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Power Plant Workers

Power plant workers were responsible for the generation and distribution of power. A number of different specialty jobs were performed by these employees including electric maintenance, metalworking and machinery operation. The workers were often exposed to asbestos fibers when performing day-to-day responsibilities such as:

• Spraying asbestos pulp during turbine revisions
• Installing equipment
• Repairing broken machines
• Replacing asbestos-containing parts

Asbestos that was found in the walls, floors, ceilings and other construction products at the plant were also easily loosened, which increased the risk of inhaling the mineral.

Asbestos fibers can easily be inhaled into the lungs, and many power plants were poorly ventilated and allowed the fibers to circulate in the workers’ airspace. One study of 55 full-time power generating workers found that those who were exposed to asbestos displayed a number of symptoms that were significantly related to their exposure, including pleural thickening, pleural calcification and chest pain.

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Asbestos Exposure

One German study of 8,632 power industry workers found that workers who were exposed to asbestos while working in the power industry should be considered a high-risk group for asbestos-related disease. The results of the study revealed that metalworkers employed at power plants and plant operators comprised the two largest exposure groups of all power generation workers.

Machinery at power plants typically produces vast amounts of heat and friction because of the kinetic energy used to generate electricity. As a result, many power plant structures and equipment components were made with heat-resistant materials. Power plant workers who were responsible for maintaining this equipment may have inhaled the friable fibers if their work disturbed an asbestos-containing material.

Nuclear, coal and steam-powered plant facilities commonly contained the following asbestos products:

• Pipe insulation
• Valves
• Jacket boilers
• Fireproofing sprays
• Heat-resistant flooring
• Specialized concrete

Due to the high temperatures and fires that can occur at power facilities, workers wear safety clothing to protect them from the heat. For much of the 20th century, these insulated safety suits were made with asbestos and may pose an additional danger to workers.

One power plant mechanic filed an asbestos lawsuit after developing an asbestos-related pleural disease. The plant worker explained that his job duties included mixing asbestos cement, applying insulation around boilers and cutting asbestos blocks for use around pipes. Another power plant operator filed a lawsuit that claimed he was exposed to asbestos after contacting asbestos-containing pipe coverings, gaskets, valve packing and fireproofing materials. This operator developed emphysema, pulmonary asbestosis and pleural thickening from the occupational exposure.

Resources for Power Plant Workers

Power plant workers may be at an elevated risk for inhaling the asbestos fibers, and many of these workers have developed an asbestos-related disease due to this exposure. If you worked in a power plant, it is highly advised that you seek a medical consultation with a qualified doctor. If you would like help locating and making an appointment with a physician in your area, please contact the Mesothelioma Center’s Doctor Match Program.

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