Detroit Diesel Asbestos Exposure created deadly risks for workers and their families in Redford, MI. The plant, a former division of General Motors, used asbestos in heavy-duty engine production from the 1940s through the 1980s—putting thousands at risk for mesothelioma and other diseases.
Where Was Asbestos Used in Detroit Diesel?
Asbestos was integrated into multiple parts of the facility, including:
- Engine components like gaskets, valves, and exhaust manifolds
- Brake linings and pads on test platforms
- Insulated steam pipes and boilers in maintenance and testing areas
- Protective gear worn by machinists and test cell workers
Line workers, mechanics, maintenance crews, and boiler room employees regularly encountered airborne asbestos fibers, especially during repair, grinding, or cleanup tasks.
Secondary Detroit Diesel Asbestos Exposure
Asbestos exposure wasn’t limited to workers. Families of Detroit Diesel employees were also affected. Take-home asbestos exposure occurred when fibers clung to uniforms, tool belts, and even hair or skin. Many spouses and children later developed mesothelioma simply from doing laundry or living in the same household.
👉 Serach Asbestos Job Sites in Michigan
What You Can Do After Detroit Diesel Asbestos Exposure
If you or a family member has been diagnosed with an asbestos-related illness, and someone in your household worked at Detroit Diesel in Redford, you may be eligible for compensation.
Lee W. Davis has decades of experience helping Michigan families affected by industrial asbestos exposure.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Detroit Diesel Asbestos Exposure
What types of jobs at Detroit Diesel were most exposed to asbestos?
Workers in engine assembly, maintenance, boiler operation, and testing departments faced the highest exposure. Asbestos was used in gaskets, brakes, pipe insulation, and turbine parts. Even those in janitorial or tool room roles could be exposed just by sweeping up dust.
Can family members of Detroit Diesel workers file claims?
Yes. These are known as take-home exposure cases, and Michigan law recognizes them. If your spouse or parent worked at Detroit Diesel and you later developed mesothelioma, you may be eligible for compensation.
Is it too late to file a claim for Detroit Diesel asbestos exposure?
Not necessarily. The statute of limitations usually starts from the date of diagnosis, not the date of exposure. If you’ve been diagnosed recently—even if the exposure happened decades ago—you may still have time.
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