Asbestos in Michigan

Michigan's extensive industrial past, particularly in manufacturing and shipbuilding, has left a legacy of asbestos in buildings and infrastructure across the state, posing potential health risks to residents and workers.

Michigan faces significant challenges with asbestos due to its widespread use in the automotive, shipbuilding, and manufacturing industries throughout the 20th century. While asbestos was not mined extensively in Michigan, it was imported and heavily utilized in various applications. Learn about Michigan's documented asbestos job sites, the health risks associated with asbestos exposure, and resources available to those affected.

Known Asbestos Job Sites in Michigan

Explore 2327 known asbestos sites and job-sites across Michigan.

Job Site	City	State
Aaronson Printing	Detroit	MI
Abbot Fox Lumber	Trout Creek	MI
Abitibi Consolidated Paper	Alpena	MI
Abt Company Len Werda	Alpena	MI
Academy, 401 E. McClellan	Detroit	MI
ACandS	Detroit	MI
Ace Theatre	Detroit	MI
ACF Industries	Detroit	MI
Acme Chair	Reading	MI
Acme Equipment	Detroit	MI
Acme Insulations	Grand Rapids	MI
Acme White Lead & Color Works	Detroit	MI
Acorn Iron Works	Detroit	MI
Acra Cast	Bay City	MI
Active Industries	Elkton	MI

Occupations with High Asbestos Exposure in Michigan

Automotive Workers: Michigan's dominance in the automotive industry led to extensive asbestos use in brake pads, clutches, gaskets, and insulation within factories (Example: Ford Motor Company plants in Dearborn, Detroit, and other locations).
Shipyard Workers: Shipbuilding activities, particularly along the Great Lakes, exposed workers to asbestos used in ship construction and insulation (Example: Defoe Shipbuilding Company in Bay City).
Construction Workers: Asbestos was a common component of insulation, roofing, flooring, and fireproofing materials in older buildings across the state (Example: Schools, hospitals, and public buildings constructed before the 1980s).
Power Plant Workers: Asbestos was widely used for insulation and fireproofing in power generation facilities throughout Michigan (Example: Consumers Energy power plants).

Michigan Asbestos Regulations and Laws

Michigan has implemented laws and regulations to protect workers and the public from asbestos exposure. These regulations are primarily enforced by the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) and the Michigan Occupational Safety and Health Administration (MIOSHA).

Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE)

EGLE oversees asbestos abatement activities, including:

Licensing of asbestos abatement contractors
Issuing permits for asbestos removal projects
Ensuring proper disposal of asbestos-containing materials
Providing guidance on managing asbestos in public buildings and schools.

Michigan Occupational Safety and Health Administration (MIOSHA)

MIOSHA enforces workplace safety regulations related to asbestos exposure, including:

Establishing permissible exposure limits for asbestos fibers
Mandating worker training and certification for asbestos-related tasks
Requiring the use of personal protective equipment to minimize exposure.

Key Laws and Regulations

Part 56, Air Pollution Control, Rule 295: This rule addresses asbestos abatement projects, including notification requirements, work practices, and disposal procedures.
Michigan Occupational Safety and Health Act (MIOSHA): This act incorporates federal OSHA standards for asbestos exposure, including permissible exposure limits and worker protection measures.

Sources

Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) - Asbestos: https://www.michigan.gov/egle/0,9429,7-135-3313_3681_3710---,00.html

Were You Harmed by Asbestos Exposure in Michigan?

If you or a loved one is sick or passed away due to asbestos, you may be entitled to significant financial compensation. Michigan law protects victims of asbestos exposure. We can assist you in understanding your legal options.