Comanche Peak Nuclear Power Plant
The Comanche Peak Nuclear Power Plant is located in central Texas and has two Westinghouse pressurized-water reactors. Construction began in 1974, and the reactors began commercial operation in 1990 and 1993, respectively. The Comanche Peak Nuclear Plant is owned by Luminant Generation, a subsidiary of Energy Future Holdings Corporation. Luminant Generation in 2009 proposed expansion of the plant. Development plans are pending.
Comanche Peak Nuclear Power Plant and Asbestos
Asbestos was a problem at Comanche Peak before the plant even opened. In the years the reactors were under construction, individuals in numerous positions – painters, electricians, insulators, laborers, welders and heavy-equipment operators – were exposed to asbestos without their knowledge and without proper safety precautions. Disposable masks were distributed instead of the fresh-air hoods required by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). Many employees were denied access to the basic materials such as the disposable masks and material safety data sheets (MSDSs) which list the contents and hazards of products.
Like other nuclear power plants, Comanche Peak has not been immune to malfunctions. One of the plant's two units was shut down temporarily in 2002 when radioactive water was found leaking from a steam generator tube. Because of such problems, working at or living near a nuclear generating plant can be quite hazardous. