Introduction
Steel towns like Weirton, West Virginia, stand as monuments to America’s industrial rise. For decades, these communities thrived around steel mills that powered the nation’s infrastructure. But beneath that legacy of hard work lies a hidden danger: asbestos exposure. In Weirton and other mill towns, many workers unknowingly inhaled asbestos fibers, leading to life-threatening illnesses like mesothelioma. This article explores the connection between asbestos and steel mills, focusing on the Weirton Steel Corporation’s impact and the legal and medical battles residents face today.
The Industrial History of Weirton, West Virginia
Weirton, located in the Northern Panhandle of West Virginia along the Ohio River, rose to prominence in the early 20th century as a vital center for steel production. Founded in 1909, the Weirton Steel Corporation quickly became one of the largest employers in the state and one of the nation’s most significant fully integrated steel producers.
Weirton wasn’t just a mill; it was a city built around industry. Schools, hospitals, and neighborhoods sprang up to accommodate the families of steelworkers. At its peak, the company employed over 12,000 people and sustained the local economy. But like many industrial giants of the 20th century, Weirton Steel’s operations relied heavily on hazardous materials—including asbestos.
Why Asbestos Was Used in Steel Mills
Asbestos was once called the “miracle mineral” due to its heat resistance, strength, and insulating properties. In steel mills, where temperatures can soar to thousands of degrees Fahrenheit, asbestos-containing materials were used extensively:
- Insulation for furnaces, pipes, boilers, and ovens
- Protective gear such as gloves, aprons, and coats worn by workers
- Fireproofing materials in buildings and on equipment
- Gaskets, seals, and brake linings on machinery
The material was effective and inexpensive, but it came with a devastating health cost. Tiny asbestos fibers, when disturbed, become airborne and can be inhaled or ingested. Over time, these fibers cause scarring and inflammation, leading to serious illnesses—including mesothelioma, a rare but aggressive cancer.
Mesothelioma and Its Devastating Effects
Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that affects the mesothelium, the thin tissue lining the lungs, abdomen, or heart. It has a long latency period, often taking 20 to 50 years to develop after exposure to asbestos. Because of this delay, many steel mill workers from Weirton are only now being diagnosed decades after their exposure.
Symptoms of mesothelioma include:
- Persistent cough
- Chest or abdominal pain
- Shortness of breath
- Fatigue
- Weight loss
The disease is difficult to diagnose and even harder to treat. By the time symptoms appear, mesothelioma is often in its advanced stages. Current treatments include surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation, but the prognosis remains poor—most patients survive only 12 to 21 months after diagnosis.
Weirton Steel Workers at Risk
Due to the widespread use of asbestos at Weirton Steel Corporation, thousands of workers were put at risk. High-risk roles included:
- Boilermakers
- Pipefitters
- Electricians
- Insulators
- Maintenance crews
- Engineers and supervisors
Even office staff and family members were not immune. Secondary exposure occurred when workers unknowingly carried asbestos dust home on their clothes and equipment. Women who washed contaminated laundry or children who hugged their parents after work were indirectly exposed, resulting in some developing mesothelioma years later.
Documented Asbestos Use in Weirton
Court records and historical documents have confirmed that Weirton Steel used asbestos-laden products from various manufacturers. These included:
- Johns-Manville
- Owens Corning
- Armstrong World Industries
- Pittsburgh Corning
Some of these companies later filed for bankruptcy and established asbestos trust funds to compensate victims. Unfortunately, not all exposures were documented at the time, making it challenging for victims and their families to seek justice.
Legal Recourse for Weirton Residents
Because asbestos-related diseases are preventable, those affected often pursue legal action. Victims may be eligible for compensation through:
- Personal injury lawsuits
- Wrongful death claims
- Asbestos trust fund claims
- Workers’ compensation benefits
West Virginia law allows individuals to file mesothelioma claims within two years of diagnosis (or death in wrongful death cases). However, navigating the legal system can be complex. Specialized mesothelioma attorneys can help gather employment records, medical documentation, and expert testimony to build a compelling case.
Many former Weirton Steel workers have successfully secured settlements. Some have received compensation covering:
- Medical expenses
- Lost income
- Pain and suffering
- Funeral costs
Community Health Impacts
The legacy of asbestos in Weirton extends beyond individual victims—it has affected entire families and the broader community. Local hospitals and clinics have treated a disproportionate number of mesothelioma cases. Studies show that former industrial towns like Weirton have mesothelioma rates significantly higher than the national average.
A 2022 report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) noted that West Virginia had one of the highest mesothelioma mortality rates in the U.S., much of it linked to historic industrial exposure1.
Local organizations and support groups have emerged to help those diagnosed with asbestos-related diseases. These include:
- Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation
- Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization (ADAO)
- Local VA hospitals for veterans affected by asbestos
Modern Cleanup and Regulation Efforts
After Weirton Steel’s bankruptcy in 2003 and the subsequent acquisitions by ISG and Severstal, many of the buildings and operations were shuttered or revamped. However, asbestos contamination remained a concern. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) have been involved in remediation efforts.
In recent years, as part of redevelopment projects, including the Form Energy battery plant set to open in Weirton, extensive environmental assessments have been conducted. These aim to ensure that future use of industrial sites does not endanger workers or residents due to lingering asbestos contamination2.
Preventing Future Exposure
Though asbestos use has declined, it is still not banned in the United States. Former mill towns like Weirton must remain vigilant in:
- Properly identifying and removing asbestos during renovations or demolitions
- Educating workers and residents about historical exposure risks
- Offering health screenings for former steelworkers
- Ensuring regulatory compliance through OSHA and EPA guidelines
As part of economic revitalization, developers and local governments must prioritize environmental health to protect future generations from past mistakes.
Voices from Weirton
Personal stories put a human face on the tragedy of asbestos exposure. Many Weirton families have shared their experiences:
- Joseph M., a retired millwright, developed mesothelioma at age 68. He recalls working near asbestos-insulated pipes for 25 years. “We never knew. They handed us gloves and said they’d protect us.”
- Catherine S., daughter of a former pipefitter, lost her father in 2015 to mesothelioma. “He worked hard to provide for us, but the job that built our lives also took his.”
Such stories are powerful reminders that behind every diagnosis is a person, a family, and a community forever changed.
Conclusion
Weirton, West Virginia, is emblematic of many American steel towns—built on hard labor, community spirit, and industrial innovation. But it also shares in the darker legacy of asbestos exposure and its lethal consequences.
Mesothelioma continues to claim lives long after the final steel was rolled. As Weirton moves into a new era of economic redevelopment, its residents must reckon with the past and advocate for those still fighting asbestos-related diseases. From legal claims and medical research to community outreach and environmental reform, addressing mesothelioma in Weirton requires a holistic and sustained commitment.
References
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). (2022). Malignant Mesothelioma Mortality – United States, 1999–2020. Retrieved from: https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/71/wr/mm7101a1.htm ↩
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). (2021). Superfund Site Profile: Weirton Steel. Retrieved from: https://www.epa.gov/superfund ↩
