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Manufacturing

Eagle-Picher Industries Joplin Plant

Eagle-Picher Industries Joplin Plant

Eagle-Picher Industries Joplin Plant Eagle-Picher Industries operated its primary manufacturing and mining operations in Joplin, Missouri, producing insulation, industrial minerals, and asbestos-containing products. The company was a major employer in the Tri-State Mining District.

Last verified: 2026-03-09
Location
Joplin, MO
Industry
Industrial Minerals & Insulation Manufacturing
Exposure Era
1930s–1970s
Primary Asbestos Products
Insulation materials, Asbestos cement, Industrial coatings, Refractory products, Asbestos-containing sealants
Job Categories at Risk
Production workers, Miners, Machine operators, Material handlers, Maintenance workers

History & Asbestos Use

Eagle-Picher Industries was headquartered in Joplin, Missouri within the historic Tri-State Mining District. The company mined and processed lead, zinc, and other minerals while also manufacturing asbestos-containing insulation, cement, and industrial products. Eagle-Picher was a significant supplier of asbestos insulation to military, industrial, and construction applications throughout the mid-20th century. The company filed for bankruptcy in 2005 due to asbestos and lead paint liabilities, and a trust was established to compensate victims.

Exposure Details

Workers at the Joplin facility were exposed to asbestos during the manufacturing and processing of insulation materials, cement products, and industrial coatings. Mining operations in the area also contributed to mineral dust exposure. The combination of asbestos manufacturing and mineral processing created complex dust exposure conditions that affected workers across multiple departments.

Workers at Risk

The following job categories at Eagle-Picher Industries Joplin Plant had the highest risk of asbestos exposure:

  • Production workers
  • Miners
  • Machine operators
  • Material handlers
  • Maintenance workers

Health Effects

Former Eagle-Picher workers have been diagnosed with mesothelioma, asbestosis, and lung cancer. The combined exposure to asbestos and other mineral dusts in the Joplin operations created elevated health risks for workers. Many claims were filed by workers who handled Eagle-Picher insulation products at jobsites across the country, in addition to plant workers.

Health information is based on established medical research on asbestos exposure. Asbestos is classified as a known human carcinogen by the National Cancer Institute, the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry, and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Consult a physician for medical advice specific to your situation.

Compensation May Be Available

Workers exposed to asbestos at Eagle-Picher Industries Joplin Plant may be entitled to compensation through asbestos trust funds, personal injury lawsuits, or veterans benefits. Mesothelioma patients and their families have recovered billions in compensation from companies that manufactured or used asbestos products.

1 asbestos trust fund have been identified as potentially related to exposure at this site. Many mesothelioma patients qualify to file claims with multiple trusts simultaneously.

Find Out If You Qualify

Were You Exposed to Asbestos at Eagle-Picher Industries Joplin Plant?

Workers who were employed at Eagle-Picher Industries Joplin Plant between 1930s–1970s may have been exposed to asbestos-containing materials. If you've been diagnosed with mesothelioma, lung cancer, or asbestosis, you may have legal options including trust fund claims and lawsuits.

Related Asbestos Trust Funds

Workers exposed to asbestos at Eagle-Picher Industries Joplin Plant may be eligible to file claims with the following trust funds:

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of asbestos products did Eagle-Picher manufacture?

Eagle-Picher manufactured asbestos-containing insulation, cement, industrial coatings, refractory products, and sealants used in construction, industrial, and military applications.

Is there an Eagle-Picher asbestos trust fund?

Yes, the Eagle-Picher Industries Personal Injury Settlement Trust was established following the company's 2005 bankruptcy to compensate workers and others affected by asbestos exposure from Eagle-Picher products.

Were only plant workers at risk from Eagle-Picher asbestos?

No, thousands of downstream workers who installed or worked around Eagle-Picher insulation products at construction sites, shipyards, and industrial facilities have also filed asbestos claims.

Get a Free Case Evaluation

If you or a loved one worked at Eagle-Picher Industries Joplin Plant and have been diagnosed with mesothelioma, lung cancer, or asbestosis, our attorneys can help you explore your legal options. There is no cost, no pressure, and no obligation.

Free & Confidential No upfront costs, no hidden fees. You pay nothing unless we recover compensation.
Nationwide Representation Licensed to handle mesothelioma cases in all 50 states from our Houston office.
Over 25 Years of Experience Our attorneys have recovered over $2 billion for mesothelioma patients and families.
Fast Results Trust fund claims can resolve in as few as 90 days. We move quickly for our clients.

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Sources:

  • EPA records — accessed 2026-03-09
  • Eagle-Picher bankruptcy filings — accessed 2026-03-09
  • OSHA compliance records — accessed 2026-03-09
  • Missouri DNR records — accessed 2026-03-09
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