For years, asbestos was used in power plants to protect against fire hazards, often found in insulation around pipes, boilers, heaters, electrical components, and machinery. Unfortunately, this meant workers were unknowingly exposed to harmful asbestos fibers on a daily basis.
Breathing in these toxic fibers can lead to life-threatening health issues, like asbestosis and mesothelioma, a type of cancer that can develop many years after exposure.
Scores of former power plant employees around the country have filed claims against former and current employers for failing to provide a safe work environment and to provide proper warnings of potential occupational risks.
Joe Lyon is a dedicated asbestos lawyer who has fought for justice on behalf of workers nationwide. He represents people who’ve been affected by asbestos exposure and other toxic workplace hazards. If you or a loved one have been impacted, you deserve answers—and you don’t have to fight alone. Contact The Lyon Firm today online or by calling (513) 381-2333.
The Dangers of Asbestos
Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that was once widely used in manufacturing and construction due to its unique properties. It is heat-resistant, durable, and a great insulator, making it an attractive option for power plants, shipbuilding, and construction industries. Unfortunately, while it may have been an extremely useful material, it comes with a deadly cost.
When asbestos is disturbed through wear and tear, cutting, or any form of breakdown it becomes airborne. Once inhaled or ingested, these microscopic fibers can become trapped in the lungs or other organs, leading to inflammation and scarring of the lungs over time.
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) have all recognized asbestos as a known human carcinogen, meaning it is a substance that can cause cancer.
Why Is the Risk of Asbestos Exposure in Power Plants So High?
An elevated incidence of asbestos-related deaths has been documented in the power industry, where for decades employees worked with asbestos hazards without safety protection.
In manufacturing plants, particularly in power plants, asbestos was used for its exceptional heat resistance and durability. It was a go-to material for insulating pipes, boilers, and other machinery that needed to withstand high temperatures.
It was also found in electrical components, flooring, roofing, and even in packaging materials. Simply put, asbestos was everywhere because it helped keep factories and plants safe from fire hazards and was relatively inexpensive.
What Materials Contain Asbestos in Power Plants?
Asbestos can be found in many materials that were commonly used in factories, power plants, and other industrial sites. Some of the most common items include:
- Piping and Insulation: Used to protect against extreme heat.
- Electrical Components: To prevent fire hazards and insulate electrical wiring.
- Machine Parts: Found in gaskets, brakes, and clutches.
- Packaging Materials: Often used for wrapping and insulation.
- Flooring and Ceiling Tiles: Widely used for durability and fire resistance.
- Roofing: Common in industrial and residential buildings.
Although asbestos is not fully banned in the United States, its use has been gradually reduced over time. However, this slow phasing out does little to undo the damage done to the millions of workers who were exposed to this deadly material before stricter regulations were put in place.
ABOUT THE LYON FIRM
Joseph Lyon has 17 years of experience representing individuals in complex litigation matters. He has represented individuals in every state against many of the largest companies in the world.
The Firm focuses on single-event civil cases and class actions involving corporate neglect & fraud, toxic exposure, product defects & recalls, medical malpractice, and invasion of privacy.
NO COST UNLESS WE WIN
The Firm offers contingency fees, advancing all costs of the litigation, and accepting the full financial risk, allowing our clients full access to the legal system while reducing the financial stress while they focus on their healthcare and financial needs.
Many experience asbestos exposure in the workplace. Workplaces may have been filled with toxic materials, and employers may have failed to warn of the serious health risks of the job. Filing a suit helps to raise awareness of job safety.
The Statute of Limitations for Asbestos Cases
Asbestos can be found in homes built before 1980, construction sites, and in many military installations. According to the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), there are 75 different jobs that can expose workers to asbestos, with those jobs primarily involving construction and manufacturing. Thousands of American workers are still exposed to asbestos each year.
Mesothelioma is a serious illness that has been linked to asbestos exposure in medical literature. It is estimated that there will be thousands of new cases due to the latency period of 20-50 years after being first exposed to asbestos.
