Keasbey and Mattison Company

Richard Van Zeelust Mattison Encyclopedia of Pennsylvania Biography

Keasbey and Mattison Company

The Keasbey and Mattison Company was a prominent American manufacturing company that specialized in the production of asbestos-based products. Founded in 1878 by Henry G. Keasbey and Dr. Richard V. Mattison, the company quickly became a leading supplier of asbestos materials in the United States.

History

The Keasbey and Mattison Company was established in Ambler, Pennsylvania in 1878. Initially focused on the production of asbestos textiles, the company expanded its operations to include a wide range of asbestos-containing products, such as insulation, roofing materials, and friction products.

Throughout the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Keasbey and Mattison experienced significant growth and success, becoming one of the largest asbestos manufacturers in the country. The company's products were widely used in construction, automotive, and industrial applications.

Controversies

Despite its commercial success, Keasbey and Mattison faced mounting criticism and legal challenges due to the health risks associated with asbestos exposure. Asbestos has been linked to serious respiratory diseases, including asbestosis and mesothelioma, leading to numerous lawsuits against the company.

In the mid-20th century, as awareness of the dangers of asbestos grew, Keasbey and Mattison came under increased scrutiny for its role in exposing workers and consumers to asbestos fibers. The company eventually ceased asbestos production and faced extensive litigation over its past practices.

Legacy

The legacy of the Keasbey and Mattison Company is marked by its central role in the history of asbestos use in the United States. The company's experience reflects the broader challenges and controversies surrounding the asbestos industry, as well as the ongoing efforts to address the health consequences of asbestos exposure.

Despite its eventual decline and legal troubles, Keasbey and Mattison's impact on the asbestos industry continues to be studied and debated by historians, public health experts, and legal scholars.