Workers at J&L, LTV and Republic Steel in Ohio were potentially exposed to asbestos materials, and may later develop lung diseases, including mesothelioma and asbestosis.
Many former workers at our nation’s steel plants have been diagnosed with asbestos-related cancers, and other serious occupational lung diseases. Many cancer cases have been proven to be directly caused by toxic work sites managed by negligent employers in the steel mill industry.
The Jones and Laughlin Steel Corporation (J&L Steel) was an American steel and iron manufacturer that operated in Pennsylvania until 1968.
The company had a large presence on the south side of Pittsburgh and along the Ohio River at Aliquippa. The Hot Metal Bridge across the Monongahela River was built to connect Eliza blast furnaces with the open hearth furnaces on the south side of the river. The company also owned coal mines in western Pennsylvania.
J&L bought Otis Steel company along the Cuyahoga River in Cleveland and a finishing plant was constructed in Hennepin, Illinois. J&L had many operations and had subsidiary steel mills in Los Angeles. In 1978, J&L Steel acquired Youngstown Sheet and Tube and later purchased a stainless steel mill from McLouth Steel Products in Detroit.
But after many years of growth, by the 1980s, LTV began to go into decline. In 1984, J & L merged with Republic Steel.
Over the years, the company used many asbestos products. The small dust fibers from asbestos around the steel plants could be lodged in the lungs, later leading to cancer diagnoses.
Many J&L steel workers could still be at risk of developing serious health issues, including asbestosis, lung cancer, and mesothelioma.
The Lyon Firm represents steel workers nationwide in toxic exposure claims and can investigate any cancer claim for J&L workers. We accept cases on contingency fees to eliminate any financial risk for victims and families.
Asbestos Exposure in J&L Steel Plant
It was no secret that asbestos was used in steel mills and foundries for building and machinery insulation. What was a surprise was when everyone learned how toxic the material was. By the time experts concluded that asbestos exposure could cause lung cancer, millions of workers had already been exposed.
Asbestos was found in steel mill equipment that included the following:
• Ovens
• Hot blast stoves
• Furnaces
• Rolling mills
• Tanks
• Boilers
• Cranes
• Steam pipes