GM Defiance Foundry workers in Defiance, Ohio were at risk of toxic exposure if they handled or built auto parts containing asbestos. The material was likely in many different areas of the Defiance Foundry, including in the construction materials of the facility itself. Years have gone by since asbestos was regularly used in the auto industry, but there are new cancer diagnoses each year.
Due to a long latency period that can reach 50 years, many former GM workers could have been exposed and inhaled toxins and only now begin to feel the full impact.
Because GM produced auto parts like brake drums and other components with asbestos, even many Americans who never worked at General Motors may have been exposed by installing these products on their own. Car mechanics and many staff at body shops have fallen ill after spending years in poorly ventilated workplaces and handling asbestos products.
GM’s toxic asbestos products may have impacted the health of auto mechanics, foundry machinists, warehouse employees, auto parts sales staff, boiler workers, as well as Delco Appliances repairers and installers.