The Alcan Aluminum facility in Oswego, New York, currently operating as the Novelis Aluminum Plant, has a well-documented history of asbestos use. For decades, workers at this facility were exposed to asbestos-containing materials, leading to serious health consequences and a legacy of legal and environmental accountability.

Asbestos Use and Exposure at Alcan/Novelis Oswego:

Before the 1980s, asbestos was extensively used at the Alcan plant due to its heat-resistant properties. It was found throughout the facility, including in:

  • Construction materials: Sheetrock, insulation, tile, shingles, fireproofing spray in plant buildings.
  • Machinery: Furnaces, crucibles, soaking pits, boilers, pipes, tanks, pumps, valves, and other metal heating equipment were lined or insulated with asbestos refractory material.
  • Mechanical equipment: Rollers and grinders used asbestos brake pads, and wiring was often insulated with asbestos.
  • Gaskets and packing: These were often cut or punched from asbestos sheets, releasing fibers into the air.
  • Protective clothing: Mitts, masks, aprons, pants, and coats used by workers were sometimes made with asbestos.
  • Chemical-resistant tables: These surfaces also contained asbestos.

 High-Risk Occupations at Alcan / Novelis:

 Workers in various roles at the Alcan/Novelis plant were exposed to asbestos during the course of their regular duties. These occupations involved regular contact with asbestos-containing materials, especially during repair, replacement, or installation of equipment and insulation. These occupations included:

Take-Home Asbestos Exposure:

 Family members of Alcan workers were also at risk. Asbestos fibers could cling to work clothes, skin, and hair, and be brought home, creating a risk of secondary exposure for spouses and children. Simply laundering contaminated clothing could release fibers into the household air.

Health Risks and Litigation:

  • Mesothelioma and other diseases: Exposure to asbestos is the only known cause of mesothelioma, a rare and aggressive cancer. It can also cause lung cancer, asbestosis, and other serious lung conditions. Symptoms may take 10 to 40 years to appear after initial exposure.
  • Lawsuits and Compensation: Former Alcan employees diagnosed with mesothelioma or other asbestos-related diseases may be entitled to compensation. Our firm has successfully represented Alcan workers and their families in these cases. We have access to historical documentation and expert resources to help prove asbestos exposure and identify liable companies.
  • Statute of Limitations: In New York State personal injury claims must generally be filed within 3 years from the date of diagnosis. Wrongful death claims must generally be filed within 2 years from the date of death

 Environmental Contamination:

It’s important to note that beyond asbestos, Alcan Aluminum (now Novelis) has also faced environmental litigation in Oswego, specifically related to:

  • Superfund Cases: Alcan Aluminum Corporation paid a significant settlement to the EPA for cleanup costs and interest related to hazardous waste sites in Oswego (Pollution Abatement Services – PAS) and Fulton (Fulton Terminals). These sites were contaminated with heavy metals, PCBs, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from Alcan’s operations.
  • PCB Contamination: Settlements have also been reached regarding polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) contamination in areas bordering the Novelis facility, stemming from fire-resistant hydraulic fluids used by Alcan in the 1960s and 1970s.

 Alcan Plant History in Oswego, NY:

Founded in 1902 as Northern Aluminum Company, Alcan was originally the Canadian arm of ALCOA. It steadily grew as the demand for aluminum increased, and it became a separate entity which owned and managed factories, ore mines, smelters around the world. Alcoa purchased the Oswego, New York plant in 1965, and the purpose of the plant was to recycle aluminum and roll the resultant product into plate and sheet aluminum by feeding alloy scrap and aluminum into large furnaces and heating it until it was molten, then annealed and set into ingots.  Asbestos insulation was used throughout the plant in every area where heating equipment existed because of its heat-resistant properties. Asbestos products were routinely used, such as gaskets, braided asbestos rope, packing, roll covers and electrical covering. Asbestos fibers were released into the air each time construction projects or maintenance was required.

In 2007, Alcan was bought by aluminum company Rio Tinto, and the companies adopted the name Rio Tinto Alcan. The former site of Alcan in Oswego is now owned and operated by Novelis, a competing aluminum company.

We Can Help – Speak With an Asbestos Attorney Today:

If you or a loved one worked at Alcan Aluminum (now Novelis) in Oswego, NY and have been diagnosed with mesothelioma, lung cancer, or another asbestos-related illness, contact Lipsitz, Ponterio & Comerford, LLC today for a free consultation.

Our firm was the first in New York State to win a court verdict for an asbestos victim. We have since recovered over $1 billion in compensation for asbestos victims and their families. We understand the devastating impact of these diseases and are committed to helping you pursue the justice you deserve.

Our clients understand the importance of securing legal representation as soon as possible after a diagnosis of mesothelioma or lung cancer. If you or a loved one worked at Alcan and have been diagnosed with mesothelioma or lung cancer, we urge you to contact us regarding your legal rights.