The story of NARCO asbestos is one of industrial progress intertwined with devastating consequences. For decades, the North American Refractories Company (NARCO) produced heat-resistant materials widely used in steel mills, power plants, and manufacturing facilities, many of which contained hazardous asbestos fibers. This led to widespread exposure, endangering the health of workers and their loved ones.
In response, thousands of individuals have sought justice through the NARCO asbestos lawsuit and the company’s established trust fund, created to provide compensation to victims suffering from asbestos-related illnesses. This overview explains how the NARCO Asbestos Trust functions, who qualifies for compensation, and the key steps involved in filing a claim.
NARCO Asbestos Trust Payments Values (Disease Schedule)
The NARCO Asbestos Trust provides financial compensation determined by the severity of asbestos-related illnesses and each claimant’s verified exposure history. Every disease category is assigned a scheduled value, reflecting the estimated worth of a fully liquidated claim before the NARCO asbestos trust payment percentage is applied.
These scheduled values and payment percentages ensure fair, consistent, and balanced distribution of funds, helping all eligible victims receive equitable compensation through the NARCO Asbestos Trust system.
The following table shows the value assigned to each type of disease diagnosed by the NARCO Asbestos Trust.
| Disease Level & Category | Scheduled Value (Estimated) |
|---|---|
| Mesothelioma | $125,000 |
| Lung Cancer 1 | $75,000 |
| Lung Cancer 2 | $25,000 |
| Other Cancer | $20,000 |
| Severe Asbestosis (Level VI) | $50,000 |
| Asbestosis (Level V) | $25,000 |
| Asbestosis (Level IV) | $10,000 |
| Pleural Disease (Level III) | $5,000 |
| Other Asbestos Disease (Level II) | $2,000 |
| Asymptomatic Exposure (Level I) | $0 |
Unfortunately, actual payouts from the trust are not the same as their scheduled value. Like all asbestos trust funds, payouts from the NARCO Asbestos Trust depend on their payment percentage.
What is the NARCO Asbestos Trust Payout Percentage in 2025?
The NARCO Asbestos Trust provides compensation to individuals diagnosed with asbestos-related illnesses through a structured payout system. Each approved claim is based on the trust’s NARCO Asbestos Trust payment percentage, which determines the portion of the scheduled disease value a claimant receives. This percentage helps keep the trust financially stable and ensures fair compensation for both current and future asbestos victims.
Below is the 2025 update on the NARCO Asbestos Trust payment percentage and estimated payout amounts for each disease category.
| Disease Level & Category | Scheduled Value | Payment % (Current 2025) | Typical Payout (Estimated) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mesothelioma | $125,000 | 12% | $15,000 |
| Lung Cancer 1 | $75,000 | 12% | $9,000 |
| Lung Cancer 2 | $25,000 | 12% | $3,000 |
| Other Cancer | $20,000 | 12% | $2,400 |
| Severe Asbestosis (Level VI) | $50,000 | 12% | $6,000 |
| Asbestosis (Level V) | $25,000 | 12% | $3,000 |
| Asbestosis (Level IV) | $10,000 | 12% | $1,200 |
| Pleural Disease (Level III) | $5,000 | 12% | $600 |
| Other Asbestos Disease (Level II) | $2,000 | 12% | $240 |
| Asymptomatic Exposure (Level I) | $0 | — | $0 |
“Today, the various trust funds have some $30 billion available for payouts to injured people.” — Nolo
How Does NARCO’s Payout Percentage Compare to Other Asbestos Trusts?
Payout percentages can differ significantly among asbestos trusts, influenced by factors such as available assets, the number of claims filed, and each fund’s historical liabilities. In 2025, the NARCO Asbestos Trust stands out when compared to other major asbestos trust funds, showing notable variations in scheduled disease values and NARCO asbestos trust payment percentages. Understanding these differences helps claimants better anticipate potential compensation and the relative financial stability of each trust. Here’s how NARCO stacks up compared to other large trust funds:
| Asbestos Trust Name | Scheduled Value (Mesothelioma) | Payment % | Typical Payout |
|---|---|---|---|
| NARCO Asbestos Trust | $125,000 | 12% | $15,000 |
| Owens Corning / Fibreboard Trust | $200,000 | 7.5% | $15,000 |
| Johns-Manville Trust | $350,000 | 5.1% | $17,850 |
| Armstrong World Industries Trust | $110,000 | 8% | $8,800 |
| U.S. Gypsum Trust | $155,000 | 11% | $17,050 |
For a deeper look at all active trust funds, check out our Asbestos Trust Fund Payouts Guide.
