The W.R. Grace Asbestos Personal Injury Trust was established with over $3 billion to compensate victims exposed to asbestos-contaminated vermiculite products, including the widely-used Zonolite attic insulation [1]. With payment percentages around 40%—one of the highest among active asbestos trusts—mesothelioma claimants typically receive approximately $50,000 from this trust alone [1]. An estimated 35 million American homes still contain Zonolite insulation, making this a significant ongoing exposure risk.
Executive Summary
W.R. Grace operated the vermiculite mine in Libby, Montana from 1963-1990, producing approximately 80% of the world's vermiculite supply [2]. The ore was contaminated with tremolite asbestos—an amphibole fiber type considered 500 times more potent than chrysotile asbestos [4]. Grace manufactured Zonolite loose-fill insulation and Monokote spray-on fireproofing, installing these products in millions of buildings nationwide. After decades of litigation, Grace filed bankruptcy in 2001 and established the current trust in 2014 [5]. The trust's 40% payment percentage makes it one of the most valuable trust fund claims for mesothelioma patients. Claimants include Libby miners, construction workers, homeowners, and anyone exposed to Grace asbestos products. This trust claim should be part of comprehensive compensation that includes other trust fund claims and lawsuit settlements.
10 Key Facts About the W.R. Grace Trust
- Trust Assets: Established with over $3 billion [5]
- Payment Percentage: Approximately 40%—among the highest [1]
- Mesothelioma Scheduled Value: Approximately $125,000 [1]
- Typical Mesothelioma Payment: Approximately $50,000 [1]
- Primary Products: Zonolite insulation, Monokote fireproofing
- Homes with Zonolite: Estimated 35 million in the US [3]
- Libby Mine Operation: 1963-1990
- Contaminating Fiber: Tremolite asbestos (amphibole type)
- Libby Death Toll: Over 400 residents from asbestos-related disease [2]
- Trust Established: 2014 following bankruptcy emergence [5]
What Is Zonolite and Why Is It So Dangerous?
Zonolite was W.R. Grace's brand name for loose-fill vermiculite attic insulation, marketed from 1963 through 1984 [3]. The product became one of America's most significant sources of residential asbestos exposure.
Estimated US homes containing Zonolite insulation
The Libby, Montana Connection
W.R. Grace's vermiculite came from a mine near Libby, Montana, which produced approximately 80% of the world's vermiculite supply [2]. The ore deposit was naturally contaminated with tremolite asbestos—a particularly dangerous amphibole-type asbestos fiber.
Key facts about Libby contamination:
- Vermiculite ore contained up to 26% tremolite asbestos by weight
- Processing and shipping spread contamination throughout the town
- Over 400 Libby residents have died from asbestos-related diseases [2]
- The EPA declared Libby a Superfund site and public health emergency
Why Tremolite Asbestos Is Especially Dangerous
Research shows amphibole asbestos fibers like tremolite are approximately 500 times more potent than chrysotile (the most common asbestos type) for causing mesothelioma [4]. This is because:
- Amphibole fibers are straighter and more needle-like
- They persist longer in lung tissue
- The body cannot break them down or expel them
- Even brief exposures can cause disease decades later
The asbestos overview provides detailed information on different fiber types.
"The W.R. Grace Trust has one of the highest payment percentages we see—around 40%. With my CPA background, I help clients understand that this single trust can provide $50,000 or more for mesothelioma claims. When combined with other trusts and lawsuit settlements, Grace claims are a significant component of total recovery."
— Paul Danziger, Founding Partner, Danziger & De Llano
What Products Does the W.R. Grace Trust Cover?
The trust compensates victims exposed to various W.R. Grace asbestos products [1].
