Asbestos in Power Plants

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.

“In a desperate life-altering crisis, Joe Lyon quietly entered my life. My husband was losing battle with mesothelioma. Joe came respectfully, professionally, kindly, and beneficially towards our family. I felt he was Heaven sent. It has been an honor to know and work with Joe.”

- Marlene B. | Client

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.

Major Studies on Asbestos Exposure in Power Plants

Asbestos-related deaths have been documented internationally in the power industry. Several studies have examined the high rate of mesothelioma in power plants, including:

• A 2010 German study found that power plant workers were exposed to asbestos for an average of 20 years during their careers, with those in power generation tasks having longer exposure than workers in power distribution or gas supply. The study also revealed that out of 8,632 workers, 3,479 were exposed to both types of asbestos (chrysotile and crocidolite), while 1,545 worked with only chrysotile, and 613 handled only crocidolite asbestos.
• A 2015 study published in The British Medical Journal highlighted asbestos-related deaths among Belgian workers. The study, based on data from 2001 to 2009, found that power plant workers are more than eight times as likely to die from mesothelioma compared to the general population.
• The Asbestos Surveillance Program tracked 8,565 power industry workers exposed to asbestos to study how exposure patterns impact cancer mortality and the time between exposure and disease. The results published in 2024 found that asbestos exposure led to a significantly higher risk of cancer-related deaths, with the time between exposure and the development of diseases like mesothelioma often spanning several decades.

For far too long, the suffering of workers exposed to asbestos and other toxic hazards has been ignored. Workers are not expendable, they are people with families and lives that matter.

Employers should always put the health and safety of their employees first. If you or a loved one have been impacted by asbestos exposure, contact The Lyon Firm online or by calling (513) 381-2333 today.

Ohio Power Plant Workers and Asbestos: Who’s at Risk?

Research shows that power industry workers face a “higher than expected death rate due to malignant mesothelioma” and even minimal exposure can result in severe health consequences.

The Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry concluded a vast number of employees in the power generation industry have been affected. Although other industries also dealt with asbestos exposure, Ohio power plant worker asbestos cases are some of the highest.

The agency says exposure to asbestos in certain power plant occupations puts workers at an increased risk for developing asbestos-related diseases such as asbestosis, lung cancer, and mesothelioma. The following positions in the power industry may lead to a higher risk of exposure:

• Insulators
• Welders
• Maintenance Crews
• Boiler operators
• Pipefitters & Plumbers
• Machinists
• Mechanics
• Electricians
• Firefighters

Signs and Symptoms of Mesothelioma in Power Plant Workers

The U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has stated that there is no safe level of asbestos exposure. Brief exposure can lead to serious illness. Plant workers exposed to asbestos fibers may develop scarring in the tissue surrounding the lungs.

This commonly leads to conditions such as asbestosis, lung cancer, and mesothelioma. Asbestos-related illnesses may take up to 40 years to cause noticeable symptoms, so any former power plant worker should remain vigilant of any change in overall health.

Mesothelioma causes signs and symptoms that may include:

• Chest pain
• Fatigue
• Painful coughing
• Trouble breathing
• Trouble swallowing
• Unusual lumps of tissue under the skin on the chest
• Unexplained weight loss

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), between 1999 and 2020, nearly 55,000 people in the United States died from mesothelioma, with approximately 2,500 deaths occurring each year.

Power Plants Our Team Is Investigating

• Gavin Power Plant
• Carlsbad Powerhouse
• Farley Nuclear Plant
• J.M. Stuart Station
• Pilgrim Nuclear Power Station
• W. H. Sammis Power Plant
• Comanche Peak Power Plant
• Cardinal Power Station
• Conesville Power Station
• Haynes Power Plant
• William H. Zimmer Power Station
• Perry Nuclear Generating Station
• Miami Fort Power Station
• Kyger Creek Power Plant
• Davis-Besse Nuclear Power Station
• Avon Lake Power Plant
• Bay Shore Power Plant
• Dayton Power & Light
• Ohio Power Company
• Stuart Generating Station
• Muskingum Power Station

How Can Mesothelioma Attorneys for Power Plant Workers Help Your Case?

Asbestos cases, especially those involving mesothelioma, can be difficult because the disease often takes decades to develop. This means important evidence, like work records, may be hard to find. A mesothelioma attorney can help you by handling the heavy lifting of your case, ensuring that your rights are protected. Here’s how they can help:

• Investigating Your Exposure: Lawyers can track down records from past employers, even if you think they’re lost to time. They have access to resources to locate key evidence of asbestos exposure on the job.
• Identifying Responsible Parties: An attorney can pinpoint the companies or manufacturers responsible for your exposure, even if they are no longer in business or have gone bankrupt. Many companies have established asbestos trust funds to compensate victims, and a lawyer can help you access these funds.
• Collecting Medical Evidence: Lawyers will work closely with medical professionals to not only confirm your diagnosis but also to establish a clear link between your mesothelioma and your asbestos exposure at work. This expert opinion is often the key to proving causation, as mesothelioma can be hard to diagnose and takes decades to develop.
• Building a Strong Case for Maximum Compensation: Your lawyer will investigate how the company ignored safety protocols and kept workers in the dark about asbestos risks. By highlighting the full impact of mesothelioma on your life, an attorney can work toward financial support that fairly reflects everything you’ve suffered.

Does having an attorney on your side really make a difference? Having an experienced attorney can greatly improve your chances of securing compensation. A 2016 Martindale-Nolo study found that more than 90% of people with legal representation received a settlement or award, compared to only about half of those who handled their own injury claims.

Why Hire The Lyon Firm

The Lyon Firm will help you find the answers. Our team has the experience, resources, and dedication to take on difficult and emotional cases and help our clients obtain justice for the wrong they have suffered.

We have 19 years of experience and success representing individuals and plaintiffs in all fifty states. Asbestos lawsuits can be complex and require industry experts to determine the root cause of an accident or injury. The Lyon Firm works with experts nationwide to assist individuals in understanding why an injury occurred and what can be done to improve their lives in the future.

This thorough approach has helped us to obtain numerous seven and six-figure asbestos settlements, including:

• $2.7 Million Settlement: Co-counsel for the surviving spouse in the Estate of Steve Thomas v. AK Steel Corporation (2019), a case involving asbestos exposure and mesothelioma from working in the steel mill industry in Philadelphia County, Pennsylvania.
• $2.3 Million Settlement: Co-counsel for the family in the Estate of William P. Bush v. AK Steel Corporation (2016), a case involving asbestos exposure and mesothelioma from working in a steel mill in Madison County, Illinois.

If you or a loved one has suffered from asbestos exposure, it’s time to take action. Reach out to The Lyon Firm today online or by calling (513) 381-2333.