01. Asbestos Use at Power Plants
How Was Asbestos Used at Power Plants?
Before the 1980s, asbestos-containing materials were frequently used at power plants. Power plant machinery faces high pressure and temperatures. Asbestos was added to machinery to increase durability and heat resistance.
Asbestos was also a common fireproofing material. To fireproof the equipment, asbestos insulation lined machines and pipes.
Power plant workers came into contact with asbestos insulation and other asbestos products while performing equipment maintenance and repairs. For example, workers would cut through insulation to fit it to the equipment. This often released asbestos fibers into the air.
Frequent exposure to asbestos products put power plant workers in danger. As a result of the exposure, many workers develop an asbestos-related illness later in life.
Most asbestos products are discontinued in the U.S. However, old asbestos-containing materials may still be present at power plants and other jobsites.
Understanding what products may contain asbestos can help workers reduce their risk of asbestos exposure.
02. Notable Power Plants
Notable Power Plants That Used Asbestos
Power plants across the U.S. often used asbestos products in their machinery. These power plants contracted asbestos companies to install insulation and other asbestos-containing materials.
The use of asbestos by power plants across the country exposed many individuals to asbestos. Some power plants continue removing asbestos from their facilities today.
Los Angeles Department of Water and Power
The Lost Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP) is the largest municipal utility in the U.S. The facility serves more than four million California residents and has approximately 9,400 employees.
In 2008, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) fined the LADWP $9,030 for demolishing asbestos-containing structures without notifying the agency. Asbestos regulations require the EPA to be notified before a demolition.
Due to the lack of EPA notification, asbestos was not completely removed from the building before demolition. The demolition may have released asbestos fibers into the air and put the public at risk.
Prior to demolition, asbestos-containing materials at LADWP facilities also put workers at risk of asbestos exposure for years. As a result, the LADWP has been named in many asbestos lawsuits by former workers and their family members.
As part of the Clean Grid L.A. initiative, the LADWP recently hired contractors to remove asbestos at four decommissioned generating units. Despite recent remediation efforts, machinery at the LADWP may still contain asbestos.
Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E)
Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) provides natural gas and electricity to millions of California households. PG&E is headquartered in San Francisco but has several power plant locations.
The company is known to have used asbestos insulation, turbines, boilers and other asbestos products at its power plants.
Former employees said airborne asbestos and other particles were frequently blowing in the air at PG&E plants. Workers also had to work in tight quarters, which often causes high concentrations of asbestos dust. They were also not provided with safety equipment.
Many PG&E workers developed asbestos-related diseases from working at the facilities. PG&E has faced numerous lawsuits stemming from work conditions, including asbestos lawsuits. The company filed for bankruptcy in 2001 and again in 2019.
Sometimes, as a result of bankruptcy, asbestos companies will begin a trust fund to pay victims. PG&E does not have an asbestos trust fund, but the company has set up trust funds to pay other non-asbestos claims.
Pilgrim Nuclear Power Station
Pilgrim Nuclear Power Station was constructed in 1972 by Bechtel Corporation. At the time, the Pilgrim Nuclear Power Station was the only nuclear power plant operating in Massachusetts. The power plant supplied power to Massachusetts homes for four decades.
When it was constructed, asbestos-containing materials were still being used at power plants. Bechtel Corporation was also a known user of asbestos products.
In 2019, the power plant was decommissioned due to financial concerns. Asbestos abatement at Pilgrim will occur as part of the decommissioning process. However, workers at Pilgrim Nuclear Power Plant may have experienced asbestos exposure in the past.
Other Power Plants That Caused Exposure
Other U.S. power plant companies with known occupational exposure include those listed below by state.
03. Who Is at Risk?
Who Is at Risk of Exposure at Power Plants?
Power plant workers risked occupational asbestos exposure from contact with machinery. Power plant machinery used asbestos products to protect equipment from high heat.
According to a study of German power plant workers, metalworkers were at a particularly high risk of asbestos exposure. Metalworkers consistently work in high heat environments and may have used asbestos products for protection from hot machinery.
A variety of workers also risked asbestos exposure while performing machine maintenance and repairs. These tasks could disturb asbestos insulation. As the machinery aged, equipment wear and tear also disturbed asbestos.
If asbestos is disturbed, fibers may become airborne and can be ingested or inhaled by workers. Frequent asbestos exposure increases the risk of developing an asbestos-related disease, such as mesothelioma. However, no amount of asbestos exposure is safe.
Power plant workers wear heat-resistant clothing to protect themselves while on the jobsite. In the past, this protective clothing was often made with asbestos. Asbestos-containing protective clothing may include:
- Aprons
- Coats
- Gloves
- Masks
- Pants
The asbestos clothing allowed employees to handle hot machinery and prevented gear from catching on fire. However, the clothing released asbestos fibers putting workers at risk of exposure.
Secondary Asbestos Exposure From Power Plants
It was also common for workers to bring home asbestos dust on their clothing. This caused family members to experience secondary asbestos exposure.
Often, power plant workers and their families were unaware asbestos exposure had occurred. Many individuals only learned of their exposure after an asbestos-related diagnosis.
Occupational asbestos exposure and secondary exposure continue to put individuals at risk of developing malignant mesothelioma, lung cancer or asbestosis, among other illnesses.
04. Asbestos Lawsuits
Asbestos Lawsuits and Compensation
Power plant workers who developed an asbestos-related disease from occupational exposure may seek financial compensation. Individuals diagnosed with an illness from secondary exposure can also seek compensation.
An individual may seek compensation through an asbestos lawsuit. Successful lawsuits result in a settlement or a verdict from the responsible companies and groups.
Many mesothelioma lawsuits have resulted in successful verdicts and settlements for power plant workers and their loved ones.
In addition to filing a lawsuit, some individuals may qualify for an asbestos trust fund claim. Companies have asbestos trust funds to compensate victims of asbestos exposure. These companies commonly set up the trusts due to involvement in many asbestos-related lawsuits.
Power plant workers with mesothelioma or another asbestos-related disease can connect with a lawyer to learn about all their options. For example, some law firms offer free consultations. These meetings may help individuals familiarize themselves with the legal process.
An experienced mesothelioma lawyer understands the history of asbestos use at power plants. They can help individuals determine the most beneficial way to proceed.
