🏗️ E.J. Bartells Company and Asbestos Exposure
E.J. Bartells Company was a major provider and installer of industrial insulation materials—many of which contained asbestos from the 1940s through the 1980s. The company worked on power plants, refineries, shipyards, and commercial buildings, using asbestos for its fireproofing and heat resistance.
This led to significant asbestos exposure for their own workers as well as other trades who shared the same job sites—especially during insulation installation, repair, and removal activities.
A source-based guide to historical asbestos exposure involving E.J. Bartells Company and the records that may matter for a claim.
E.J. Bartells Company company history
E.J. Bartells Co. supplied and worked with industrial insulation in the Pacific Northwest. Its role in a particular project can be established through invoices, work orders and site testimony. Do not assume every item sold or installed by the company contained asbestos; identify the product and the relevant time period.
This page describes historical exposure questions. The company name, corporate successor, employer and product supplier may be different parties; each connection must be supported by evidence.
Asbestos products and materials
These categories guide investigation and are not a claim that every project or product used asbestos:
- Industrial thermal insulation and related materials where invoices identify asbestos content
- Pipe covering and block insulation used around hot equipment
- Insulating cement, cloth and associated materials where the historical record confirms their composition
| Material or role | What to verify |
|---|---|
| Industrial thermal insulation and related materials where invoices identify asbestos content | Supplier or specification, asbestos content, site and dates |
| Pipe covering and block insulation used around hot equipment | Supplier or specification, asbestos content, site and dates |
| Insulating cement, cloth and associated materials where the historical record confirms their composition | Supplier or specification, asbestos content, site and dates |
Workers and jobsites
Industrial plants, utilities, commercial construction and other facilities in the company’s service area, subject to proof of a specific product and date.
- Insulators and insulation helpers
- Pipefitters, boiler workers and millwrights working nearby
- Warehouse, delivery and maintenance personnel
Nearby trades could encounter dust generated by another contractor. A company name on a project record does not establish exposure for all workers at that facility.
How exposure could happen
Historical insulation was cut, fitted, mixed, repaired and removed around hot equipment. These activities could release fibers into shared work areas. Handling packaging, sweeping debris and later maintenance may also matter. Establish when the material was disturbed and who supplied or controlled the work.
Lawsuits, bankruptcy and claims
E.J. Bartells Co. entered bankruptcy and a Bartells Asbestos Settlement Trust was established for qualifying asbestos personal injury claims. A Washington Supreme Court opinion addresses the trust in litigation concerning access to bankruptcy trust claim materials. That decision does not establish exposure or entitlement for any individual claimant. Current claim values, deadlines and administration should be confirmed from the trust’s operative documents or administrator.
A Bartells trust exists, but this page does not present an unverified current payment percentage or direct filing address. Confirm the operative trust requirements before filing.
A diagnosis does not itself establish that this entity caused exposure or that a particular claim is timely. Claims may involve several independently identified products or companies.
Evidence and records to gather
- Employment, union and Social Security work history showing dates and duties
- Contracts, project specifications, purchase orders, invoices and delivery records
- Coworker testimony, jobsite photographs, equipment manuals and product labels
- Pathology and other medical records confirming diagnosis
Record the exact facility, building or unit, work dates, employer, nearby trades and product names. For trust claims, compare the evidence with the trust’s current distribution procedures.
Health risks and next steps
Asbestos exposure is associated with mesothelioma, lung cancer and asbestosis. Symptoms and risk vary, and only a medical professional can evaluate or diagnose disease. Tell a clinician about past work with or near asbestos-containing materials. The EPA and OSHA provide general asbestos health and workplace information.
Frequently asked questions
Did E.J. Bartells Company manufacture asbestos products?
The documented role here is industrial insulation distributor and contractor. Manufacturing, distribution, specifications and installation are different roles. Identify the entity and particular material before drawing a product-liability conclusion.
Which workers may have encountered asbestos?
Insulators and insulation helpers, Pipefitters, boiler workers and millwrights working nearby, Warehouse, delivery and maintenance personnel. Exposure depends on actual duties, dates and proximity to dusty work.
Which products or materials matter most?
Industrial thermal insulation and related materials where invoices identify asbestos content. Historic product identification and asbestos content require supporting records.
Does working at a named jobsite prove exposure?
No. Employment dates, location, tasks, material identification and proximity to disturbance all matter.
How might asbestos fibers have become airborne?
Cutting, fitting, mixing, stripping or removing older insulation and equipment components could release dust. The amount and source require case-specific investigation.
Is there an asbestos trust for this company?
A Bartells trust exists, but this page does not present an unverified current payment percentage or direct filing address. Confirm the operative trust requirements before filing.
What records are useful for a claim?
Employment and union records, jobsite rosters, contracts, purchase orders, invoices, coworker testimony and medical documentation can help reconstruct exposure.
What if mesothelioma was diagnosed years after the work?
Asbestos-related disease can have a long latency. A clinician should evaluate symptoms and diagnosis, and a qualified attorney can review deadlines and potential sources of compensation.
Submit your case
If you or a family member has an asbestos-related diagnosis, share the company, worksite, dates and diagnosis for a case review. Call 800.291.0963, use our chat 24/7/365, or Submit Your Case.
Disclaimer: This page is general information, not medical or legal advice. Historical exposure and claim eligibility require individual evidence and review. Consult a licensed clinician or qualified attorney for your circumstances.