Asbestos Exposure at Occidental Chemical Corporation
OxyChem uses asbestos-containing diaphragms in its chlor-alkali process to make chlorine. In the past, it also used asbestos insulation around some of its machinery and pipes. Another possible source of asbestos exposure was the use of the mineral as a filler in the company’s plastics production.
In 1968, Occidental Petroleum Corporation acquired Hooker Electrochemical Company, a chemical manufacturer. Occidental Petroleum formed its subsidiary, Occidental Chemical, in 1987 to manage the company’s chemical business. Some of the key dates in OxyChem’s history include:
- 1903: Hooker Electrochemical Company starts business.
- 1920: Occidental Petroleum Corporation is founded.
- 1955: Hooker Chemical acquires Durez Plastics.
- 1968: Occidental Petroleum acquires Hooker Chemical.
- 1987: Occidental Petroleum combines its chemical businesses under the name Occidental Chemical Corporation.
- 2023: OxyChem begins the process of phasing out asbestos-containing chlor-alkali diaphragms.
Asbestos use at Occidental Chemical Corporation injured employees. It led many victims to file lawsuits, including several in North Tonawanda, New York.
Occidental Chemical Corporation Quick Facts
- OxyChem is a subsidiary of Occidental Petroleum Corporation, a $41-billion company.
- One of the last companies in the United States using asbestos, OxyChem imported more than 300 metric tons of the mineral in 2022.
- A ProPublica investigative report featured 12 former employees of the OxyChem facility in Niagara Falls, New York. The employees noted, “asbestos dust hung in the air, collected on the beams and light fixtures and built up until it was inches thick.”
- In October 2025, Occidental Petroleum announced it was selling OxyChem to Berkshire Hathaway for $9.7 billion.
Occidental Chemical Corporation Jobsite Locations With Known Asbestos Exposure
Both the chemical manufacturing and plastics industries relied on asbestos for many years. Many of the processes in making chemicals require high heat, which asbestos can withstand. The plastics industry often used it in molded plastics for the same reason.
Records indicate that several OxyChem plants used asbestos. Some of the confirmed locations include:
- Battleground, TX: chlor-alkali plant
- Convent, LA: chlor-alkali plant
- Niagara Falls, NY: chlor-alkali plant
- North Tonawanda, NY: phenolic molding compound plant
- Taft, LA: chlor-alkali plant
- Wichita, KS: chlor-alkali and chemicals complex
This list is not exhaustive, and other OxyChem facilities may have also used asbestos.
High-Risk Occupations at Occidental Chemical Corporation
Asbestos at Occidental Chemical Corporation likely affected many people. Employees may still face hazards until the conversion to alternate sources is complete. Anyone who works with asbestos is at risk of exposure and illness. Some of the occupations at risk of exposure include:
- Chemical engineers
- Chemical plant workers
- Chemists
- Insulators
- Machine operators
- Maintenance workers
- Manufacturing workers
- Material handlers
- Pipefitters
- Plant managers
- Plastic fabricators
- Plastic molders
Additionally, household members could be at risk of secondary exposure. This happens when a worker’s family member handles asbestos the worker accidentally brought home on their clothes or hair.
Resources for Mesothelioma Patients
Asbestos Products Used at Occidental Chemical Corporation
OxyChem used a variety of asbestos products. Not only were these products used in the manufacturing process, but some were used to protect machines and employees as well. OxyChem also used raw asbestos in some locations to build or repair the diaphragms at the chlor-alkali plants.
Some common asbestos-containing materials found at OxyChem locations include:
- Boilers
- Cell diaphragms
- Chemical processing equipment
- Fireproof protective gear
- Floor and ceiling tiles
- Furnaces
- Gaskets
- Insulation
- Phenolic molding compounds
- Pumps
Occidental Chemical Corporation put its employees at risk by using asbestos-containing materials. A mesothelioma lawyer can help identify other sources of on-the-job exposure at OxyChem facilities.
Compensation for Occidental Chemical Corporation Employees With Mesothelioma
If an employee develops mesothelioma, they can take steps to hold Occidental Chemical Corporation accountable. People who develop asbestos illnesses can seek compensation from different sources. Options include mesothelioma lawsuits that result in settlements or jury verdicts. Some people may also be eligible for an asbestos trust claim.
Compensation can help with medical bills, travel to appointments, lost wages and more. Contact a mesothelioma law firm as soon as possible after receiving a diagnosis to discuss your options.
Asbestos Trust Fund Claims
Many Occidental Chemical Corporation locations have been identified as known asbestos exposure sites by bankrupt asbestos companies that established trust funds. Three of the top locations are Lathrop, CA, White Springs, FL, and Deer Park, TX.
Occidental Chemical Corporation: Lathrop, California
| Asbestos Company Name | Eligibility Start Date | Eligibility End Date |
| A.P. Green | 1/1/1969 | |
| Plant Insulation Company | 1/1/1950 | 12/31/1980 |
| Western MacArthur | 6/9/1971 | 8/31/1971 |
Occidental Chemical Corporation: White Springs, Florida
| Asbestos Company Name | Eligibility Start Date | Eligibility End Date |
| Armstrong World Industries | 1/1/1972 | 12/31/1982 |
| Babcock & Wilcox | 12/31/1982 | |
| Eagle-Picher | ||
| Halliburton | 1/1/1978 | 12/31/1982 |
| Owens Corning | 1/1/1966 | 12/31/1982 |
Occidental Chemical Corporation: Deer Park, Texas
| Asbestos Company Name | Eligibility Start Date | Eligibility End Date |
| Fibreboard | 1/1/1964 | 12/31/1982 |
| J.T. Thorpe Successor | ||
| NARCO | 1/1/1956 | 3/31/1981 |
Other Occidental Chemical facilities identified by asbestos bankruptcy trust funds include the following locations:
- Buffalo, IA
- Burlington, NJ
- Columbia, TN
- Columbus, MS
- Galena Park, Houston and Plainview, TX
- Geismar, Hahnville and Taft, LA
- Kenton, OH
- Montague, MI
- Niagara Falls, NY
- Pottstown, PA
- South Shore, KY
- Tacoma, WA
- Wichita, KS
Asbestos Lawsuits
OxyChem has been named in mesothelioma lawsuits in different parts of the country. In North Tonawanda in 2022, more than 10 lawsuits were filed alleging exposure to asbestos. Additionally, records show some settlements from successful Occidental Chemical Corporation asbestos lawsuits, including:
- $1.7 million for a 53-year-old electrician
- $1.3 million for an 81-year-old plantworker
- $1.2 million for a 62-year-old engineer
OxyChem employees who develop cancer can speak to an experienced asbestos attorney about their legal options. In some cases, an attorney may recommend a personal injury lawsuit. If the employee has passed away, a wrongful death lawsuit can help compensate the family.
