Asbestos Exposure Sites in Ohio
Ohio has 6 documented asbestos exposure sites spanning 4 industries. Workers at these facilities were exposed to asbestos-containing materials — often in shipyards, power plants, refineries, and manufacturing plants — and may be eligible for compensation through trust fund claims and lawsuits.
Asbestos Exposure in Ohio
Ohio ranks among the states with the most asbestos-related deaths, a result of its massive industrial base spanning steel production, automotive manufacturing, rubber and tire production, and chemical processing. The steel mills along the Mahoning River Valley in Youngstown, the Republic Steel and LTV Steel operations in Cleveland, and the Armco Steel works in Middletown used asbestos insulation extensively on furnaces, ladles, and rolling mill equipment. The rubber and tire industry in Akron — home to Goodyear, Firestone, B.F. Goodrich, and General Tire — exposed workers to asbestos used in tire manufacturing, brake linings, and factory insulation. The General Motors, Ford, and Chrysler assembly plants throughout the state used asbestos in automotive components and facility insulation. Ohio's chemical industry, including operations by Procter & Gamble, Dow Chemical, and others in Cleveland, Cincinnati, and along the Ohio River, used asbestos in processing equipment. The Portsmouth Gaseous Diffusion Plant, a uranium enrichment facility, contained extensive asbestos materials. Power plants operated by American Electric Power, FirstEnergy, and other utilities used asbestos throughout the state. Wright-Patterson Air Force Base near Dayton is a major military installation with a history of asbestos use. Ohio's two-year statute of limitations from discovery requires prompt legal action upon diagnosis.
Major industries linked to asbestos exposure in Ohio: Steel production, Rubber and tire manufacturing, Automotive manufacturing, Chemical processing, Power generation, Military installations.
Notable exposure sites: Goodyear/Firestone plants, Akron; U.S. Steel/Republic Steel, Cleveland/Youngstown; Portsmouth Gaseous Diffusion Plant; Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Dayton; General Motors plants, various locations.
Manufacturing
Steel Mills
Frequently Asked Questions: Asbestos Exposure in Ohio
What is Ohio's statute of limitations for mesothelioma claims?
Ohio has a two-year statute of limitations from the date of diagnosis or discovery for personal injury claims. Wrongful death claims must also be filed within two years of the date of death.
Were Akron rubber workers exposed to asbestos?
Yes. The Goodyear, Firestone, B.F. Goodrich, and General Tire factories in Akron used asbestos in tire manufacturing, brake linings, and factory insulation. Rubber workers were routinely exposed to asbestos fibers during production and maintenance operations.
What about Ohio steelworkers?
Ohio steelworkers in Youngstown, Cleveland, and Middletown were among the most heavily exposed industrial workers in the nation. Asbestos insulation was used on blast furnaces, steel ladles, pipe systems, and throughout the mills, creating daily exposure for workers.
Can Portsmouth Gaseous Diffusion Plant workers get compensation?
Yes. Workers at the Portsmouth plant may have claims against asbestos product manufacturers and may also qualify for federal compensation under the Energy Employees Occupational Illness Compensation Program Act (EEOICPA) for illnesses related to nuclear weapons work.