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Manufacturing

Harbison-Walker Refractories Pittsburgh Plant

Harbison-Walker Refractories Pittsburgh Plant

Harbison-Walker Refractories Pittsburgh Plant Harbison-Walker Refractories manufactured high-temperature refractory products containing asbestos from its Pittsburgh-area operations. The company supplied asbestos-containing furnace linings and insulation to steel mills and industrial facilities across the country.

Last verified: 2026-03-09
Written by Paul Danziger, J.D. & Rod De Llano, J.D.
•
Legally reviewed by Michelle Whitman, Mesothelioma Litigation Specialist
•
30+ years of mesothelioma litigation experience
Location
Pittsburgh, PA
Industry
Refractory Products Manufacturing
Exposure Era
1920s–1970s
Primary Asbestos Products
Refractory bricks, Furnace linings, Ladle linings, Asbestos cement, High-temperature insulation
Job Categories at Risk
Refractory workers, Furnace liners, Brick masons, Machine operators, Maintenance workers

History & Asbestos Use

Harbison-Walker Refractories, founded in Pittsburgh in 1865, became one of the world's largest manufacturers of refractory products used to line furnaces, kilns, and other high-temperature industrial equipment. Many of these products contained asbestos for its heat-resistant properties. The company was closely tied to Pittsburgh's steel industry and supplied refractory materials to mills and foundries throughout the region. Harbison-Walker faced extensive asbestos litigation and filed for bankruptcy, establishing a trust fund to compensate asbestos victims.

Exposure Details

Workers at the Pittsburgh operations were exposed to asbestos during the mixing, forming, and finishing of refractory bricks, furnace linings, and insulation products. The high-temperature work environment meant asbestos materials were frequently disturbed and degraded, releasing fibers into the air. Workers who installed and maintained refractory linings in furnaces and kilns faced repeated exposure to asbestos dust during demolition and relining operations.

Workers at Risk

The following job categories at Harbison-Walker Refractories Pittsburgh Plant had the highest risk of asbestos exposure:

  • Refractory workers
  • Furnace liners
  • Brick masons
  • Machine operators
  • Maintenance workers

Health Effects

Former Harbison-Walker workers have been diagnosed with mesothelioma, asbestosis, and lung cancer from occupational asbestos exposure. Refractory workers who demolished and replaced furnace linings were at particularly high risk due to the release of asbestos fibers from deteriorated materials. The combination of asbestos exposure with high-temperature work conditions and other industrial dusts compounded health risks.

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.

Compensation May Be Available

Workers exposed to asbestos at Harbison-Walker Refractories Pittsburgh Plant 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.

1 asbestos trust fund 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 Qualify

Were You Exposed to Asbestos at Harbison-Walker Refractories Pittsburgh Plant?

Workers who were employed at Harbison-Walker Refractories Pittsburgh Plant between 1920s–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.

Speak with an Attorney — Free Request a Free Case Evaluation

Related Asbestos Trust Funds

Workers exposed to asbestos at Harbison-Walker Refractories Pittsburgh Plant may be eligible to file claims with the following trust funds:

Treatment Centers in Pennsylvania

If you were exposed to asbestos at Harbison-Walker Refractories Pittsburgh Plant and have been diagnosed with mesothelioma, these specialized treatment centers in Pennsylvania may be able to help.

Penn Medicine (Abramson Cancer Center)

Penn Medicine (Abramson Cancer Center)

Philadelphia, PA

Comprehensive Cancer Center
View Full Profile
UPMC Hillman Cancer Center

UPMC Hillman Cancer Center

Pittsburgh, PA

Comprehensive Cancer Center
View Full Profile

Browse all treatment centers →

Frequently Asked Questions

What are refractory products?

Refractories are heat-resistant materials used to line furnaces, kilns, incinerators, and reactors in the steel, glass, and cement industries. Many refractory products manufactured before the 1980s contained asbestos for its heat resistance.

How were refractory workers exposed to asbestos?

Workers were exposed during manufacturing, installation, and especially during the removal and replacement of worn refractory linings, which released large quantities of asbestos fibers as the aged materials were broken apart.

Is there a Harbison-Walker asbestos trust?

Yes, Harbison-Walker Refractories established an asbestos personal injury trust as part of its bankruptcy proceedings to compensate workers and others harmed by asbestos exposure from its products.

Get a Free Case Evaluation

If you or a loved one worked at Harbison-Walker Refractories Pittsburgh Plant 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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Over 25 Years of Experience Our attorneys have recovered over $2 billion for mesothelioma patients and families.
Fast Results Trust fund claims can resolve in as few as 90 days. We move quickly for our clients.

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Sources:

  • OSHA compliance records — accessed 2026-03-09
  • Pennsylvania DEP records — accessed 2026-03-09
  • Bankruptcy trust documents — accessed 2026-03-09
  • Industrial hygiene records — accessed 2026-03-09
← All Exposure Sites in Pennsylvania ← All Exposure Sites
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