Asbestos in Power Plants

There are over 2,000 electricity-generating plants in the United States. It is not difficult to understand why; electricity is a vital part of our economy and our way of life. Unfortunately, the production of electricity also has its costs. There are a number of pollutants associated with the production of electricity, whether plants use coal, natural gases, or radioactive materials.

Some of these pollutants, such as greenhouse gasses or nuclear waste, have received extensive attention from environmental groups and the media. Others, however, are not as well known. For example, people who worked in any kind of power plant prior to 1987 may not be aware that they are at risk for asbestos-related conditions.

Uses of Asbestos

Before government regulations of asbestos were finally put into place, asbestos was used extensively in power plants. Some of its more common uses included:

Insulation for walls, piping, and electrical wiring
Protective coatings for pipes, turbines, and heavy machinery
The production of gaskets, clutches, and brake pads
The production of building materials such as sheet metal and cement
Protective coatings for floors and walls

Some workers were placed at risk when they directly handled materials like these. Other workers may not have manipulated these materials, but were still placed in danger simply by working in areas where these materials were present. Even family members of power plant workers could be placed at risk due to asbestos dust on workers’ clothing.

Dangers of Asbestos Exposure

When power plant workers or their families were exposed to asbestos dust, they were placed at risk for inhaling or ingesting sharp, microscopic asbestos fibers. These fibers cannot be broken down by the body; instead, they can lodge in bodily tissue and cause extensive damage. Over the course of several years, this damage may develop into conditions such as:

Asbestosis, a chronic lung condition
Mesothelioma, an aggressive cancer affecting the body cavity’s protective lining
Lung cancer

If you or a family member worked in a power plant prior to 1987, you may be at risk for asbestos exposure. It is important to disclose this information to your primary care physician about your experience with asbestos in power plants.

Power Plants in the US

Major power plants in the United States include:

Asbestos in Power Plants

Uses of Asbestos

Dangers of Asbestos Exposure

Power Plants in the US

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