Asbestos in Wisconsin

People may also be exposed to asbestos in older homes and schools. Structures built before 1980 may contain building materials like asbestos floor tiles, ceiling tiles and roofing. Homeowners should always consult an asbestos inspector before remodeling older houses to be safe. Only asbestos abatement professionals should handle asbestos removal.

Secondary asbestos exposure can also lead to mesothelioma. This happens when someone exposed to loose asbestos fibers at work brings them home on their clothes or in a car. Family or friends may then be exposed to this accidentally transported asbestos.

Paper Mills

Kimberly-Clark and Georgia-Pacific are among the top 10 employers in Wisconsin. Their production of paper products exceeds that of nearby states. Direct use of asbestos is not normally considered a hazard to pulp mill workers, but asbestos-containing materials were used in drying felts and adhesives. These drying felts had to be changed frequently and were a major source of asbestos exposure. Other paper companies may have exposed workers to asbestos. These include Consolidated Papers in Wisconsin Rapids, International Paper Company in Fond Du Lac and Green Bay Paper and Pulp Company.

Energy

Power companies in Wisconsin used asbestos to insulate against electricity and heat. Many power plant workers were exposed to asbestos, which can still cause mesothelioma decades after exposure. Power plants that exposed workers to asbestos include Madison Gas & Electric Company, Milwaukee Central Power Station and Eastern Wisconsin Electric Company.

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03. Shipyards & Superfund Sites

Asbestos Shipyards and Superfund Sites in Wisconsin

Great Lakes states are home to a number of shipyards and docks that have exposed their employees to asbestos over the years. Wisconsin is no exception. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has flagged a number of toxic sites in Wisconsin for cleanup. These are known as Superfund sites. As of October 2022, 36 active Wisconsin Superfund sites were on the National Priorities List.

Fincantieri Bay Shipbuilding

This shipyard has operated in Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin, for a century. It came under the control of Fincantieri Marine Group only within the last decade. Previous names for the yard include Christy Corporation, Leathem D. Smith Shipbuilding Company and Sturgeon Bay Shipbuilding.

During World War II, the shipyard constructed subchasers, frigates, net-laying ships and water tankers. Its workforce peaked at about 5,000 shipbuilders and other employees during the war. During the 1950s and 1960s, the shipyard continued to produce ships for the U.S. Navy, but more recent ownership has focused on commercial boats. People employed at the height of the shipyard’s operations, however, were likely exposed to high levels of asbestos. They may be at risk of developing mesothelioma.

Marinette Marine

Also presently owned by Fincantieri, the Marinette Marine Corporation was opened during World War II. More recently, the company has focused primarily on producing commercial ships. But it still dabbles in naval projects, partnering with companies like Lockheed Martin on defense contracts. During the height of its operations, the shipyard was likely a site of major asbestos exposure for workers.

Fraser Shipyards

Located in Superior, Wisconsin, the shipyard now known as Fraser was opened in 1889 by Alexander McDougall and named American Steel Barge Company, the shipyard produced five barges annually, mostly for work on the Great Lakes. The company also produced seaworthy ships for World War I.

The shipyard traded hands in 1945. Over the next several decades, it continued to increase shipbuilding operations and facilities. Although relatively small compared to some other shipyards, asbestos is a problem no matter the size of the company. Workers at Fraser Shipyards may have been exposed to the deadly carcinogen throughout their employment.

Mid-State Disposal Inc. Landfill

The Mid-State Disposal Inc. Landfill is an EPA-designated Superfund site. It consists of a 43-acre area within a larger 160-acre site. In operation during the 1970s, the landfill housed many kinds of hazardous materials. This included asbestos dust, paper mill sludge, pesticides and more. The EPA has cleaned up the site and performs regular checkups. They have restricted usage of the land to reduce risks of contamination.

04. Exposure in Wisconsin Cities

Asbestos Exposure in Wisconsin Cities

Provided below is a list of Wisconsin cities where workplace asbestos use occurred. Click on a city below to see more detailed information about the specific jobsites and resources available.

• Madison
• Milwaukee

05. Other Work Sites

Asbestos Risks at Other Wisconsin Jobsites

Workplace asbestos exposure is also a concern in other Wisconsin cities and towns. Workers at any of these jobsites may be at risk of developing mesothelioma cancer and other asbestos-related diseases.