the trust applies a payment percentage, currently about 12%, which determines how much of the scheduled claim value each claimant receives. Oversight by an independent board of trustees ensures that funds remain available for both current and future victims.

Eligibility for Filing a NARCO Asbestos Claim

You may be eligible to file a claim through the NARCO Asbestos Trust if you can show:

  • A confirmed diagnosis of an asbestos-related disease such as mesothelioma, lung cancer, or asbestosis.
  • Proof of exposure to NARCO products or worksites where these materials were used.
  • Work or secondary exposure (for example, family members exposed to asbestos dust from a worker’s clothing) that occurred while NARCO products containing asbestos were in use.

To file, claimants must provide medical documentation, work history, and evidence of asbestos exposure. Experienced asbestos attorneys can help gather the necessary proof and navigate the claims process. Once verified, payments are determined based on disease severity and the current payment percentage.

The NARCO Asbestos Lawsuit and resulting trust fund remain a cornerstone of accountability and justice for individuals and families affected by decades of unsafe industrial practices.

How to File a NARCO Asbestos Claim

At Mesothelioma Lawyer Center, we’ve helped countless families across the U.S. successfully file asbestos trust claims, including those through the NARCO Asbestos Trust. Our dedicated legal team understands how complex and time-sensitive these claims can be, and we make it our mission to secure the maximum compensation available for each client.

Have you or a loved one developed mesothelioma or another asbestos-related illness after using NARCO products? Our mesothelioma lawyers are ready to fight for your compensation. Contact us online or call 800-793-4540 for immediate assistance.

📊 Did You Know? An estimated $310 million was initially allocated to the NARCO Asbestos Trust Fund to compensate victims of asbestos exposure. To date, thousands of claims have been filed, with average payouts for mesothelioma ranging from $40,000 to $60,000 depending on the payment percentage.

Legal Disclaimer
The information provided is for educational and informational purposes only. The information on this website is not intended as legal advice and should not be used as a substitute for consulting a licensed attorney. Legal outcomes and laws can vary by jurisdiction, and only a qualified lawyer can provide guidance tailored to your situation.

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Paul Danziger

Paul Danziger

Reviewer and Editor

Paul Danziger grew up in Houston, Texas and earned a law degree from Northwestern University School of Law in Chicago. For over 25 years years he has focused on representing mesothelioma cancer victims and others hurt by asbestos exposure. Paul and his law firm have represented thousands of people diagnosed with mesothelioma, asbestosis, and lung cancer, recovering significant compensation for injured clients. Every client is extremely important to Paul and he will take every call from clients who want to speak with him. Paul and his law firm handle mesothelioma cases throughout the United States.

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