July 19th, 2005

Internal memos have been found that prove that W R Grace officials were aware and concerned about the acceptance and sale of asbestos products for many years. The memos showed that the company was well aware of the potential dangers and liabilities of selling asbestos-based products, but went ahead and did so anyway.

One attorney, who is dealing with a class action lawsuit against Grace on behalf of many people that bought and installed attic insulation from the company stated: "This was the foremost question at Grace all along. The company recognized the possibility of liability all along." The reports also show that the company continued to provide unsafe working conditions, despite knowledge of the dangers of its products.

The memos show how management at W R Grace was unwilling to install emissions controls, despite pollution citations. Even one of the company’s own inspectors had commented on one memo about how the plants needed improvement to be made safe, and still nothing was done.

WR Grace closed down in the 1990s, and many lawsuits have been filed against the company for personal injury or wrongful death caused by its asbestos products and working conditions.