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Coke Oven Emissions Exposure

Coke is manufactured by heating coal to very high temperatures in a large refractory oven, known as a coke oven. The emissions produced during the coking process contain a mixture of complex and toxic particles, including vapors, coal particles, gasses, tars and other carcinogenic substances. Exposure to coke oven emissions is a cause of lung, skin and other cancers.

Laborers who worked on top of or alongside coke oven batteries are at a substantially increased risk for developing lung cancer.  Two of coke oven occupations most heaviliy exposed to coke oven emissions are the lidman and larry car driver. These men were exposed to large quantities of fumes, dust and vapors containing carcinogenic compounds, including polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH).  During an eight hour shift, it was typical for one lid man to work on seventeen or eighteen ovens, spending at least fifteen minutes on top of each oven. The lid man’s job was one of the dirtiest jobs at any steel plant.

Coke ovens also presented a risk for exposure to asbestos due to the asbestos-containing refractory and insulating materials used to maintain operations. Asbestos exposure can cause mesothelioma, lung cancer and other cancers.

If you or any of your family members worked at any of the various coke oven operations around the Western New York, including Bethlehem Steel, Republic Steel, Tonawanda Coke or Donner Hanna, and if you are suffering from lung or other cancers, please contact us to discuss a potential legal claim. Our services include lawsuits against manufacturers and claims under the New York State Workers’ Compensation Law.

Coke Ovens and Lung Cancer

Facts Regarding Exposure to Coke Oven Emissions

Job Site Information - Bethlehem Steel

The Bethlehem Steel Lackawanna plant contained 9 separate batteries of coke ovens throughout its operation. Exposure to coke oven emissions can cause throat and lung cancer.

Job Site Information - Donner Hanna Coke

Lipsitz & Ponterio, LLC represents former and retired workers from Donner Hanna Coke Corporation once located at Mystic and Abby Streets in Buffalo, New York.

Job Site Information - Semet-Solvay (Tonawanda Coke)

The coke ovens at the Semet-Solvay Company, now Tonawanda Coke, presented health risks for exposure to asbestos; but, those who worked on top of or alongside coke oven batteries are at a substantially increased risk for developing lung cancer and other cancers.