National Steel Great Lakes Works National Steel's Great Lakes Works was a major integrated steel mill situated along the Detroit River in Ecorse and River Rouge, Michigan. The facility's blast furnaces, coke ovens, and rolling mills all contained significant amounts of asbestos insulation that exposed thousands of workers over several decades.
Last verified: 2026-03-09Great Lakes Works began operations in the early 1900s as part of the Great Lakes Steel Corporation before becoming a National Steel facility. The plant produced flat-rolled steel products for the automotive industry and other manufacturers. Asbestos insulation was integral to the plant's high-temperature operations from the 1930s until abatement began in the late 1970s. U.S. Steel acquired the facility in 2003 and operated it until closure of the blast furnaces in 2020.
Workers encountered asbestos in blast furnace linings, hot blast stove insulation, steam pipe lagging, and gaskets on valves and flanges throughout the mill. The coke plant and blast furnace areas were particularly hazardous due to the volume of insulation material and frequent maintenance requirements. Workers in the power plant and boiler house also faced high exposure from insulated steam lines and turbine equipment.
The following job categories at National Steel Great Lakes Works had the highest risk of asbestos exposure:
Former Great Lakes Works employees have been diagnosed with mesothelioma, asbestosis, and lung cancer linked to their workplace asbestos exposure. The proximity to the Detroit metropolitan area means that many affected workers and their families reside throughout southeastern Michigan. Ongoing medical monitoring is recommended for all former workers who may have been exposed.
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 National Steel Great Lakes Works 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 National Steel Great Lakes Works 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 National Steel Great Lakes Works and have been diagnosed with mesothelioma, these specialized treatment centers in Michigan may be able to help.
Great Lakes Works primarily produced flat-rolled steel products, including hot-rolled and cold-rolled sheets used heavily by the automotive industry. All stages of production involved equipment insulated with asbestos-containing materials.
Asbestos abatement began in the late 1970s and continued over subsequent decades as older equipment was replaced or upgraded. However, workers employed before and during the abatement period may have experienced significant asbestos exposure.
Yes. Former steelworkers at Great Lakes Works who have been diagnosed with asbestos-related diseases may be eligible for compensation through legal claims against asbestos product manufacturers, trust funds, and other responsible parties.
If you or a loved one worked at National Steel Great Lakes Works 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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