Was Westinghouse — De-Ion Arc Chute Molded asbestos documented in litigation?

Westinghouse — De-Ion Arc Chute Molded is documented in public asbestos litigation records as a manufacturer whose products contained asbestos during the mid-twentieth century. Workers in industrial facilities, power plants, refineries, shipyards, and commercial construction who handled or worked near these products may have experienced occupational exposure.

Which trades had the most exposure?

Pipe coverers and insulators, pipefitters, boilermakers, millwrights, and maintenance workers are among the trades most frequently documented in asbestos exposure claims. Workers who cut, fitted, or removed asbestos-containing products — and those working in close proximity during that work — typically had the highest fiber concentrations.

How long do workers have to file an asbestos claim?

Statutes of limitations for asbestos personal injury claims vary by state, typically ranging from one to five years from the date of an asbestos-related diagnosis. The clock generally starts at diagnosis, not exposure — mesothelioma can have a latency period of 20 to 50 years. An asbestos attorney can identify the deadlines that apply to your specific situation.

Can workers file claims related to Westinghouse — De-Ion Arc Chute Molded asbestos exposure?

Yes. Workers diagnosed with mesothelioma, asbestos-related lung cancer, or asbestosis after exposure to Westinghouse — De-Ion Arc Chute Molded products may pursue claims through civil litigation. An experienced asbestos attorney can assess available defendants, applicable trust funds from co-defendants, and the states where claims can be filed most effectively.

Can family members file secondary exposure claims?

Spouses, children, and household members who developed asbestos-related disease through contact with contaminated work clothing brought home by an exposed worker may be eligible for secondary (household) exposure claims. Wrongful-death claims can also be filed by surviving family members of workers who died from asbestos-related disease.

Electrical

Westinghouse De-Ion Arc Chute Plates

⚖ Litigation Record1930s-1980sAllegedly molded chrysotile-reinforced arc-quenching plates and side liners used inside De-Ion arc chutes on air-magnetic circuit breakers, MCCs, and starters

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Overview Product Facts Trades

Litigation Record: Information below reflects allegations in publicly filed asbestos litigation — plaintiff allegations, not findings of fact.

Product Description

The Westinghouse De-Ion arc chute was the flagship arc-interrupting assembly used across Westinghouse air-magnetic circuit breakers, magnetic contactors, motor starters, and low-voltage switchgear from the 1930s through the early 1980s. According to publicly filed asbestos litigation records, the stacked “grid” plates and side liners that split and cooled the arc were allegedly molded from chrysotile-reinforced phenolic or refractory composition, chosen for its dielectric strength and ablative resistance to repeated arcing.

Every time a De-Ion breaker interrupted a fault, the arc allegedly eroded the plate faces, releasing asbestos-laden dust into the breaker cubicle.

Workers Exposed

Industrial electricians (IBEW) who racked, tested, and maintained Westinghouse air-magnetic breakers
Substation electricians rebuilding De-Ion chutes in-place at utility and industrial switchyards
Motor control center technicians replacing arc-chute stacks on Westinghouse starters
Arc-flash repair technicians cleaning cubicles after fault-clearing events, allegedly disturbing eroded asbestos plate residue

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If You Worked at Westinghouse

If you or a family member worked at Westinghouse and were exposed to asbestos-containing materials at this facility — and were diagnosed with mesothelioma, asbestosis, lung cancer, or another asbestos-related disease — you may be entitled to significant compensation. Time-sensitive filing deadlines apply.

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Product Facts

Trade NameWestinghouse De-Ion Arc Chute Plates

ManufacturerWestinghouse — Asbestos Products & Litigation History

Years Produced1930s-1980s

Asbestos ContentAllegedly molded chrysotile-reinforced arc-quenching plates and side liners used inside De-Ion arc chutes on air-magnetic circuit breakers, MCCs, and starters

CategoryElectrical Electrical-Components

Trust FundNo active trust

Exposed Trades & Occupations

Industrial electricians (IBEW)Substation electriciansMotor control center techniciansArc-flash repair technicians

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Were You Exposed to an Asbestos-Containing Product?

If you have been diagnosed with an asbestos-related disease and were exposed to asbestos-containing products, you and your family may be entitled to significant compensation through asbestos trust funds and civil litigation. An attorney experienced in product liability and asbestos claims can evaluate your case — at no cost to you.

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No attorney fee unless we make a financial recovery
Statutes of limitations may limit the time you have to act
Trust fund claims, civil lawsuits, and VA benefits pursued simultaneously

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