Eastman Kodak Asbestos Exposure & Compensation

Eastman Kodak, based in Rochester, New York, is a global technology company known for its photographic products that pioneered consumer photography. It’s manufacturing operations involved film production, chemical processing, and the creation of photographic equipment, all which called for the extensive use of asbestos at Kodak’s industrial jobsites. Asbestos provided insulation, fireproofing, and heat protection in building materials, machinery, and operating systems involved in production processes.

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The use of asbestos at Eastman Kodak put maintenance personnel, workers, and their families at risk of mesothelioma and other serious asbestos-related diseases. Early, Lucarelli, Sweeney & Meisenkothen (ELSM) has represented mesothelioma victims exposed at Kodak’s facilities, helping them secure compensation.

Eastman Kodak at a Glance

• More than 70 Eastman Kodak facilities have been identified as jobsites with asbestos exposure, including locations in California, Colorado, Georgia, Illinois, New York, Ohio, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Texas.
• At least 20 asbestos bankruptcy trusts list one or more Eastman Kodak locations as known exposure sites.
• Individuals diagnosed with mesothelioma from Eastman Kodak may be able to pursue compensation for their injuries. Experienced asbestos lawyers at ELSM Law can help you determine eligibility.

Asbestos Exposure at Eastman Kodak

At Eastman Kodak’s facilities, workers in production, chemical processing, and maintenance were routinely exposed to asbestos used in insulation, equipment, and building materials. By the 1980s, Eastman Kodak employed approximately 60,000 workers at its Rochester headquarters and 145,000 worldwide.

This exposure put tens of thousands of employees at risk of developing mesothelioma and lung cancer from Eastman Kodak due to the company’s negligence in alerting its workers to the dangers of this mineral.

Key Dates in Eastman Kodak History and Asbestos Exposure:

• Late 1880s-Early 1980s: Asbestos was a key component in buildings and manufacturing operating systems placing workers at risk of asbestos exposure at Eastman Kodak facilities.
• 2003: An environmental site assessment of the Eastman Kodak Company Hawkeye Facility in Rochester reported a release of asbestos during demolition of a building in 2000, as well as observations of asbestos-containing materials in all buildings at this site.
• 2004: A revitalization project of Kodak Park was initiated with a need for asbestos abatement and site contamination remediation due to the amount of asbestos present in many of the buildings.
• 2006: Eastman Kodak’s 2006 Annual Report recorded $101 million in asset retirement obligations, primarily for asbestos remediation in its buildings.
• 2011: Demolition of four buildings at Kodak’s Colorado Division plant was halted after asbestos was discovered.
• 2012: Eastman Kodak filed for bankruptcy protection.
• 2019: A former Eastman Kodak employee was awarded $8 million after being exposed to asbestos while working at the company between 1970 and 1971 and later being diagnosed with mesothelioma in 2018.

High-Risk Occupations at Eastman Kodak

Eastman Kodak workers were exposed to asbestos through daily tasks related to their occupations, such as cutting, sanding, cleaning, operating machinery, performing maintenance or repairs, or conducting construction activities. Any instance where asbestos dust became airborne and could be inhaled placed workers at risk of developing mesothelioma.

Occupations at Eastman Kodak facilities that are associated with an increased risk of asbestos exposure include:

Family members and loved ones of Eastman Kodak workers may also be at risk of developing mesothelioma by inhaling asbestos fibers brought home on a worker’s clothing, hair, or personal items. Those diagnosed with an asbestos-related disease due to secondary exposure may be entitled to receive financial compensation.

As we were doing our jobs, you would see these guys come around with their carts to replace pipe covering on the pipes and steam and water lines. When they cut the insulation there was dust everywhere. Laborer
Recalling work at Eastman Kodak, 1964

Asbestos Products Used at Eastman Kodak

Asbestos was widely used in buildings and manufacturing systems at Eastman Kodak’s production facilities rather than in the actual film and photographic paper products that the company produced. Utilized primarily for its durability and heat resistance, asbestos provided fireproofing, heat protection, and insultation for production buildings, steam plants, powerhouses, and mechanical equipment located at this jobsite.

Asbestos-containing products used at Eastman Kodak include, but are not limited to:

Compensation for Eastman Kodak Employees With Mesothelioma

If you or a loved one receives a mesothelioma diagnosis due to asbestos exposure at Eastman Kodak, you may be eligible to pursue financial compensation through asbestos lawsuits or trust fund claims. These forms of compensation can help cover costs for medical treatment, replace lost income, and provide long-term financial support for patients and their families. An experienced mesothelioma lawyer at ELSM Law can help you determine which compensation options are best to pursue based on your individual situation.

