Asbestos Exposure in Michigan

Abandoned Places in Michigan: Hidden Sites of Asbestos Exposure

Michigan’s abandoned industrial sites tell a troubling story of widespread asbestos exposure that continues to impact residents today. From shuttered automotive plants to closed shipyards, these abandoned places in Michigan represent decades of dangerous asbestos use across the state’s industrial landscape. Understanding Michigan’s asbestos history is crucial for raising awareness and advocating for affected individuals and their families dealing with asbestos-related diagnoses.

The map above shows numerous job sites, cities, and counties where known asbestos exposure in Michigan has occurred. While hundreds of sites are documented, this represents only a fraction of the places where Michiganders may have encountered deadly asbestos fibers. Many of these locations now stand as abandoned reminders of the state’s industrial past.

If you believe you were exposed to asbestos at a site not shown on our map, we want to hear from you. Contact our experienced Michigan asbestos attorneys today.

Michigan’s Industrial Legacy: From Thriving Plants to Abandoned Asbestos Sites

Michigan’s position in the heart of the Rust Belt created a perfect storm for asbestos exposure across countless industrial facilities. Many of these sites, once bustling with activity, now sit abandoned throughout the state. This industrial heritage has contributed to Michigan’s elevated risk of mesothelioma and lung cancer among residents who worked at these locations.

The consequences of historical asbestos use at these industrial sites continue impacting Michigan today. Residents throughout the Upper and Lower Peninsula face higher than average rates of asbestos-related disease diagnoses, often decades after exposure at facilities that may now be closed or abandoned.

Alarming Michigan Asbestos Statistics: The Ongoing Impact

According to the CDC, Michigan exhibits a concerning mesothelioma death rate of approximately 9.3 people per million annually. The state ranks 10th nationally for mesothelioma and asbestos-related deaths, with:

• Over 1,300 documented mesothelioma deaths
• More than 200 recorded asbestosis deaths
• Projected increases over the next 20-40 years due to the prolonged latency period of asbestos diseases

These statistics reflect exposure at both active and now-abandoned industrial sites throughout Michigan’s history.

Michigan Cities with Documented Asbestos Exposure Sites

Asbestos exposure in Michigan has been identified across urban and industrial areas statewide. Cities with known exposure sites include:

• Detroit – Home to numerous abandoned automotive plants
• Grand Rapids – Industrial facilities and processing plants
• Ann Arbor – Manufacturing and institutional buildings
• Midland – Chemical processing facilities
• Dearborn – Automotive and steel production sites
• Flint – Automotive manufacturing facilities
• Lansing – Government and industrial buildings
• Saginaw – Manufacturing and processing plants
• Pontiac – Automotive production facilities
• Marquette – Mining and shipping operations

Virtually every city in Michigan contains buildings, machinery, or infrastructure that once contained asbestos, with many of these sites now abandoned or demolished.

High-Risk Industries: Michigan’s Abandoned Asbestos Exposure Sites

Michigan’s industrial landscape created numerous opportunities for asbestos exposure. Key industries that significantly contributed to this exposure include:

Automotive Industry: Detroit’s Abandoned Manufacturing Legacy

Detroit’s automotive hub housed major plants from Ford, General Motors, Chrysler, Plymouth, Hudson Motor Car Corp, and Continental Motor Company. Many of these facilities, once integral to the state’s economy, contained extensive asbestos materials. Several have since closed, leaving behind contaminated abandoned sites.

Shipbuilding Operations: Great Lakes Maritime Heritage

With the largest inland coastline, Michigan’s shipbuilding industry created significant asbestos exposure risks. Shipyards like Eldean Shipyard and Defoe Shipyard served as major exposure sites, with some facilities now abandoned along Michigan’s waterways.

Steel Production: Supporting Michigan’s Industrial Base

Numerous steel mills, metalworking shops, and foundries supported Michigan’s automotive sector using asbestos extensively. Sites like Michigan Steel Foundry and Great Lakes Steel Mills represent major exposure locations, with some operations now closed.

Oil and Petroleum: Refineries and Distribution Centers

Michigan’s oil refineries and distribution hubs used asbestos for fire prevention. Companies like Consolidated Oil, Citrin Oil, and Marathon Oil operated facilities where workers faced exposure risks at locations that may now be abandoned or repurposed.

Power Generation: Utilities Across Michigan

Power plants throughout Michigan contained asbestos materials. Northern Michigan Electric Cooperative, Detroit Edison, and Central Michigan Light and Power Company operated facilities with known asbestos exposure, including several nuclear plants that have since been decommissioned.

Beyond Major Industries: Community-Wide Exposure Sites

Smaller facilities including hospitals, chemical plants, and schools also contributed to community-wide asbestos exposure throughout Michigan. Many of these buildings have been abandoned or demolished over the decades.

Natural Asbestos Deposits and Import Sites in Michigan

Five Michigan areas contain naturally occurring asbestos deposits: Iron Mountain, Negaunee, Marquette, Niagara, and Norway. Additionally, vermiculite importation brought significant asbestos contamination to cities including Dearborn, Grand Rapids, Reed City, Warren, Elsie, Milan, and River Rouge.

The W.R. Grace Company played a major role in this contamination before filing for bankruptcy due to numerous asbestos lawsuits. Many of these import and processing sites now stand abandoned, potentially still containing asbestos hazards.

Exposed to Asbestos at Michigan Sites But Living Elsewhere?

Serling & Abramson, P.C. specializes in asbestos exposure cases throughout Michigan and nationwide. If you were exposed to asbestos in Michigan and have since relocated to another state, we can help you pursue justice.

Whether your exposure occurred at an active facility or one of Michigan’s many abandoned industrial sites, our experienced attorneys understand the complex history of asbestos use throughout the state. Contact our office today or complete a free case evaluation to discuss your legal options.