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Refineries

Sinclair Oil East Chicago Refinery

Sinclair Oil East Chicago Refinery

Sinclair Oil East Chicago Refinery The Sinclair Oil East Chicago Refinery was part of the dense industrial corridor along the southern shore of Lake Michigan in northwest Indiana. Workers at this refinery were exposed to asbestos-containing materials used in insulation and process equipment throughout the facility.

Last verified: 2026-03-09
Written by Paul Danziger, J.D. & Rod De Llano, J.D.
•
Legally reviewed by Michelle Whitman, Mesothelioma Litigation Specialist
•
30+ years of mesothelioma litigation experience
Location
East Chicago, IN
Industry
Petroleum Refining
Exposure Era
1920s–1970s
Primary Asbestos Products
Pipe insulation, Gaskets, Valve packing, Boiler insulation, Refractory linings
Job Categories at Risk
Refinery operators, Pipe fitters, Insulators, Boilermakers, Laborers

History & Asbestos Use

Sinclair Oil Corporation operated a refinery in East Chicago as part of the heavy industrial complex that dominated the Calumet Region of northwest Indiana. The area concentration of refineries, steel mills, and chemical plants made it one of the most industrialized regions in the United States. Sinclair Oil merged with Atlantic Richfield Company (ARCO) in 1969, and the refinery operations went through various transitions. Asbestos was standard insulation material at the facility from the 1920s through the mid-1970s.

Exposure Details

Workers at the Sinclair East Chicago refinery were exposed to asbestos insulation on piping, boilers, and process vessels throughout the facility. The Calumet Region industrial environment meant that many workers were also exposed to asbestos at neighboring steel mills and factories, compounding their lifetime exposure. Maintenance turnarounds generated heavy asbestos dust as workers stripped and replaced aging insulation materials.

Workers at Risk

The following job categories at Sinclair Oil East Chicago Refinery had the highest risk of asbestos exposure:

  • Refinery operators
  • Pipe fitters
  • Insulators
  • Boilermakers
  • Laborers

Health Effects

The Calumet Region of northwest Indiana, including East Chicago, has documented elevated rates of mesothelioma and asbestos-related disease associated with the area heavy industrial history. Former Sinclair refinery workers have been among those diagnosed with asbestos-related diseases. The combination of refinery asbestos exposure with potential exposure from the region steel mills and other industries created exceptionally high cumulative risk for area workers.

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.

Compensation May Be Available

Workers exposed to asbestos at Sinclair Oil East Chicago 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 Qualify

Were You Exposed to Asbestos at Sinclair Oil East Chicago Refinery?

Workers who were employed at Sinclair Oil East Chicago Refinery between 1920s–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.

Speak with an Attorney — Free Request a Free Case Evaluation

Related Asbestos Trust Funds

Workers exposed to asbestos at Sinclair Oil East Chicago Refinery may be eligible to file claims with the following trust funds:

Related Exposure Sites

Refineries

BP Whiting Refinery

Whiting, IN
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Standard Oil Whiting Refinery

Whiting, IN

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Sinclair Oil East Chicago Refinery still operating?

The original Sinclair refinery in East Chicago is no longer operating under that name. Sinclair merged with ARCO in 1969, and the refinery assets went through various corporate transitions. The site industrial legacy, including asbestos contamination, remains relevant for former workers seeking compensation.

Why is the Calumet Region significant for asbestos exposure?

The Calumet Region of northwest Indiana was one of the most heavily industrialized areas in the United States, with refineries, steel mills, and factories concentrated in a small geographic area. Workers in this region often had asbestos exposure from multiple employers and facilities throughout their careers.

Can I file a claim if Sinclair Oil no longer exists as a separate company?

Yes. Corporate successors inherit liability for asbestos exposure. Since Sinclair merged with ARCO (now part of BP), successor companies may be liable. Additionally, claims can be filed against the manufacturers of asbestos products used at the refinery through asbestos bankruptcy trust funds.

Get a Free Case Evaluation

If you or a loved one worked at Sinclair Oil East Chicago 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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Over 25 Years of Experience Our attorneys have recovered over $2 billion for mesothelioma patients and families.
Fast Results Trust fund claims can resolve in as few as 90 days. We move quickly for our clients.

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Sources:

  • EPA records — accessed 2026-03-09
  • OSHA compliance records — accessed 2026-03-09
  • Indiana Department of Environmental Management — accessed 2026-03-09
← All Exposure Sites in Indiana ← All Exposure Sites
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