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Asbestos in Wisconsin

Linda Molinari
Author: Linda Molinari
Jennifer Lucarelli
Last Updated: 11/12/2025

Wisconsin has a long history of asbestos use. Exposure risks were greater in the paper mill, energy and shipbuilding industries. Prolonged exposure can lead to serious health problems, like mesothelioma. Learn more about asbestos exposure in Wisconsin and explore available resources.

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Asbestos Use in Wisconsin

Wisconsin has a more extensive asbestos history than most states. Asbestos was commonly used in the United States starting in the early 1900s. However, Wisconsin has been using asbestos since the 1800s. Because it has fire-resistant properties, it was a common staple of manufacturing products and shipbuilding.

Asbestos exposure can lead to mesothelioma and other asbestos cancers. Wisconsin has higher rates of mesothelioma than average.

Wisconsin Asbestos Statistics

Wisconsin was a part of the former Steel Belt, a major manufacturing region, throughout the 20th century. Many factories used asbestos in thousands of products. Today, states in this region still tend to have higher incidences of mesothelioma than most states.

Notable statistics about mesothelioma in Wisconsin from 1999 to 2020 include:

  • There were approximately 1,739 cases of mesothelioma in Wisconsin.
  • Wisconsin experienced approximately 1,410 mesothelioma deaths.
  • The mesothelioma death rate in Wisconsin is 11.4 per million people, which is the seventh highest rate nationally.

Asbestos exposure in Wisconsin may have caused related diseases for many people. These patients have treatment options in Wisconsin. Madison, Wisconsin, has multiple hospitals known for their cancer treatment, including the University of Wisconsin Carbone Cancer Center.

Asbestos victims can also access specialized asbestos legal aid in Wisconsin. You can contact mesothelioma law firms for assistance.

Occupational Asbestos Use in Wisconsin

Several industries and asbestos companies put Wisconsin workers in danger of asbestos illnesses. But paper mills and power plants posed the biggest occupational asbestos exposure risks. One company that exposed its workers was the Milwaukee-based Manville Covering Company. Starting in 1886, they used asbestos for pipe insulation. Whatever their trade, workers who were exposed to asbestos are at risk of developing related diseases. Learn more about asbestos jobsites below.

Occupations Exposed to 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.

Questions About Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure in Wisconsin? Ask experienced mesothelioma advocate Jennifer Lucarelli Ask a Question

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.

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.

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.

Wisconsin Asbestos Work Sites
Sources

  1. Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry. Naturally Occurring Asbestos Locations in the Contiguous USA and Alaska and the 100 Fastest Growing U.S. Counties.

  2. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. CDC WONDER: About Underlying Cause of Death, 1999-2020.

  3. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. CDC WONDER: United States and Puerto Rico Cancer Statistics, 1999-2021 Incidence Request.

  4. John Mansville. History & Heritage.

  5. United States Environmental Protection Agency. Superfund Site: MID-STATE DISPOSAL, INC. LANDFILL CLEVELAND TOWNSHIP, WI Cleanup Activities.

  6. Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources. Guidance: Superfund Sites in Wisconsin.

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Linda Molinari, Editor in Chief at Mesothelioma.com
Written by Linda Molinari Editor in Chief
Jennifer Lucarelli
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