For much of the 20th century, countless asbestos exposure jobs in WV quietly endangered the lives of workers and their families. From boiler operators in powerhouses to pipefitters in chemical plants, West Virginians across nearly every skilled trade were exposed to deadly asbestos fibers.
Today, many are being diagnosed with mesothelioma, lung cancer, or asbestosis decades later. If you or a loved one worked in one of these high-risk jobs, you may be eligible for compensation through lawsuits, settlements, or asbestos trust funds.
Common Asbestos Exposure Jobs in WV
West Virginia’s industrial backbone was built on industries that heavily used asbestos. The following occupations were among the most exposed:
- Boilermakers – Powerhouses, steel mills, and schools
- Electricians – Switchgear, panels, arc chutes, wiring insulation
- Insulators – Pipe covering, cement, block, refractory
- Millwrights – Maintenance in heavy industrial settings
- Pipefitters – Chemical plants, paper mills, oil refineries
- Refractory Bricklayers – Coke ovens, furnaces, kilns
- Laborers and Utility Workers – Cleanup crews, support trades
- Carpenters and Sheet Metal Workers – Roofing, siding, ductwork
- Machinists – Lathes, brake pads, friction materials
- Steamfitters – Boiler rooms, heating systems, industrial plants
These workers frequently disturbed or worked near asbestos insulation, gaskets, valves, pumps, and cement — especially before the 1980s.
Where These Jobs Were Located
Asbestos exposure jobs in WV were concentrated in:
- Steel mills (Weirton, Follansbee, Wheeling-Pittsburgh)
- Chemical plants (Union Carbide, DuPont, FMC, Monsanto)
- Power plants (Mount Storm, Kammer, Harrison, John Amos)
- Glass plants (Wheaton, Fostoria, Owens-Illinois)
- Paper mills (Luke, Covington, and cross-river job sites)
- Coal mines and prep plants (Southern WV, Fairmont, Morgantown)
- Refineries and boiler houses across the Ohio Valley
Even school custodians, hospital maintenance workers, and railroad employees faced exposure in everyday maintenance tasks.
👉 Search Asbestos Job Sites in West Virginia
Secondhand Asbestos Exposure from Job Sites
These jobs didn’t only endanger the workers. Take-home asbestos exposure affected spouses and children who laundered dusty uniforms or hugged their father after a shift. In West Virginia, these cases are legally recognized and may qualify for compensation.
What to Do If You Worked in an Asbestos Exposure Job in WV
If you or a loved one worked one of these jobs and now have a diagnosis of mesothelioma or lung cancer, you may be entitled to:
- Asbestos trust fund compensation
- Lawsuits against manufacturers of asbestos products
- Wrongful death claims (if a loved one has passed)
- Settlements for take-home exposure
You do not have to know which product caused the exposure. An experienced asbestos lawyer can track it down for you.
Talk to a West Virginia Asbestos Lawyer Today
Attorney Lee W. Davis has represented West Virginia asbestos victims for over 25 years — including boilermakers, electricians, millwrights, and surviving families. If you worked in an asbestos exposure job in WV and got sick years later, help is available.
📞 Call 412-781-0525 or fill out the secure form below to start your claim.
Check If Your Family Was Exposed
Get your free guide instantly + a confidential case review.
🔒 100% Confidential. No obligations.
FAQ – Asbestos Exposure Jobs WV
What jobs in WV had the highest asbestos exposure?
Trades like pipefitters, insulators, electricians, and boilermakers faced daily exposure in power plants, mills, and chemical plants.
Can family members file claims for asbestos exposure?
Yes. West Virginia recognizes take-home asbestos exposure claims when family members develop mesothelioma or lung cancer due to contaminated clothing.
Is it too late to file a claim if I retired years ago?
Not necessarily. WV has a two-year statute of limitations from the date of diagnosis, not exposure. You may still qualify.