NARCO Asbestos Products List
The following table shows NARCO products that are known to have caused asbestos exposure for anyone who used them. If you used any of these products and have been diagnosed with an asbestos-related illness, you are probably entitled to compensation.
| Product Name | Product Type | Use / Industry | Years Manufactured |
|---|---|---|---|
| Narcolite Insulating Cement | Insulation Material | Industrial Furnaces, Boilers | 1950s–1980s |
| Heat Guard Refractory Cement | Refractory Cement | Steel Mills, Power Plants | 1940s–1970s |
| Super Temp Block | Insulation Block | Construction, Manufacturing | 1950s–1980s |
| Air-Set Refractory Mortar | Mortar Compound | Industrial Masonry | 1950s–1970s |
| Castable 2600 | Castable Refractory | Foundries, Petrochemical Plants | 1960s–1980s |
| Refmix Plastic Refractory | Plastic Refractory | High-Temperature Furnaces | 1950s–1970s |
| Thermo-Lite Block | Insulation Brick | Construction, Kilns | 1960s–1980s |
| Kaolite Lightweight Castable | Lightweight Castable Refractory | Refineries, Power Plants | 1960s–1980s |
| Core Mix Refractory Compound | Refractory Compound | Foundries, Industrial Applications | 1950s–1970s |
| Thermo-Guard Insulating Brick | Insulation Brick | Industrial Ovens, Kilns | 1960s–1980s |
About the NARCO Asbestos Lawsuit and Trust Fund
- NARCO, founded in 1929, produced high‑heat refractory materials that contained asbestos.
- Over decades, workers and others exposed to NARCO’s asbestos‑containing products began filing lawsuits alleging diseases such as mesothelioma, lung cancer, and asbestosis.
- One notable case: in 1999, two engineers and their spouses filed suit against NARCO and other manufacturers, alleging mesothelioma and asbestosis from exposure on the job. The jury awarded more than $7 million.
- Because of the mounting litigation, NARCO (and its parent companies) filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in 2002.
- As part of the bankruptcy reorganization, the NARCO Asbestos Trust (officially the “North American Refractories Company Asbestos Personal Injury Settlement Trust”) was established on April 30, 2013 to handle current and future asbestos claims.
When Did NARCO Stop Using Asbestos?
NARCO’s heavy asbestos use persisted for decades in its refractory-product lines, continuing in some products until the late 1970s, and in certain operations until the late 1980s.
How Much Money Is Left in the NARCO Trust?
The NARCO Asbestos Trust fund is estimated to have around $310 million in assets in 2025 for approved asbestos claims. This figure can fluctuate depending on new claim filings, payments, and trust investments.
Who Can File an Asbestos Claim Against NARCO?
You may be eligible to file a claim with the NARCO Asbestos Trust if you meet these criteria:
In some cases, family members with secondary exposure (for example, asbestos dust brought home by workers) may also qualify depending on trust rules.
You have a confirmed diagnosis of an asbestos‑related disease such as mesothelioma, lung cancer, or asbestosis.
You can demonstrate exposure to NARCO asbestos-containing products or worksites where these products were used.
Filing an Asbestos Claim Against NARCO
At Danzinger & De Llano, LLP, we understand the challenges faced by those affected by asbestos exposure. Our experienced team is dedicated to guiding clients through the NARCO asbestos trust process and lawsuits, ensuring every eligible victim has the support and advocacy needed to pursue fair compensation and justice.
If you or a loved one has used NARCO products and is suffering from mesothelioma or another asbestos-related illness, our team of mesothelioma lawyers is here to help get you the compensation you deserve. Call us at 866-222-9990.
Legal Disclaimer
The information provided is for educational and informational purposes only. The information on this website is not intended as legal advice and should not be used as a substitute for consulting a licensed attorney. Legal outcomes and laws can vary by jurisdiction, and only a qualified lawyer can provide guidance tailored to your situation.