Asbestos Exposure Sites in Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania has 10 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 Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania ranks among the states with the highest numbers of asbestos-related deaths, driven by its steel industry, shipbuilding, power generation, and heavy manufacturing heritage. The steel mills of Pittsburgh, including U.S. Steel's Homestead Works, J&L Steel, and the Bethlehem Steel plants in Bethlehem and Steelton, used asbestos insulation on blast furnaces, steel ladles, pipes, and throughout their massive facilities. The Philadelphia Naval Shipyard and the Sun Shipbuilding and Drydock Company in Chester built and repaired warships and commercial vessels using enormous quantities of asbestos materials. The coal mining industry in western and central Pennsylvania exposed miners to asbestos in mining equipment and in naturally occurring asbestos found in some coal seams. Power plants operated by PECO Energy, PPL Corporation, and other utilities across the state used asbestos insulation extensively. The Philadelphia Electric Company's generating stations and the nuclear plants at Three Mile Island and Limerick all contained asbestos materials. Industrial facilities in the Lehigh Valley, Lancaster, Reading, and Erie also used asbestos products. The Philadelphia area remains one of the most active asbestos litigation venues in the nation, and Pennsylvania's two-year statute of limitations from discovery requires prompt legal action. The state's diverse industrial history means mesothelioma victims often have claims against multiple defendants.
Major industries linked to asbestos exposure in Pennsylvania: Steel production, Shipbuilding, Coal mining, Power generation, Heavy manufacturing, Railroad equipment.
Notable exposure sites: Philadelphia Naval Shipyard; U.S. Steel Homestead Works, Pittsburgh; Bethlehem Steel, Bethlehem; Sun Shipbuilding, Chester; Three Mile Island Nuclear Generating Station.
Power Plants
Manufacturing
Armstrong World Industries Lancaster Plant
Lancaster, PA
Keasbey & Mattison Ambler Plant
Ambler, PA
Harbison-Walker Refractories Pittsburgh Plant
Pittsburgh, PA
Pittsburgh Corning Corporation Port Allegany Plant
Port Allegany, PA
Nicolet Industries Ambler Plant
Ambler, PA
CertainTeed Corporation Valley Forge Plant
Valley Forge, PA
Frequently Asked Questions: Asbestos Exposure in Pennsylvania
What is Pennsylvania's statute of limitations for mesothelioma claims?
Pennsylvania 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 Pittsburgh steelworkers exposed to asbestos?
Yes. The steel mills of Pittsburgh and surrounding areas, including U.S. Steel, J&L Steel, and others, used asbestos insulation extensively. Steelworkers, pipefitters, and maintenance workers had heavy and prolonged exposure to asbestos fibers throughout their careers.
Was the Philadelphia Naval Shipyard a major asbestos exposure site?
Yes. The Philadelphia Naval Shipyard, which operated for over 200 years before closing in 1996, was one of the most significant asbestos exposure sites in the country. Shipyard workers who built and repaired naval vessels were extensively exposed to asbestos materials.
Is Philadelphia an active venue for asbestos litigation?
Yes. Philadelphia is one of the most active asbestos litigation venues in the nation, with experienced judges and established procedures for managing mesothelioma cases. Many plaintiffs from across the country file claims in Philadelphia courts.