How Industrial Work In Lansing Is Still Affecting Health Today

Lansing's proud industrial heritage helped build Michigan’s capital into an economic powerhouse, but decades later, the health consequences of this industrial boom continue to affect residents. From automotive manufacturing to construction, workers who built the city now face serious challenges from exposures that occurred generations ago.

A Legacy of Industry in the Capital City

Lansing established itself as a manufacturing hub in the early 20th century with the automotive industry serving as its economic backbone. General Motors, Fisher Body, and numerous supporting facilities employed thousands of people across the region. Construction boomed to support the growing population, and industrial trades flourished throughout the mid-century.

During this industrial heyday, asbestos was widely used across virtually all sectors. Prized for its heat resistance and durability, asbestos was incorporated into factory equipment, automotive parts, building materials, and insulation. Workers often handle these materials without protective equipment, unaware of the invisible danger they faced daily.

The Lingering Health Effects

The legacy of Lansing's industrial past continues to manifest in serious health conditions among former workers and their families. Asbestos exposure has left a devastating trail of illness that often emerges long after the initial exposure.

Conditions like asbestosis (scarring of lung tissue), pleural thickening and mesothelioma recurrence have been linked to industrial exposures common in these workplaces. For many retirees who spent decades in factories or construction, what should be golden years have instead become a battle with chronic illness.

What is Mesothelioma and What It Matters in Lansing

Mesothelioma is a rare and aggressive cancer that affects the lining of the lungs, heart or abdomen and has particularly strong ties to Lansing’s industrial past. This cancer develops almost exclusively from asbestos exposure, with symptoms appearing decades after initial contact with the fibers.

Michigan ranks 12th in the U.S. for asbestos related deaths with industrial centres contributing significantly to this statistics. Former automotive workers, electricians, plumbers, and construction workers comprise many of these cases, reflecting the widespread use of asbestos across the industrial workforce.

Lansing Residents Are Still at Risk

The threat did not end when factories modernized or closed. Aging infrastructure in Lansing still presents ongoing risk exposure. Many homes, schools, and public buildings constructed during the industrial boom contain asbestos materials that deteriorate over time.

DIY home renovations pose particular dangers when homeowners unknowingly disturb asbestos in old floor tiles, insulation, or roofing materials. Additionally, large-scale demolition of older structures can release asbestos fibers into surrounding neighborhoods if proper abatement procedures aren't followed.

Protecting the Next Generation

Lansing residents can reduce exposure risk by having homes built before 1980 professionally inspected before renovation. Never attempt to remove suspected asbestos materials yourself - always consult certified abatement professionals.

Those with occupational exposure history should discuss screening options with healthcare providers. Early detection of asbestos-related diseases can significantly improve treatment outcomes and quality of life.

Community advocacy remains crucial for securing continued health monitoring and resources for affected individuals and neighborhoods. For anyone experiencing respiratory symptoms with a history of industrial work or asbestos exposure, medical consultation is essential.