April 23, 2024

Great Lakes Steel Employees: Asbestos Exposure Risk

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Asbestos
Lung Cancer
Mesothelioma
Unions & Trades
Eric B. Abramson

Legally Reviewed and Fact Checked by: Eric B. Abramson , President, Shareholder & Trial Attorney

The Great Lakes Steel Works, a major steelmaking and finishing plant located on the Detroit River in Ecorse, Michigan, exposed thousands of workers to dangerous asbestos throughout its decades of operation. Built in 1929 by National Steel Corporation and now owned by U.S. Steel, this facility produced millions of tons of raw steel annually for the automotive industry. Unfortunately, like many industrial facilities of its era, Great Lakes Steel Mills used asbestos extensively in steel production processes, putting workers at serious risk of developing mesothelioma, lung cancer, and other asbestos-related diseases.

If you worked at Great Lakes Steel or another steel facility and have been diagnosed with an asbestos-related illness, Serling & Abramson, P.C. can help. Our Michigan-based law firm has over 50 years of experience obtaining legal victories for workers exposed to asbestos in steel production and other industrial settings. free case evaluation

Asbestos in Steel Production at Great Lakes Steel Mills

Asbestos exposure and U.S. Steel facilities like Great Lakes Steel Works were unfortunately common throughout the 20th century. Asbestos was used abundantly in steel mill manufacturing because of its heat-resistant properties, making it seemingly ideal for the extreme temperatures required in steel production processes.

The facility also maintained operations on Zug Island, a heavily industrialized area in River Rouge. While most steelmaking activities ceased in 2020, portions of the facility remained operational, continuing the legacy of potential asbestos exposure for workers.

How Workers Were Exposed to Asbestos in Steel Mills

Asbestos steel production involved using the mineral in virtually every aspect of the steelmaking process. Workers faced exposure through multiple pathways:

  • Protective Equipment: Thermal protection gear including gloves, aprons, blankets, helmets, and face masks contained asbestos materials
  • Insulation Materials: Pipes, boilers, and furnaces were lined with asbestos insulation
  • Crucible Steel Asbestos: High-temperature crucibles used asbestos in their construction and lining
  • Building Materials: Ceiling tiles, floor tiles, and structural components throughout the facility

During daily operations, microscopic asbestos fibers became airborne and were inhaled by workers, lodging deep in their lungs where mesothelioma and lung cancer can develop decades later.

At-Risk Workers in Steel Mill Operations

Blacksmith asbestos exposure and other occupational hazards affected numerous job categories at Great Lakes Steel Mills:

  • Welders and smelters
  • Blacksmiths and foundry workers
  • Forge operators and iron workers
  • Tinsmiths and sheet metal workers
  • Structural metal craftsmen
  • Pipefitters and plumbers
  • Insulators and boilermakers
  • Millwrights and general laborers
  • Bricklayers and electricians
  • Carpenters and maintenance workers

Even workers who didn’t directly handle asbestos materials faced significant risk of asbestos exposure due to the widespread use of the mineral throughout the facility.

Other Michigan Steel Mills with Asbestos Exposure

Great Lakes Steel was not the only facility where workers faced asbestos exposure. Other steel mills in Michigan with documented asbestos use include:

  • McLouth Steel
  • J&L Steel
  • Ford Rouge Steel
  • Mill Steel Company
  • Dearborn Works
  • Various crucible steel operations throughout the region

Recognizing Signs of Asbestos-Related Diseases

Mesothelioma Symptoms

Crucible steel mesothelioma and other forms of this aggressive cancer typically develop 20-50 years after initial exposure. Warning signs include:

  • Persistent shortness of breath
  • Fluid buildup in lungs or abdomen (pleural effusion)
  • Unexplained weight loss
  • Chest pain, especially after physical activity
  • Bowel obstruction symptoms
  • Severe abdominal pain
  • Chronic, painful coughing
  • Unusual tissue lumps under chest or abdominal skin

Asbestos-Related Lung Cancer Symptoms

Workers exposed to asbestos in steel production may also develop lung cancer, with symptoms including:

  • Persistent shortness of breath
  • Chronic cough that worsens over time
  • Coughing up blood or blood-tinged sputum
  • Persistent chest pain
  • Voice changes or hoarseness
  • Loss of appetite and unexplained weight loss
  • Chronic fatigue and weakness
  • Recurring respiratory infections (bronchitis, pneumonia)
  • Wheezing or labored breathing

Important: Many victims of asbestos-related lung cancer also suffer from asbestosis, a non-cancerous scarring of the lungs caused by inhaling asbestos fibers. This condition often develops years before cancer symptoms appear.

Expert Legal Representation for Steel Mill Workers

The experienced attorneys at Serling & Abramson, P.C. understand the unique challenges faced by Great Lakes Steel Mills workers and their families. Our extensive experience with asbestos litigation allows us to investigate crucial aspects of your case that others might miss:

Secondary Exposure Claims: Family members, particularly spouses who handled work clothes, may have been exposed to asbestos dust brought home from the steel mill. If they’ve developed related illnesses, they may have valid compensation claims.

Second Disease Cases: If you previously filed suit for one asbestos-related condition but have developed new symptoms or additional diagnoses, you may have grounds for a “second disease” lawsuit.

Complex Exposure History: Many steel workers were exposed at multiple job sites throughout their careers. Our attorneys can trace your complete exposure history to identify all potentially liable parties.

Don’t let the statute of limitations expire on your potential claim. free case evaluation Contact Serling & Abramson, P.C. today for a comprehensive review of your case at no charge. We’re committed to helping Michigan workers and families affected by asbestos exposure obtain the compensation they deserve.