Key Takeaways
- Pennsylvania’s industrial history created widespread asbestos exposure across multiple industries — including automobile repair, construction, steel mills, power plants, and shipbuilding.
- The automobile industry used asbestos in brake pads, clutches, and gaskets. Mechanics in Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, and Scranton were at particularly high risk.
- The construction industry used asbestos in cement, insulation, flooring, and roofing. Some Pennsylvania schools have been shut down due to asbestos contamination.
- The steel industry — centered in and around Pittsburgh — used asbestos in furnaces, kilns, and other high-heat equipment. U.S. Steel is known to have exposed many employees to asbestos.
- The Philadelphia Naval Shipyard used asbestos throughout Navy ships — in pipes, insulation, and living quarters — exposing both shipyard workers and crew members.
Pennsylvania has a long industrial history, with many steel mills, railroads, shipyards and other industrial sites. There are many industries in Pennsylvania that exposed workers to asbestos for many decades. Asbestos was used in these industries as an insulation material and as a heat resistant. Many companies used asbestos in their products as it was relatively cheap compared to some other comparable products. The problem with this is that asbestos is a carcinogen. Exposure to the mineral can lead to asbestos-related diseases, such as mesothelioma, lung cancer, and asbestosis.
Automobile Industry
The automobile has a long history of asbestos use. The mineral was used in brake pads, clutches, and gaskets, as it helped with friction. Auto mechanics were exposed to asbestos while replacing brake pads or sanding down different vehicle parts which would create asbestos dust to be released into the air. Auto repair shops in Pennsylvania that have significant asbestos exposure risk include Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, and Scranton.
Construction Industry
Many buildings that were constructed prior to the 1980s contain asbestos. Building materials that contained asbestos include:
- Cement
- Insulation
- Flooring
- Roofing
There are schools in Pennsylvania that have been shut down due to high amounts of asbestos contamination. Also, those who worked in the construction industry are more likely than the rest of the population to become diagnosed with an asbestos-related disease.
Steel Industry
Asbestos was used heavily in steel mills in equipment such as furnaces and kilns. There is a large steel industry in Pennsylvania, specifically in and around the Pittsburgh area as the city is the home of US Steel. US Steel is known to have exposed many employees to asbestos who have later developed an asbestos-related disease. The steel industry is one of the top industries in Pennsylvania that exposed workers to asbestos.
Power Plant Industry
In Pennsylvania there are many power plants in which asbestos was used for insulation. Power plants contain boilers which are notorious for containing asbestos. Even if you did not work directly with asbestos in a power plant, you could still have been exposed through the asbestos dust that was created.
Shipbuilding Industry
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania is home to the Philadelphia Naval Shipyard. Asbestos was used in many parts throughout Navy ships, including the pipes that would run throughout the entire ship. Those who worked on ships or even slept in the living quarters were at high risk of exposure.
These are some of the top industries in Pennsylvania that exposed workers to asbestos. Many big companies were aware that asbestos was dangerous and knew about its effects on human health but continued to use the carcinogen in their products.
If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with mesothelioma or another asbestos-related disease, you have the right to compensation. We have the experience necessary to help you and your family. We also have many free resources available to those who have questions about treatment options, hospitals to treat at, the legal process, and more. For more information call us at (800) 505-6000, fill out our contact form, or utilize our chat feature.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which Pennsylvania industries exposed the most workers to asbestos?
The industries with the highest asbestos exposure in Pennsylvania include steel mills (particularly in the Pittsburgh area), shipbuilding (the Philadelphia Naval Shipyard), construction, automobile repair, and power plants. Workers in these industries handled asbestos-containing materials daily — often without protective equipment or warning about the health risks.
Were Pennsylvania schools affected by asbestos?
Yes. Some Pennsylvania schools have been shut down due to high levels of asbestos contamination in their building materials. Many school buildings constructed before the 1980s contain asbestos in insulation, flooring, ceiling tiles, and other components. Students, teachers, and staff in these buildings may have been exposed without knowing it.
What should I do if I worked in one of these industries and have been diagnosed with mesothelioma?
If you or a loved one worked in any Pennsylvania industry where asbestos was used and has been diagnosed with mesothelioma or another asbestos-related disease, your work history is a critical piece of your legal case. Call (800) 505-6000 or fill out our contact form for a free consultation.
