Power Plants - Overview
Power plants have been supplying power to U.S. homes for more than a century. The first hydro-electric power plant, for example, was established in Appleton, Wisconsin in 1882. Since then, a large number of power plants have been built, especially nuclear power plants. Today, all nuclear power plants are operated by employees who constantly work shifts to ensure there is no interruption in the supply of electricity.
Asbestos Risks in Power Plants
While power plants are absolutely necessary to continue much of America's operations, they can be extremely dangerous places to work. Because electricity is involved, the constant risk of fire is always a potential hazard. To lessen the potential of on-the-job accidents involving heat and fire, a lot of equipment and machinery inside power plants are lined with asbestos, a naturally occurring mineral.
Unfortunately, asbestos has been proven to cause a number of illnesses to those exposed to the toxic substance, including lung cancer, asbestosis and mesothelioma. Asbestos exposure can occur when asbestos-containing materials are damaged or disturbed and the toxic fibers that make up asbestos are released into the air, enabling them to be inhaled.
Giant generators and turbines are just two of the many materials within power plants that are likely to be lined with asbestos. Anyone who comes in contact with this machinery, especially those who maintain it, may be exposed to asbestos fibers. The boilers and pipes found in most power plants are also insulated with asbestos, as well as gaskets, seal pumps and valves. Even the floor, wall and ceiling tiles of power plants are likely to contain asbestos.
During the last few decades, particularly after the U.S. government issued warnings about the dangers of asbestos exposure, most power plants have endeavored to either remove or encapsulate asbestos-containing materials. Encapsulation involves covering surfaces of particular concern with a resin-type material, which will keep them from crumbling and releasing dust. For many, however, the move to eliminate or encapsulate asbestos from power plants came too late. Asbestos was so rampant in power plants that employees, including those who did not directly work with the material, would breathe in toxic fibers and bring it home on their clothes to family members.
The symptoms of asbestos-related diseases can take up to 50 years to develop. Because of this, power plant workers are still being diagnosed with debilitating illnesses more than 30 years after the warnings were issued. If you or a loved one have worked at a power plant and believe you may have been exposed to this dangerous substance, seek a medical examination from your doctor and consider contacting a mesothelioma lawyer. To learn more about the diagnostic process, available treatment options and financial assistance to help pay for medical costs, please click here to receive a comprehensive packet in the mail.
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