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.
If you already know you worked with or around NARCO refractory products, your next questions are practical ones. Do you qualify? What proof does the trust need? How long do you have to file? And what will a claim actually pay? This guide answers those questions first. It then covers the NARCO asbestos trust’s history and how a NARCO claim fits alongside claims against other asbestos trusts.
In this guide:
- Who qualifies and what proof the NARCO trust requires
- How to file a NARCO trust claim, step by step
- Filing deadlines
- Scheduled values by disease and the current payment percentage
- How NARCO works with other asbestos trusts
- NARCO products and company history
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:
- 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.
In some cases, family members with secondary exposure (for example, asbestos dust brought home by workers) may also qualify depending on trust rules.
Family members can also file on behalf of a loved one who has passed away. In that case, the claim is usually brought by the estate’s personal representative.
What Proof Does the NARCO Asbestos Trust Require?
Every NARCO trust claim rests on two kinds of evidence: medical proof of an asbestos-related disease and proof of exposure to NARCO products. The trust reviews both before it assigns a disease level and value.
Medical evidence typically includes:
- A diagnosis from a qualified physician, supported by medical records
- For mesothelioma, a pathology report confirming the diagnosis
- For lung cancer, a diagnosis plus the supporting evidence the trust requires for its Lung Cancer 1 or Lung Cancer 2 category
- For asbestosis and pleural disease, chest imaging (X-ray or CT) readings and, for higher levels, pulmonary function test results
- For a deceased claimant, a death certificate
Exposure evidence typically includes:
- A sworn statement from the claimant, or from a coworker, describing work with or around NARCO products
- Employment records, union records or military service records placing the claimant at a job site where NARCO refractories were used
- A Social Security earnings statement showing employers and dates
- Product identification: the NARCO product names, the job sites, and the years of exposure
The trust also sets minimum exposure requirements, such as how long and how directly someone worked with NARCO products and before what date. An attorney experienced with trust claims can help match your work history to these criteria and fill gaps in the record.
Filing an Asbestos Claim Against NARCO
Most NARCO asbestos trust claims follow the same path from paperwork to payment:
- Gather medical records that confirm the diagnosis, including pathology or imaging reports.
- Document NARCO exposure with work history, sworn statements and product identification.
- Choose a review track.
- Expedited Review pays the scheduled value for the disease level when a claim meets the trust’s set medical and exposure criteria. It is usually the faster option.
- Individual Review is for claims that don’t fit the presumptive criteria or may be worth more than the scheduled value. It takes longer, and the value can be higher or lower than the scheduled amount.
- Submit the claim. Claims are usually filed electronically by the claimant’s attorney, and the trust generally reviews them in the order received.
- Respond to any deficiency notice. If the trust needs more records, it will say what’s missing.
- Accept the offer and sign a release. The trust then pays the claim value multiplied by its payment percentage.
At Danziger & 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 you pursue the compensation you may be owed. Call us at 866-222-9990.
NARCO Asbestos Trust Filing Deadlines
Asbestos trust claims have time limits, just like lawsuits. The NARCO trust’s procedures tie its filing deadline to the statute of limitations that would apply if the claim were filed in court.
What that means in practice:
- The deadline is set by state law and varies from state to state.
- In Texas, asbestos injury and wrongful death claims generally must be filed within two years. For asbestos claims, that clock starts on the earlier of the person’s death or the date a required medical report is served in the case (Tex. Civ. Prac. & Rem. Code § 16.0031).
- Wrongful death claims have their own deadline, which generally runs from the date of death.
- A diagnosis date, a date of death and the state where you file can all change your deadline.
Gathering exposure records and coworker statements can take weeks or months. Starting soon after a diagnosis gives your legal team time to build a complete claim before any deadline approaches.
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 |
|---|---|
| Mesothelioma (Level VII) | $75,000 |
| Lung Cancer 1 (Level VI) | $18,000 |
| Lung Cancer 2 (Level V) | No scheduled value (Individual Review only) |
| Other Cancer (Level IV) | $9,000 |
| Severe Asbestosis (Level III) | $18,000 |
| Asbestosis/Pleural Disease (Level II) | $7,500 |
| Other Asbestos Disease (Level I) | $1,200 |
Source: NARCO Asbestos Trust Distribution Procedures, as of October 2026.
Like all asbestos trusts, NARCO pays the scheduled value multiplied by its payment percentage. NARCO currently pays 100%.
What is the NARCO Asbestos Trust Payout Percentage in 2026?
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.
Here’s how the math works: if a trust’s mesothelioma scheduled value is $100,000 and its payment percentage is 25%, the claimant receives $25,000. At 100%, the claimant receives the full scheduled value.
