Armstrong World Industries Lancaster Plant

History & Asbestos Use

Armstrong Cork Company, later Armstrong World Industries, established its Lancaster headquarters and manufacturing complex in the early 1900s. The plant produced millions of square feet of vinyl-asbestos floor tiles, asbestos-containing ceiling tiles, and insulation products throughout the mid-20th century. Armstrong was one of the largest producers of asbestos-containing flooring in the United States. Faced with mounting asbestos litigation, the company filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in 2000 and established a trust to compensate victims upon emergence in 2006.

Exposure Details

Workers at the Lancaster plant handled raw chrysotile asbestos during the mixing and production of floor tiles, ceiling tiles, and insulation products. Cutting, grinding, and finishing operations on asbestos-containing tiles generated heavy airborne fiber concentrations. The scale of the facility—spanning multiple buildings across a large campus—meant that asbestos dust was pervasive throughout the manufacturing complex.

Workers at Risk

The following job categories at Armstrong World Industries Lancaster Plant had the highest risk of asbestos exposure:

• Floor tile workers
• Machine operators
• Maintenance workers
• Material handlers
• Quality control inspectors

Health Effects

Epidemiological studies of Armstrong Lancaster workers documented elevated rates of asbestosis, mesothelioma, and lung cancer among long-term employees. Workers in the mixing and cutting departments experienced the highest disease rates. Community members living near the plant also faced potential exposure from airborne emissions and waste disposal practices.

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.

Treatment Centers in Pennsylvania

If you were exposed to asbestos at Armstrong World Industries Lancaster Plant and have been diagnosed with mesothelioma, these specialized treatment centers in Pennsylvania may be able to help.

Penn Medicine (Abramson Cancer Center)

Philadelphia, PA

Comprehensive Cancer Center

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UPMC Hillman Cancer Center

Pittsburgh, PA

Comprehensive Cancer Center

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Frequently Asked Questions

Sources:

• Armstrong bankruptcy filings — accessed 2026-03-09
• OSHA compliance records — accessed 2026-03-09
• Pennsylvania DEP records — accessed 2026-03-09
• Historical manufacturing archives — accessed 2026-03-09