Marathon Detroit Refinery The Marathon Detroit Refinery has operated in southwest Detroit since 1930, processing crude oil in close proximity to residential neighborhoods. Asbestos was a standard industrial material at this facility for decades, exposing workers and nearby communities to harmful fibers.
Last verified: 2026-03-09Originally constructed in 1930 by Aurora Gasoline Company, the Detroit Refinery was acquired by Marathon Oil in 1959. The refinery expanded through the mid-twentieth century with asbestos used as the primary insulation material in all process units. With a capacity of approximately 140,000 barrels per day, the facility has been one of the largest industrial operations in metropolitan Detroit.
Workers at the Marathon Detroit Refinery handled asbestos-containing insulation, gaskets, and packing materials throughout the refinery process units. During turnaround maintenance periods, crews stripped old asbestos insulation from pipes and equipment, generating significant airborne fiber exposure in often poorly ventilated areas. Contract workers brought in for major maintenance projects were also exposed, often without the benefit of employer health monitoring programs.
The following job categories at Marathon Detroit Refinery had the highest risk of asbestos exposure:
Former Marathon Detroit Refinery employees have been diagnosed with mesothelioma, lung cancer, and asbestosis attributable to workplace asbestos exposure. The refinery environment, combined with exposure to other petrochemical substances, may have increased the overall cancer risk for workers. Nearby residents have also raised concerns about potential environmental exposure from the facility.
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 Marathon Detroit 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 Marathon Detroit Refinery between 1940s–1980s 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 Marathon Detroit Refinery may be eligible to file claims with the following trust funds:
If you were exposed to asbestos at Marathon Detroit Refinery and have been diagnosed with mesothelioma, these specialized treatment centers in Michigan may be able to help.
Asbestos-containing materials were used at the Detroit Refinery from the 1930s through the early 1980s, primarily in pipe insulation, gaskets, valve packing, and thermal blankets throughout the refinery process equipment.
Insulators, pipe fitters, boilermakers, maintenance mechanics, and general refinery operators were among the most exposed workers. Anyone involved in maintenance, construction, or repair work in the refinery process areas likely encountered asbestos materials.
Yes. Contract workers, including those employed by insulation contractors, maintenance companies, and construction firms, who were exposed to asbestos at the Marathon Detroit Refinery may be eligible to file legal claims and access asbestos trust funds.
If you or a loved one worked at Marathon Detroit 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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