⚙️ Owens-Illinois Inc. – Asbestos Exposure and Legal History
Owens-Illinois Inc., formerly co-owned with Owens Corning, manufactured glass products containing asbestos components and was also liable for asbestos exposure linked to insulation materials. Workers involved in manufacturing, handling, and maintenance were exposed to asbestos fibers, resulting in serious long-term health risks.
🏢 Company Overview
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Founded: 1903
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Headquarters: Perrysburg, Ohio
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Industry: Glass manufacturing
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Parent Company: Owens-Illinois Inc.
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Asbestos Use Period: 1930s–1980s
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Current Status: Continues operations; no longer uses asbestos
Owens-Illinois produced a range of glass products, some incorporating asbestos-containing materials for insulation and heat resistance.
🧰 Asbestos Products and Exposure Points
Owens-Illinois’s asbestos-related products and exposures included:
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🧱 Glass products with asbestos insulation components
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🛠 Asbestos-containing insulation used in manufacturing facilities
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🔧 Gaskets and seals in equipment
Exposure occurred during manufacturing, handling, maintenance, and repair.
👷 Workers Most at Risk
Exposed workers included:
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🏭 Factory production workers
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🛠 Maintenance and repair technicians
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🚧 Equipment handlers and installers
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🔩 Insulation installers
Exposure risk was high in manufacturing plants and during insulation work.
🏛 Military and Government Connections
Owens-Illinois supplied products and services to:
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🏢 Government and military manufacturing facilities
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🏗 Federally funded industrial projects
Government and military personnel were exposed through plant operations and insulation maintenance.
⚠️ Health Risks from Exposure
Asbestos exposure linked to:
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🎗 Mesothelioma (pleural and peritoneal)
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🫁 Lung cancer
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🩺 Asbestosis and chronic respiratory diseases
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🦠 Pleural thickening and fibrosis
Symptoms typically appear years after exposure.
⚖️ Lawsuits and Litigation
Owens-Illinois has faced numerous asbestos lawsuits due to:
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❌ Manufacture of asbestos-containing glass and insulation products
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📦 Failure to warn workers of asbestos hazards
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🔄 Exposure during manufacturing, maintenance, and repair
Plaintiffs include factory workers, maintenance personnel, and insulation installers.
💰 Notable Settlements
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💵 Settlements awarded to asbestos victims
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🤝 Participation in multi-defendant asbestos trust funds
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⚖️ Ongoing litigation concerning legacy asbestos claims
📅 Chronological Timeline of Asbestos Use
| Period | Company Activity | Asbestos Use |
|---|---|---|
| 1930s–1950s | Production of asbestos-containing glass and insulation products | Widespread use in manufacturing and facilities |
| 1960s–1970s | Peak asbestos use in manufacturing processes | High exposure risk during production and maintenance |
| 1980s | Regulatory restrictions reduce asbestos use | Shift to asbestos-free materials |
| 1990s–Present | Rise in asbestos-related lawsuits | Named in claims by exposed workers |
📊 Exposure Estimates
Workers Exposed at Owens-Illinois Facilities:
| Role | Estimated Number Exposed |
|---|---|
| 🏭 Factory production workers | 12,000 |
| 🛠 Maintenance and repair technicians | 8,000 |
| 🚧 Equipment handlers and installers | 5,000 |
| 🔩 Insulation installers | 4,000 |
Total Direct Exposure Estimate: ~29,000 workers
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I file a lawsuit against Owens-Illinois Inc.?
✅ Yes. If diagnosed with an asbestos-related illness due to exposure to Owens-Illinois asbestos products, you may qualify for legal claims.
What documents do I need?
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📝 Proof of work or exposure involving Owens-Illinois products
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🩺 Medical diagnosis confirming asbestos-related disease
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👥 Employment or exposure records
Is there an asbestos trust fund?
💼 Owens-Illinois participates in asbestos trust funds compensating victims.
🏢 Company Status Today
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✔️ Continues as a leading glass manufacturer
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❌ No longer uses asbestos materials
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⚖️ Active in asbestos litigation and trust fund claims
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💼 Trust funds available for legacy claims
📌 Summary Snapshot – Owens-Illinois Inc.
| Founded | 1903 |
|---|---|
| Industry | Glass manufacturing |
| Asbestos Use | Asbestos insulation in glass products and manufacturing facilities |
| At-Risk Workers | Factory workers, maintenance staff, insulation installers |
| Lawsuits Filed | Yes – active |
| Trust Fund? | Yes |
⚖️ How a Mesothelioma Lawyer Can Help
Lawyers can assist by:
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🔎 Identifying exposure to Owens-Illinois asbestos products
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📂 Researching employment and exposure histories
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📄 Filing claims or lawsuits
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⏰ Managing legal deadlines
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🤝 Representing workers and families
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💰 Working on contingency with no upfront fees
📞 Free Legal Help for Owens-Illinois Asbestos Exposure
If you or a loved one was exposed to asbestos from Owens-Illinois products and later diagnosed with mesothelioma or related diseases, compensation may be available.
Call Now: 800.291.0963
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💬 Free consultation
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💸 No fees unless we win
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🧑🔧 Assistance with exposure identification
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👨👩👧 Support for workers and families
Or request help online 24/7