Shell Oil Company

Shell Oil Company History of Asbestos Use

Shell Oil Company is an American subsidiary of Royal Dutch Shell PLC, an international corporation based in the Netherlands. Founded in 1912, this subsidiary has been a major player in the U.S. petroleum industry. It has also faced legal troubles from its asbestos use in chemical production and crude oil and natural gas exploration, production and refining.

Asbestos products, ranging from insulation to protective gear, offer high heat resistance and durability. But if these products undergo repair or wear down over time, they can release airborne asbestos fibers that are dangerous to anyone exposed to them.

Evidence uncovered during litigation against Shell suggests the company knew as early as 1937 that asbestos is dangerous. Other documents showed the company knew asbestos could cause cancer as early as 1945.

When asked why the company did not warn workers, a Shell workplace safety and health expert said, “We didn’t want to create more stress on the already stressful lives of American citizens.”

Shell continues to operate today as Shell USA Inc. As of February 2025, the company had over 13,000 employees and interests in all 50 states, with gas stations around the country. It refines and produces chemicals, lubricants, catalysts and other products.

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Shell Oil Company Asbestos Products

Like other oil and gas companies, Shell Oil Company used asbestos products at its refineries and on its drilling rigs and oil ships. Asbestos was a popular part of many materials for much of the 20th century. By the 1980s, public awareness about the dangers of the mineral and increased regulations caused companies to scale back and discontinue its use.

Asbestos products commonly found at oil refineries and on rigs include:

• Ceiling and floor tiles
• Drywall
• Fireproof clothing
• Gaskets
• Mastics
• Packing materials
• Pipe insulation
• Roofing
• Sealants
• Valves

Repair, routine maintenance and wear and tear on these products risked releasing asbestos fibers into the air. Inhaled asbestos fibers can cause diseases like mesothelioma and lung cancer.

Shell Oil Company and Occupational Exposure

Petroleum work is considered high risk for occupational asbestos exposure. One study from 1991 showed that up to 90% of oil refinery workers had direct or indirect exposure to this cancer-causing mineral. The study cited reasons for these exposures, including:

• Failure to inform workers of the dangers of asbestos
• High use of untrained and uninformed contract workers
• Inadequate health and safety training
• Lack of personal protective equipment

During the period of heavy asbestos use in the oil industry, Shell had refineries around the country. It also had chemical plants where asbestos was used. Refineries and plants where exposures occurred include:

• Shell Chemical (Alabama)
• Shell Chemical (Louisiana)
• Shell Deer Park Refining (Texas)
• Shell Oil Refinery – Anacortes (Washington)
• Shell Oil Refinery – Martinez (California)
• Wood River Refinery (Illinois)

Shell also used asbestos products on drilling rigs and oil ships.

Today, Shell no longer uses asbestos products. But people who worked at Shell’s facilities in the past may still develop mesothelioma. The cancer has a long latency period. A person may not receive a mesothelioma diagnosis until decades after they were exposed to asbestos.

Have a Question About Asbestos Exposure and Shell Oil Company? Ask experienced mesothelioma advocate Jennifer Lucarelli Ask a Question

Asbestos Lawsuits Against Shell Oil Company

As a result of its asbestos use, Shell Oil Company has faced lawsuits from former workers who have developed mesothelioma. Anyone who worked for Shell and receives a mesothelioma diagnosis can reach out to an asbestos attorney. An attorney can explain legal options and work on a case on your behalf.

Examples of successful lawsuits against Shell Oil Company include:

• $34.1 million verdict: A jury awarded a 64-year-old roofing worker this verdict. He was contracted to work at the Wood River Refinery in Illinois and later developed mesothelioma.
• $6 million settlement: A 78-year-old Navy veteran and utility worker received this settlement from a number of companies, including Shell Chemical.
• $3.8 million settlement: A 79-year-old insulator at a refinery received this settlement from Shell Oil Company.
• $3.2 million settlement: A 67-year-old plant worker and inspector received this settlement from Shell Chemical and ExxonMobil.

Asbestos attorneys have experience getting compensation for people harmed by companies like Shell. For instance, people who once worked at specific Shell jobsites may be able to file trust fund claims with other companies. Experienced mesothelioma law firms practice in every state in the country.