Detroit Factory Asbestos Exposure remains a major concern for thousands of Michigan workers who built America’s automotive and manufacturing legacy. From the 1940s through the 1980s, asbestos was used in nearly every Detroit factory—insulating boilers, turbines, brake systems, and pipework.
Asbestos exposure didn’t just happen on the assembly lines. Maintenance crews, electricians, and machinists working in confined plant spaces breathed in asbestos fibers daily. Over time, many developed mesothelioma, lung cancer, or asbestosis, sometimes decades after retirement.
Where Exposure Occurred in Detroit
- Automotive Plants: Engine foundries and brake manufacturing sites used asbestos parts.
- Tool & Die Shops: Heat-resistant materials on presses and molds.
- Powerhouses & Utilities: Asbestos insulation on boilers and steam pipes.
- Industrial Warehouses: Pipefitters and welders disturbed old asbestos coatings.
Even workers performing simple maintenance or cleaning around boilers and furnaces risked breathing airborne fibers, which settled throughout the factory environment.
👉 Search Asbestos Job Sites in Michigan
Legal Rights for Detroit Workers
If you worked in Detroit’s auto, tool, or manufacturing industries and later developed an asbestos-related illness, you may qualify for compensation. Attorney Lee W. Davis, licensed in MI, PA, and WV, has represented thousands of industrial workers since 1988.
His firm investigates plant records, product suppliers, and exposure pathways to file claims through asbestos trust funds or litigation. No fees are charged unless compensation is obtained.
Free Consultation: Call (412) 781-0525 or visit leewdavis.com for assistance.
FAQs – Detroit Factory Asbestos Exposure
Which Detroit factories used asbestos materials?
Many auto plants, including engine, brake, and transmission factories, used asbestos until the 1980s.
What illnesses can asbestos exposure cause?
Mesothelioma, lung cancer, and asbestosis are the most common asbestos-related diseases.
Can retired workers still file claims?
Yes. Asbestos diseases often develop decades later, and claims remain valid after diagnosis.
How long do I have to file?
Michigan law generally allows three years after diagnosis to begin a claim.
What proof is needed to file?
Work history, jobsite records, or coworker affidavits help establish asbestos exposure evidence.