WV Steel Mill Exposure has been a long-standing danger for generations of workers who kept West Virginia’s steel industry running. From Weirton to Wheeling, Fairmont, and beyond, steel mills once relied heavily on asbestos-containing insulation, pipe coverings, furnaces, and gaskets to withstand extreme heat. Unfortunately, that same insulation released microscopic fibers that still threaten the health of former employees today.
Throughout the 1940s – 1980s, nearly every process inside a steel mill — smelting, casting, boiler maintenance, and machine repair — involved direct contact with asbestos. When those materials were cut or replaced, fibers filled the air. Decades later, countless workers have developed mesothelioma, lung cancer, and asbestosis because of occupational exposure.
Common Exposure Areas in West Virginia Mills
- Blast Furnaces & Open Hearths: firebrick and lagging coated in asbestos.
- Boiler Rooms & Power Houses: insulation on turbines and pipes.
- Maintenance Shops: gasket and valve work releasing fibers.
- Rolling Mills: machinery lined with asbestos felt and cement.
Even retired or contract workers who performed cleanups or repairs years later may still face long-term health consequences.
👉 Search West Virginia Asbestos Job Sites
Legal Rights for WV Steel Workers
If you or a family member worked in a West Virginia steel mill and were later diagnosed with an asbestos-related disease, you may qualify for compensation. Attorney Lee W. Davis, licensed in WV, PA, and MI, represents mill workers and families seeking recovery through asbestos trusts, settlements, and active litigation.
Our team investigates employment history, product identification, and mill records to prove exposure and secure compensation from manufacturers that supplied asbestos products.
Free Consultation: Call (412) 781-0525 or visit leewdavis.com.
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FAQs – WV Steel Mill Exposure to Asbestos
Where did most WV steel mill exposure occur?
Major sites included Weirton Steel, Wheeling-Pittsburgh Steel, and Fairmont Works, all of which used asbestos materials extensively before the 1980s.
What diseases are linked to mill asbestos exposure?
Mesothelioma, lung cancer, and asbestosis are most common.
Can family members also be affected?
Yes. Asbestos dust brought home on clothing can cause secondary exposure.
Q4: How long after exposure can symptoms appear?
A: Diseases may take 20–50 years to develop.
Q5: What compensation is available?
A: Asbestos trust funds, lawsuit settlements, and medical cost reimbursement.