Pennsylvania reports approximately 185 mesothelioma diagnoses per year, driven by the state's historic roles as America's steel capital and a major shipbuilding center. Steel mill workers in Pittsburgh, Bethlehem, and eastern Pennsylvania, shipbuilders at the Philadelphia Naval Shipyard, and workers in the state's extensive chemical and manufacturing industries all faced significant asbestos exposures throughout the 20th century. Pennsylvania remains one of the most active states for mesothelioma litigation.
Asbestos Exposure History in Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania's asbestos exposure history is closely tied to two industries: steel and shipbuilding. The Pittsburgh region's steel mills — including US Steel's Homestead Works, National Steel, and Jones & Laughlin — were massive consumers of asbestos insulation for their high-temperature furnaces, ladles, and piping systems. In eastern Pennsylvania, the Bethlehem Steel facilities at Bethlehem and Sparrows Point were among the largest steel mills in the world. The Philadelphia Naval Shipyard, which operated from 1776 until 1995, was one of the most important shipyards on the East Coast and exposed tens of thousands of workers to asbestos during its peak production years in the 1940s through the 1960s.
Key Asbestos Exposure Sites in Pennsylvania
- Philadelphia Naval Shipyard
- Bethlehem Steel (Bethlehem and Steelton)
- US Steel (Pittsburgh)
- PPG Industries (Pittsburgh)
- Sunoco Marcus Hook Refinery (Marcus Hook)
- Dravo Corporation shipbuilding (Pittsburgh)
Documented Sites with Detailed Records
One of the oldest and largest naval shipyards in the United States. Thousands of shipbuilders and Navy personnel were exposed to asbestos insulation in vessels built and repaired here over 150 years of operation.
The flagship plant of Bethlehem Steel, a company that built the Golden Gate Bridge and Empire State Building. Tens of thousands of steelworkers were exposed to asbestos in furnace insulation, pipe coverings, and protective gear.
Site of the famous 1892 Homestead Strike and a cornerstone of American steel production for a century. Workers in the blast furnaces, rolling mills, and machine shops were exposed to asbestos throughout the plant.
Westinghouse's flagship manufacturing complex produced turbines, generators, and electrical equipment. Workers assembling power generation equipment were exposed to asbestos in turbine insulation, switchgear, and wiring materials.
PECO operated multiple generating stations throughout the Philadelphia region. Power plant operators and maintenance workers routinely worked with asbestos-insulated boilers, pipes, and electrical equipment.
Top Industries for Asbestos Exposure in Pennsylvania
- Steel Manufacturing
- Shipbuilding
- Coal Mining
- Construction
- Chemical Plants
Pennsylvania Mesothelioma Laws & Filing Deadlines
Pennsylvania has a 2-year statute of limitations for both personal injury and wrongful death asbestos claims. The clock starts at the date of diagnosis for personal injury claims and at the date of death for wrongful death claims. Pennsylvania courts have historically handled significant asbestos litigation, particularly cases arising from the Philadelphia Naval Shipyard and the Pittsburgh and Lehigh Valley steel industries. Both Philadelphia and Pittsburgh have courts experienced with asbestos cases.
* Filing deadlines are based on state law at time of publication. Always verify current deadlines with a licensed mesothelioma attorney in Pennsylvania.
Frequently Asked Questions — Mesothelioma in Pennsylvania
Lawsuits target the manufacturers of the asbestos-containing products used in the mill — not the mill itself in most cases. Common defendants in Pennsylvania steel mill cases include insulation manufacturers (Owens Corning, Armstrong), gasket makers, and refractory producers. If the mill company itself had a supervisory role in safety, it may also bear liability.
Yes. Pennsylvania courts have jurisdiction when exposure occurred in Pennsylvania or when the plaintiff resides in Pennsylvania. Multi-state exposure cases are common — an attorney will advise on whether Pennsylvania or another state is the best jurisdiction for your specific circumstances.