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Manufacturing

National Gypsum Gold Bond Plant

National Gypsum Gold Bond Plant

National Gypsum Gold Bond Plant National Gypsum's Gold Bond Building Products division in Buffalo manufactured asbestos-containing joint compound, fireproofing materials, and acoustical tiles that were used in millions of buildings across America.

Last verified: 2026-03-09
Written by Paul Danziger, J.D. & Rod De Llano, J.D.
•
Legally reviewed by Michelle Whitman, Mesothelioma Litigation Specialist
•
30+ years of mesothelioma litigation experience
Location
Buffalo, NY
Industry
Gypsum & Building Materials Manufacturing
Exposure Era
1930s–1970s
Primary Asbestos Products
Joint compound, Asbestos-containing drywall, Acoustical tiles, Fireproofing materials, Texturing products
Job Categories at Risk
Production workers, Mixing operators, Packaging workers, Machine operators, Maintenance staff

History & Asbestos Use

National Gypsum Company was founded in Buffalo, New York in 1925 and grew to become one of the largest gypsum and building products manufacturers in the United States under its Gold Bond brand. The company's products, including joint compound and fireproofing materials, contained asbestos for decades. National Gypsum's Gold Bond joint compound was one of the most widely used asbestos-containing products in residential construction. The company filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in 1990 due to asbestos liabilities and established a trust to compensate victims.

Exposure Details

Workers at the Buffalo facility were exposed to asbestos during the mixing, processing, and packaging of joint compound, acoustical tiles, and fireproofing products. The mixing of dry joint compound ingredients generated heavy airborne dust containing asbestos fibers. Downstream users—drywall finishers, plasterers, and construction workers—were also heavily exposed when sanding and mixing Gold Bond products on jobsites.

Workers at Risk

The following job categories at National Gypsum Gold Bond Plant had the highest risk of asbestos exposure:

  • Production workers
  • Mixing operators
  • Packaging workers
  • Machine operators
  • Maintenance staff

Health Effects

Former National Gypsum workers and the millions of construction tradespeople who used Gold Bond products have experienced elevated rates of mesothelioma, lung cancer, and asbestosis. Drywall finishers who mixed and sanded Gold Bond joint compound were at particularly high risk. The widespread use of these products in residential construction also created potential exposure for homeowners during renovations.

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 National Gypsum Gold Bond 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 National Gypsum Gold Bond Plant?

Workers who were employed at National Gypsum Gold Bond 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.

Speak with an Attorney — Free Request a Free Case Evaluation

Related Asbestos Trust Funds

Workers exposed to asbestos at National Gypsum Gold Bond Plant may be eligible to file claims with the following trust funds:

Treatment Centers in New York

If you were exposed to asbestos at National Gypsum Gold Bond Plant and have been diagnosed with mesothelioma, these specialized treatment centers in New York may be able to help.

Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center

Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center

New York, NY

Comprehensive Cancer Center
View Full Profile
Mount Sinai Health System

Mount Sinai Health System

New York, NY

Cancer Center
View Full Profile
NYU Langone Perlmutter Cancer Center

NYU Langone Perlmutter Cancer Center

New York, NY

Comprehensive Cancer Center
View Full Profile

Browse all treatment centers →

Frequently Asked Questions

What was Gold Bond joint compound?

Gold Bond was National Gypsum's flagship brand of joint compound used to finish drywall seams in construction. Many Gold Bond formulations contained asbestos until the late 1970s, and the product was used in millions of residential and commercial buildings.

Who was exposed to Gold Bond asbestos products?

Both plant workers who manufactured the products and the vast number of drywall finishers, plasterers, and construction workers who mixed, applied, and sanded Gold Bond products on job sites were exposed to asbestos fibers.

Is there a National Gypsum asbestos trust?

Yes, the National Gypsum Asbestos Personal Injury Settlement Trust was established following the company's bankruptcy to provide compensation to individuals harmed by exposure to National Gypsum's asbestos-containing products.

Get a Free Case Evaluation

If you or a loved one worked at National Gypsum Gold Bond 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:

  • National Gypsum bankruptcy filings — accessed 2026-03-09
  • OSHA compliance records — accessed 2026-03-09
  • Product liability litigation documents — accessed 2026-03-09
  • EPA records — accessed 2026-03-09
← All Exposure Sites in New York ← All Exposure Sites
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