Congoleum

The origins of Congoleum Corporation date back to the mid-1800s in Scotland where the Nairn family owned and operated a successful business called Nairn Linoleum Co. As manufacturers of painted canvas floorcloths, their products offered working-class folks a durable, practical and an affordable way to cover the dirt floors in their homes. Seeking to expand its business, the Narin family emigrated to the United States and settled in Kearny, New Jersey in the late 1800s. The company began manufacturing linoleum which was more durable flooring and easier to clean than canvas floorcloths. The company thrived. In the early 1900s, the Nairn Linoleum Co. joined together with a supplier in Pennsylvania who manufactured Congoleum, a simulated wood grain product used to border area rugs and linoleum, and formed a new company called Congoleum-Nairn.

Headquarted in Mercerville, NJ, the company, known today simply as Congoleum Corporation, is a leading manufacturer of resilient sheet and tile flooring products serving both residential and commercial markets. They employ nearly 1,000 workers and operate three manufacturing facilities in New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Maryland.

Congoleum Asbestos Containing Products

​​​​​​During 1947 and 1983, Congoleum manufactured a wide range of flooring products with asbestos including: asphalt tile, vinyl asbestos tile, and sheet flooring in a variety of colors, patterns and styles.

Provided below is a list of products manufactured by Congoleum between 1947-1983, that contained asbestos either in the flooring itself or incorporated in a felt backing material:

Congoleum Nairn Products 1947-1968

Congoleum Products 1947-1968

Where Asbestos Exposure May Have Occurred

Asbestos containing floor products manufactured by Congoleum were most commonly used in the construction industry for new construction and remodeling projects across both residential and commercial markets. Working in construction can be physically demanding as well as hazardous because the need to work around toxic substances like asbestos occurs frequently. Those who worked directly with asbestos containing products, such as installers, demolition workers and do-it-yourselfers have been unaware of exposure to harmful asbestos fibers and now could be at risk for developing mesothelioma, an asbestos-related disease. Equally at risk were those who worked in other trades along side or within close proximity of the jobsite as well as spouses and other family members who were exposed to the worker's dusty clothing and hair.

Congoleum Asbestos Trust

In an effort to be free of liability for outstanding and future asbestos claims, Congoleum filed for Chapter 11 Bankruptcy on December 31, 2003. Seven years and many revisions later, the federal bankruptcy court confirmed Congoleum's reorganization plan. Effective July 1, 2010, Congoleum's asbestos liability claims was administered through a court-approved trust that both Congoleum and its insurers pledged to contribute to it.

If you have been diagnosed with mesothelioma cancer and believe you were exposed to Congoleum's asbestos containing products, a mesothelioma lawyer may be helpful. Early, Lucarelli, Sweeney & Strauss can provide assistance with filing a claim with Congoleum's Asbestos Trust on your behalf. Please fill out the form on this page to receive our free information packet to learn more.