Gary Works, in Gary, Indiana, on the shore of Lake Michigan, was once the world’s largest steel mill, employing as many as 30,000 individuals at one time. It has a much reduced capacity from its peak in the 1970s, but the plant is still operating under the direction of U.S. Steel. The Gary Works includes both steelmaking and finishing facilities as an integrated mill.
Before OSHA and other work safety agencies determined that asbestos was extremely toxic and linked to specific deadly cancers, almost every steel mill facility contained the material. Much of the substance that was installed in old plants still remains.
Why did steel mills use asbestos? Due to the nature of the work, steel production involves extremely high temperatures, and asbestos was thought to be the perfect insulator because it was cheap, abundant, durable, flexible and heat resistant. Thus, steel mills like Gary Works, and countless others, used asbestos in various applications. Asbestos insulation was installed in many buildings in the flooring, siding, roofing, piping, machinery, and even the protective gear (gloves, aprons, masks) issued to steel workers.
As a result of chronic toxic exposure, many former Gary Works and U.S. Steel workers have developed occupational lung diseases and illnesses, including the following:
- Mesothelioma
- Lung Cancer
- Colorectal Cancer
- Stomach Cancer
- Bladder Cancer
- Asbestosis
- Esophageal Cancer
- Other related pulmonary conditions
For many former workers at steel plants, exposure many years prior may not pose a health issue until many years later. When asbestos cancers do begin to present with symptoms, they are generally already in the later stages. It is prudent to seek medical care as soon as possible. Individuals and families can contact an experienced asbestos lawyer with medical records and work history documentation to begin filing a claim to help compensate for medical bills and other damages.
