Bethlehem Steel Sparrows Point Bethlehem Steel's Sparrows Point facility near Baltimore was the largest tidewater steel mill in the world and also included a major shipyard. Workers in both the steel mill and shipyard operations were heavily exposed to asbestos insulation and fireproofing materials for decades.
Last verified: 2026-03-09Opened in 1889 on the Chesapeake Bay, Sparrows Point grew to encompass both steelmaking and shipbuilding operations spanning over 3,100 acres. During World War II, the facility produced massive quantities of steel plate and built Liberty ships, with asbestos used extensively in both operations. The plant changed ownership multiple times before final closure in 2012, with ongoing environmental remediation.
The dual nature of the Sparrows Point facility meant workers faced asbestos exposure from both steel mill insulation and shipbuilding materials. Blast furnaces, coke ovens, and steam lines were wrapped in asbestos insulation, while the shipyard used asbestos extensively in ship hulls, engine rooms, and boiler compartments. Cross-craft exposure was common as workers moved between mill and shipyard areas.
The following job categories at Bethlehem Steel Sparrows Point had the highest risk of asbestos exposure:
Sparrows Point has one of the highest documented rates of asbestos-related disease among U.S. industrial facilities. Former workers have been diagnosed with mesothelioma, asbestosis, and lung cancer in significant numbers. The combination of steel mill and shipyard asbestos exposure created exceptionally high cumulative doses for many long-term employees.
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 Bethlehem Steel Sparrows Point 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.
Find Out If You QualifyWorkers who were employed at Bethlehem Steel Sparrows Point between 1940s–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.
If you were exposed to asbestos at Bethlehem Steel Sparrows Point and have been diagnosed with mesothelioma, these specialized treatment centers in Maryland may be able to help.
Sparrows Point combined a steel mill and a shipyard, both of which used asbestos extensively. Workers were exposed to asbestos from furnace insulation, pipe lagging, and ship construction materials, often resulting in higher cumulative exposure than at single-operation facilities.
Yes. The site required extensive environmental remediation after closure, including asbestos removal from remaining structures. The EPA and Maryland Department of the Environment have overseen cleanup efforts at the former industrial complex.
Former steelworkers, shipyard workers, maintenance personnel, and their family members who developed asbestos-related diseases may be eligible to file claims against responsible asbestos manufacturers and through bankruptcy trust funds.
If you or a loved one worked at Bethlehem Steel Sparrows Point 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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