Zonolite Attic Insulation
The company's most widely distributed product:
- Loose-fill vermiculite insulation poured between attic joists
- Sold at hardware stores nationwide from 1963-1984
- Installed by contractors and DIY homeowners
- Remains in estimated 35 million homes today
Monokote Spray-On Fireproofing
Used in commercial and industrial buildings:
- Spray-applied fireproofing on structural steel
- High-rise buildings, schools, hospitals, commercial structures
- Installation created significant airborne fiber exposure
- Remains hazardous during renovation or demolition
Other Grace Products
- Zonolite masonry fill insulation
- Various industrial vermiculite products
- Agricultural vermiculite applications
The asbestos products database provides comprehensive product identification information.
Who Qualifies for W.R. Grace Trust Claims?
Multiple categories of claimants may qualify for compensation [1].
Libby, Montana Workers and Residents
Those with direct Libby exposure include:
- Mine workers and their families
- Processing plant employees
- Railroad workers who transported ore
- Residents exposed to community-wide contamination
Construction Industry Workers
Workers who installed or encountered Grace products:
- Insulation installers who poured Zonolite
- Fireproofers who applied Monokote
- Demolition workers encountering legacy products
- Renovation contractors disturbing existing insulation
Homeowners and Contractors
Those exposed through residential contact:
- DIY installers who poured their own Zonolite
- Homeowners who disturbed existing insulation
- Contractors performing attic work, electrical, or HVAC installation
- Family members exposed through household contact
The occupational exposure guide provides detailed industry information.
How Does the W.R. Grace Trust Payment Process Work?
The trust follows established procedures for processing claims [1].
W.R. Grace Trust payment percentage—among the highest of active trusts
Claim Processing Options
| Review Type | Timeline | Payment |
|---|---|---|
| Expedited Review | 4-8 weeks | Scheduled value × payment percentage |
| Individual Review | 6-12 months | Potentially higher based on circumstances |
Documentation Requirements
Required evidence includes:
- Medical records: Pathology confirming mesothelioma diagnosis
- Exposure evidence: Work history, residence records, or other proof of contact with Grace products
- Claim forms: Completed trust application documents
- Supporting statements: Affidavits describing exposure circumstances
Scheduled Values by Disease
| Disease Category | Approximate Scheduled Value | Typical Payment (at 40%) |
|---|---|---|
| Mesothelioma | $125,000 | $50,000 |
| Lung Cancer | $75,000-$100,000 | $30,000-$40,000 |
| Severe Asbestosis | $30,000-$60,000 | $12,000-$24,000 |
"Grace Trust claims are particularly valuable because of the 40% payment percentage. For many of our clients, this single trust provides more compensation than several other trusts combined. We ensure every client with potential Zonolite or Monokote exposure files a Grace claim."
— Paul Danziger, Founding Partner, Danziger & De Llano
Is Zonolite Still Dangerous Today?
Yes. Zonolite insulation remains in millions of homes and continues to pose health risks when disturbed [3].
Current Exposure Risks
- Attic renovation: Installing new insulation, storage systems, or HVAC
- Electrical work: Running wires through attic spaces
- Roof repair: Any work disturbing attic insulation
- Home demolition: Tearing down structures with Zonolite
EPA Recommendations
The EPA advises [2]:
- Assume vermiculite insulation contains asbestos unless tested
- Do not disturb suspected Zonolite insulation
- Hire certified asbestos professionals for assessment and removal
- Never vacuum or sweep vermiculite debris
Zonolite Attic Insulation Trust Program
W.R. Grace established a separate program to help homeowners address Zonolite insulation [3]:
- Provides reimbursement up to 55% of removal costs
- Maximum reimbursement of $4,125 per home
- Requires use of certified contractors
- Separate from personal injury trust claims
How Does W.R. Grace Trust Fit with Other Compensation?
Grace Trust claims are one component of comprehensive mesothelioma compensation.
Multiple Compensation Sources
| Source | Typical Amount | Relationship to Grace Claim |
|---|---|---|
| W.R. Grace Trust | ~$50,000 | Primary claim |
| Other trust funds (10-19 trusts) | $130,000-$350,000 | Additional claims based on exposure |
| Lawsuit settlements | $1,000,000-$1,400,000 | Separate legal actions |
| VA benefits (if veteran) | Ongoing monthly payments | Separate federal benefits |
Learn more about trust fund filing strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does the W.R. Grace Trust pay for mesothelioma claims?
