Weirton Steel Weirton Steel was one of the largest employers in the West Virginia panhandle and a major producer of tin plate and flat-rolled steel products. Workers throughout the facility were exposed to asbestos insulation in blast furnaces, rolling mills, and tin processing lines.
Last verified: 2026-03-09Founded in 1909 by Ernest T. Weir, the company grew into one of the largest independent steel producers in the United States. In 1984, Weirton Steel became the nation's largest employee-owned company through an employee stock ownership plan. Asbestos was used throughout the facility for decades before abatement programs began. The company filed for bankruptcy in 2003 and operations were eventually acquired by ArcelorMittal.
Asbestos insulation was present on blast furnaces, basic oxygen furnaces, continuous casters, and throughout the hot strip and tin mills. Workers in the powerhouse and boiler rooms encountered heavy concentrations of asbestos pipe lagging and boiler insulation. Tin mill workers were also exposed through asbestos-containing roll coverings and equipment gaskets.
The following job categories at Weirton Steel had the highest risk of asbestos exposure:
Former Weirton Steel workers have experienced elevated incidence of mesothelioma, asbestosis, and asbestos-related lung cancer. The plant's enclosed work environments concentrated airborne fibers, particularly in the blast furnace and tin mill buildings. Workers who spent careers at the plant accumulated substantial cumulative asbestos exposure.
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 Weirton Steel 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 Weirton Steel 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.
The original Weirton Steel ceased operations after its 2003 bankruptcy. Portions of the facility were acquired by ArcelorMittal and later Cleveland-Cliffs, but many former buildings have been demolished. Former workers from the Weirton Steel era retain legal rights for asbestos-related claims.
The steel manufacturing process required extreme heat, and asbestos was the primary insulation material used from the 1940s through the 1970s. Furnaces, pipes, boilers, and processing equipment throughout the plant contained asbestos-based products.
At its peak, Weirton Steel employed approximately 12,000 workers, virtually all of whom had some degree of asbestos exposure. Workers in maintenance, insulation, and furnace operations faced the highest risk.
If you or a loved one worked at Weirton Steel 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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