Asbestos at Belle Plant became a hidden risk. The DuPont Belle Plant in Kanawha County, West Virginia, played a significant role in the state’s chemical industry history. Yet for many workers and their families. For decades, the plant handled materials and processes involving asbestos, placing employees—and in some cases, their household members—at serious health risk.
Asbestos was commonly used in high-heat industrial environments, especially in chemical production facilities like Belle. Insulation, gaskets, and fireproofing materials often contained asbestos fibers. Unfortunately, when these fibers were disturbed during maintenance, construction, or even daily operations, they could become airborne and inhaled. Many former employees may not have realized they were exposed at all—until the symptoms of mesothelioma, lung cancer, or asbestosis appeared years later.
History of Exposure at the Belle Plant
Located along the Kanawha River, the Belle Plant operated under DuPont. Workers in maintenance, pipefitting, electrical work, and chemical processing roles were particularly vulnerable. Internal reports and industrial hygiene records indicate that asbestos-containing materials were prevalent throughout the site well into the 1980s.
Some workers carried fibers home on their clothing, placing spouses and children at risk—a pattern we now recognize as take-home asbestos exposure.
Legal Options for Victims of Asbestos at Belle Plant
If you or a loved one worked at the Belle Plant and were later diagnosed with mesothelioma or another asbestos-related illness, you may have legal options. West Virginia courts have long recognized liability for companies that failed to warn workers about asbestos dangers or failed to provide protective gear.
Even if the company has since changed ownership, compensation may still be available through settlements, lawsuits, or asbestos bankruptcy trusts. Records from Belle’s operating years can help trace job duties and confirm likely exposure.
Why Asbestos at Belle Plant Still Matters
Today, we are still uncovering the full extent of harm caused by asbestos at Belle Plant. Because asbestos diseases can take 20–50 years to manifest, people continue to be diagnosed—even decades after their exposure. Filing a claim now can help secure compensation for medical expenses, loss of income, and suffering.
If your loved one passed away due to asbestos disease, you may also be eligible to file a wrongful death claim under West Virginia law.
If you or your family were affected by asbestos at Belle Plant, contact the Law Offices of Lee W. Davis today at 📞 412-781-00525. We’ve handled asbestos claims across West Virginia for over 35 years—and we can help you, too.
READ MORE ABOUT ASBESTOS EXPOSURE AT MITCHELL POWER STATION IN MOUNDSVILLE, WV HERE