Catalin Corporation of America
Catalin Corporation of America was an early producer of phenolic resin (cast phenolic and molding compound) under the Catalin™ brand, originating in the 1920s after the Bakelite patents expired. While Catalin was best-known for cast-phenolic decorative items (jewelry, costume jewelry, kitchenware) of the 1930s–1950s, the company also produced industrial molding compounds that were filled with asbestos for high-performance applications.
Catalin’s product line included general-purpose phenolic molding compounds and specialty grades for electrical and industrial applications. The company’s asbestos-era operations placed asbestos fillers in compounds destined for compression molding and laminate production. Corporate restructuring through the second half of the twentieth century moved Catalin’s asbestos liabilities through several successor entities.
Products
Browse the full product catalog at AsbestosIndex
Worker exposure
Workers at Catalin Corporation of America compound or laminate manufacturing operations were exposed during raw asbestos handling, compound formulation, lamination pressing, and finishing operations. Downstream workers — electricians, machinists, fabricators, assembly workers — handling the company’s products were exposed during cutting, drilling, sanding, machining, and finishing of asbestos-filled material.
See Phenolic Resin & Plastic Molding Asbestos Archive for the comprehensive trade-vertical reference covering worker occupations, exposure pathways, and the litigation framework for this product category.
Worker rights
If you or a family member worked with Catalin Corporation of America asbestos-containing products and has been diagnosed with mesothelioma, lung cancer, or asbestosis, you may be entitled to compensation through asbestos bankruptcy trust funds or civil litigation. Speak with O’Brien Law Firm — (314) 936-2956 for a free, confidential case review.
References reflect what has been alleged or documented in publicly filed asbestos litigation. This information does not constitute a finding of fact or liability.