🏭 Durabla Manufacturing Company and Asbestos Exposure

Durabla Manufacturing Company was a significant producer of industrial sealing solutions throughout the 20th century. The company used asbestos in its gaskets and packing materials to enhance heat resistance, durability, and chemical protection. These products were widely used in power plants, refineries, chemical plants, and shipyards—resulting in widespread occupational exposure.

🛠️ Company Overview

• Founded: Early 1900s (Exact year varies by source)

• Headquarters: Norristown, Pennsylvania

• Industry: Industrial manufacturing (gaskets, seals, packing materials)

• Still in Business? ❌ No

• Asbestos Trust Fund? ✅ Yes — via Durabla Sealing Systems Trust

🔩 Where Asbestos Was Used

Durabla used asbestos as a core material in:

• Compressed gasket sheets for high-pressure equipment

• Pump packing and valve stem seals

• Custom-cut flange gaskets for steam and chemical systems

• High-temperature industrial insulation products

These asbestos-based components were essential in environments involving steam, corrosive chemicals, and intense heat.

👷 Who Was Exposed

• Machinists and valve technicians

• Chemical plant and refinery workers

• Power plant maintenance crews

• Navy shipyard personnel and repair teams

Exposure occurred during cutting, shaping, removal, and maintenance of gaskets and seals, which released microscopic asbestos fibers into the air.

⚖️ Lawsuits and Legal History

Durabla was sued extensively in the 1990s and 2000s by individuals suffering from:

• Mesothelioma

• Asbestosis

• Lung cancer

The lawsuits alleged that Durabla:

• Knew about asbestos risks but failed to warn users

• Did not provide safety instructions or PPE guidance

• Continued selling asbestos-laden products long after safer alternatives were available

Outcome: Durabla filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy and established the Durabla Sealing Systems Asbestos Trust to resolve claims.

📦 Known Asbestos Products

📈 How Many People Were Exposed?

Total Estimated Exposure: 65,000+ individuals

🪖 Military and Government Exposure

Durabla gaskets and packing were widely used in:

• U.S. Navy ships and submarines

• Military aircraft maintenance

• Army and Navy base utilities and powerhouses

Mechanics and boiler operators servicing valves, engines, and pumps in military environments were at high risk for exposure.

❓ Can I Still File a Lawsuit Against Durabla?

✅ Yes — through the Durabla Asbestos Trust.
The trust allows qualified individuals to file claims for asbestos-related illnesses caused by exposure to Durabla products.

Key Facts:

• Claims may still be submitted today

• Compensation varies by disease and exposure level

• Legal assistance is often recommended to gather evidence and navigate trust requirements

📌 Durabla Summary at a Glance