The W.R. Grace Trust pays approximately 40% of scheduled values—one of the highest payment percentages among active asbestos trusts. With mesothelioma scheduled values around $125,000, typical payments are approximately $50,000. This makes Grace claims among the most valuable single trust fund claims for mesothelioma patients.
What is Zonolite and why is it dangerous?
Zonolite was W.R. Grace's brand of loose-fill vermiculite attic insulation, sold from 1963-1984. The vermiculite was mined in Libby, Montana, where it was naturally contaminated with tremolite asbestos—an amphibole fiber type approximately 500 times more potent than chrysotile asbestos. An estimated 35 million American homes still contain Zonolite, which remains hazardous when disturbed.
Who qualifies for W.R. Grace Trust claims?
Eligible claimants include: Libby, Montana mine workers and residents; construction workers who installed Zonolite insulation or Monokote fireproofing; demolition and renovation workers who encountered these products; homeowners and contractors exposed during attic work; and family members with secondary exposure. Anyone diagnosed with mesothelioma or other asbestos-related disease who had contact with Grace products may qualify.
Is Zonolite insulation still in homes today?
Yes. Zonolite was installed in an estimated 35 million American homes between 1963-1984, and much of it remains in place. The insulation is hazardous when disturbed—during renovation, electrical work, roof repair, or demolition. The EPA recommends assuming any vermiculite insulation contains asbestos and using certified professionals for assessment or removal.
What made Libby, Montana asbestos exposure unique?
The Libby vermiculite mine produced approximately 80% of the world's vermiculite supply. The ore was naturally contaminated with tremolite asbestos, an amphibole fiber 500 times more potent than chrysotile. Over 400 Libby residents have died from asbestos-related diseases—an extraordinary mortality rate for a town of 3,000 people. The EPA declared Libby a Superfund site and the first public health emergency under Superfund law.
How do I file a W.R. Grace Trust claim?
Claims require proof of mesothelioma diagnosis (pathology reports), documentation of exposure to W.R. Grace products (work history, residence records, or product identification), and completed trust claim forms. Most claimants work with mesothelioma attorneys who handle documentation gathering and filing. The trust accepts claims for Zonolite insulation, Monokote fireproofing, and other Grace asbestos products.
Next Steps: Filing Your W.R. Grace Trust Claim
If you were exposed to Zonolite insulation, Monokote fireproofing, or other W.R. Grace products and have been diagnosed with mesothelioma, the Grace Trust's high payment percentage makes this claim especially valuable.
Our experienced attorneys can evaluate your exposure history, identify all applicable trusts, and ensure you receive maximum compensation from every available source.
Related Resources
- Asbestos Trust Funds: Complete Guide — Overview of all active trusts
- Veterans Benefits for Mesothelioma — VA compensation information
- Find Mesothelioma Lawyers — Connect with specialists nationwide
- Free Case Assessment — Evaluate your options
Learn More
- W.R. Grace Trust — Detailed trust information
- Asbestos Trust Funds — Complete trust fund overview
- Trust Fund Filing Guidance — Step-by-step process
Sources:
- W.R. Grace Trust. (2025). W.R. Grace Asbestos Personal Injury Trust Distribution Procedures.
- Environmental Protection Agency. (2024). Libby, Montana Superfund Site Assessment.
- W.R. Grace. (2024). Zonolite Attic Insulation Trust Program.
- National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health. (2024). Amphibole Asbestos Fiber Potency Study.
- U.S. Bankruptcy Court. (2014). W.R. Grace Bankruptcy Settlement Documents.
Last updated: January 12, 2026
About the Author
Paul DanzigerFounding Partner at Danziger & De Llano with 30+ years of mesothelioma litigation experience and CPA background
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