Below is the current update on the NARCO Asbestos Trust payment percentage and estimated payout amounts for each disease category.
| Disease Level & Category | Scheduled Value | Payment % | Expedited Review Payout | Individual Review Average | Individual Review Maximum |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mesothelioma (Level VII) | $75,000 | 100% | $75,000 | $127,604 | $1,379,580 |
| Lung Cancer 1 (Level VI) | $18,000 | 100% | $18,000 | $34,509 | $275,916 |
| Lung Cancer 2 (Level V) | None | 100% | N/A (Individual Review only) | $20,694 | $68,978 |
| Other Cancer (Level IV) | $9,000 | 100% | $9,000 | $14,758 | $137,958 |
| Severe Asbestosis (Level III) | $18,000 | 100% | $18,000 | $29,182 | $137,958 |
| Asbestosis/Pleural Disease (Level II) | $7,500 | 100% | $7,500 | None | None |
| Other Asbestos Disease (Level I) | $1,200 | 100% | $1,200 | None | None |
Sources: Scheduled values, Average and maximum values, Payment percentage
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 2026, 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 | $75,000 | 100% | $75,000 |
| 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 |
NARCO figures as of October 2026.
For a deeper look at all active trust funds, check out our Asbestos Trust Fund Payouts Guide.
Filing a NARCO Claim Alongside Other Asbestos Trusts
A NARCO claim is rarely the only claim available. Refractory workers in steel mills, foundries, refineries and power plants often handled products from several manufacturers over their careers. Many of those companies also went bankrupt and set up their own trusts.
How NARCO fits with other claims:
- You can file with more than one trust at the same time. Each trust reviews claims under its own rules.
- A payment from one trust generally does not reduce what another trust pays.
- The same medical records can usually support several trust claims, though each trust needs its own exposure evidence.
- Workers exposed to NARCO refractories may also have claims against other refractory makers, such as Harbison-Walker, whose claims are handled by the Halliburton (DII Industries) Asbestos Trust.
- Trust claims can be pursued alongside a lawsuit against companies that never went bankrupt. In Texas, a plaintiff in an asbestos lawsuit must disclose their trust claims to the other parties (Texas HB 1492).
To see every trust you may qualify for, start with our asbestos trust funds overview.
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 may be eligible to seek compensation.
| Product Name | Product Type | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Narcocast | Castable Refractory Mix | Castable refractory used in industrial furnaces |
| Narcocast E.S. | Castable Refractory | Contained 1% chrysotile asbestos; made at NARCO’s Curwensville, Pennsylvania plant |
| Narcolite | Castable Refractory | Used in high-temperature industrial furnaces |
Sources: NARCO Asbestos Trust product list; NARCO interrogatory answers (ToxicDocs).
If you don’t remember product names, that’s common. Job sites, job titles and coworkers’ recollections can often establish NARCO exposure instead.
About the NARCO Asbestos Lawsuit and Trust Fund
- NARCO, founded in 1929, produced high‑heat refractory materials that contained asbestos.
- NARCO was owned by Honeywell from 1979 to 1986. Honeywell was responsible for funding the trust until 2023, when it made a one-time payment of $1.325 billion to end that obligation (Honeywell 2023 Form 10-K).
- 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 July 2001, a Dallas County jury awarded more than $6 million to Joseph Breaux, a pipefitter with mesothelioma, in his case against NARCO (HarrisMartin).
- Because of the mounting litigation, NARCO (and its parent companies) filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in 2002.
- The case was handled in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Western District of Pennsylvania and took more than a decade to resolve.
- 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 began removing asbestos from its products in the early 1970s and stopped manufacturing asbestos-containing products in 1980.
How Much Money Is Left in the NARCO Trust?
The NARCO Asbestos Trust reported about $1.26 billion in net claimants’ equity as of December 31, 2025. This figure can fluctuate depending on new claim filings, payments, and trust investments.
In 2023, Honeywell made a one-time payment of $1.325 billion to the trust in exchange for being released from its ongoing funding obligations. The trust now pays claims from its own assets.
Get Help With Your NARCO Asbestos Trust Claim
A NARCO trust claim depends on clear medical records, solid exposure evidence and timely filing. Our team can review your work history, identify every trust you may qualify for, and handle the paperwork while you focus on your health and family.
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.
Related Asbestos Trust Fund Resources
Each major asbestos defendant established its own trust to compensate victims of exposure. If you were exposed to products from multiple companies, you may be eligible to file claims against more than one trust.
Master Guides
Other Major Asbestos Trusts
Not sure which trusts apply to your case? Call 1-866-222-9990 for a free eligibility review — we handle multi-trust filings for Texas clients across all major asbestos defendants.