Asbestos Trust Fund Claims

While Eastman Kodak does not have its own asbestos trust fund, there are bankrupt companies that supplied asbestos products used in its manufacturing processes or plant construction.

If you were employed by Eastman Kodak and have been diagnosed with an asbestos-related disease, the lawyers at ELSM can help determine if you are eligible to receive compensation from one of the trust funds listed below.

The following Eastman Kodak locations, organized by state, have been identified as known asbestos exposure sites:

The following list of bankrupt companies with established asbestos trust funds includes at least one Eastman Kodak facility as an approved jobsite.

Bankrupt Asbestos Company	Asbestos Exposure Start Date	Asbestos Exposure End Date
A.P. Green Industries	1/1/1961
ACandS, Inc.	12/7/1970
Armstrong World Industries	1/1/1969	12/31/1982
Babcock & Wilcox	1/1/1901	12/31/1982
Combustion Engineering	1/1/1929	12/31/1982
Eagle-Picher Industries
Fibreboard	1/1/1928	12/31/1982
Flintkote	1/1/1970	12/31/1982
GAF Corporation	2/19/1965	12/31/1982
Halliburton	1/1/1936	12/31/1982
J.T. Thorpe, Inc.	1/1/1939	12/31/1939
Keene Corporation	1/1/1948	12/31/1978
NARCO	1/1/1969	3/31/1981
Owens Corning		12/31/1982
Owens-Illinois	4/21/1953	12/31/1958
Plant Insulation Company	12/3/1970	12/3/1970
Raymark / Raytech Corporation	1/1/1962	12/31/1982
Shook & Fletcher
United States Gypsum	1/1/1930	12/31/1982
W.R. Grace	2/28/1969	12/31/1982
Western MacArthur	1/1/1945	12/31/1988

Asbestos Lawsuits

Filing a mesothelioma lawsuit can help patients and their families recover costs related to medical treatment, lost wages, travel, and other expenses, while also providing financial security. There are two main types of lawsuits: personal injury, filed by patients, and wrongful death, filed by families. Early consultation with an asbestos attorney is essential due to strict filing deadlines determined by individual states.

Experienced attorneys at ELSM can identify asbestos exposure even when its source is uncertain. They manage the legal process on a contingency basis, so fees are only paid if compensation is awarded. These lawsuits hold negligent companies accountable for knowingly exposing victims to the dangers of asbestos.

How an Experienced Mesothelioma Lawyer Can Help

Speaking to a lawyer as soon as possible after an asbestos-related diagnosis or loved one’s death is important because every state has specific statutes of limitations that determine how long you have to pursue compensation. In New York, lawsuits must be filed 3 years from diagnosis and 2 years from death. Missing these deadlines can prevent patients and families from receiving the financial support they may need for their treatment or to support their family.

An experienced mesothelioma lawyer at ELSM Law will ensure all claims are filed within the required time frame and guide you through the legal options available.

ELSM attorneys support Eastman Kodak mesothelioma cases by:

• Gathering employment, medical, and exposure records
• Identifying the asbestos companies responsible
• Negotiating settlements or representing clients at trial

They offer free consultations, explain the compensation options available to you, and provide continuous support throughout the process. With their legal expertise and compassion towards the challenges of your disease, ELSM mesothelioma lawyers can help you secure both the justice and compensation you deserve.

Common Questions About Asbestos Exposure at Eastman Kodak

What health risks are associated with Eastman Kodak asbestos exposure?

Health risks associated with Eastman Kodak asbestos exposure may include asbestos-related diseases such as mesothelioma, lung cancer, and asbestosis. These diseases have an extended latency period which means they can develop years to decades after the initial exposure occurred.

How can I file an Eastman Kodak asbestos lawsuit?

If you worked at Eastman Kodak and have been diagnosed with mesothelioma, contact a lawyer at ELSM to help you gather your employment, medical, and exposure records and ensure your claim is filed within the required time frame necessary to obtain compensation.

Does Eastman Kodak have an asbestos trust fund?

No, Eastman Kodak does not have an asbestos trust fund because it is a viable company. Qualifying mesothelioma victims may be eligible to file trust fund claims against bankrupt companies who supplied asbestos products to Eastman Kodak’s facilities.