BP Whiting Refinery The BP Whiting Refinery on the shore of Lake Michigan is one of the oldest and largest inland refineries in the United States, processing over 400,000 barrels per day. Workers at this facility were exposed to asbestos in insulation and industrial components for decades.
Last verified: 2026-03-09Founded by Standard Oil of Indiana in 1889, the Whiting Refinery is one of the oldest continuously operating refineries in the country. The plant underwent major expansions in the 1930s and 1950s, during which asbestos was used extensively in insulation, fireproofing, and process equipment. Ownership transitioned through Amoco to BP following the 1998 merger, but the asbestos legacy dates to the earliest decades of operation.
Asbestos-containing insulation was applied to the vast network of pipes, boilers, catalytic crackers, and heat exchangers throughout the Whiting Refinery. Maintenance crews regularly disturbed asbestos materials during scheduled shutdowns and emergency repairs, creating airborne fiber exposure. Workers in the older units of the refinery, some dating to the early 1900s, encountered the heaviest concentrations of deteriorating asbestos insulation.
The following job categories at BP Whiting Refinery had the highest risk of asbestos exposure:
Former Whiting Refinery workers have filed numerous claims for mesothelioma, asbestosis, and asbestos-related lung cancer. The industrial environment of the refinery, with its enclosed process areas and steam-generating equipment, created conditions where asbestos fiber concentrations could reach dangerous levels. Workers employed during the peak asbestos era of the 1940s through 1970s faced the greatest risk.
Health information is based on established medical research on asbestos exposure. Asbestos is classified as a known human carcinogen by the National Cancer Institute, the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry, and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Consult a physician for medical advice specific to your situation.
Workers exposed to asbestos at BP Whiting Refinery may be entitled to compensation through asbestos trust funds, personal injury lawsuits, or veterans benefits. Mesothelioma patients and their families have recovered billions in compensation from companies that manufactured or used asbestos products.
2 asbestos trust funds have been identified as potentially related to exposure at this site. Many mesothelioma patients qualify to file claims with multiple trusts simultaneously.
Find Out If You QualifyWorkers who were employed at BP Whiting Refinery between 1930s–1970s may have been exposed to asbestos-containing materials. If you've been diagnosed with mesothelioma, lung cancer, or asbestosis, you may have legal options including trust fund claims and lawsuits.
Workers exposed to asbestos at BP Whiting Refinery may be eligible to file claims with the following trust funds:
The BP Whiting Refinery was originally built by Standard Oil of Indiana in 1889. It later became part of Amoco and then BP through corporate mergers. The asbestos exposure history spans all ownership periods, particularly from the 1930s through the late 1970s.
Insulators, pipe fitters, boilermakers, and maintenance workers faced the highest exposure levels. These tradespeople routinely worked directly with asbestos insulation, gaskets, and valve packing during construction, maintenance, and turnaround operations.
Yes. Family members who developed mesothelioma or other asbestos-related diseases through secondary exposure from contaminated work clothing may be eligible to file claims. Spouses who laundered asbestos-contaminated garments are among those who have successfully pursued legal action.
If you or a loved one worked at BP Whiting Refinery and have been diagnosed with mesothelioma, lung cancer, or asbestosis, our attorneys can help you explore your legal options. There is no cost, no pressure, and no obligation.
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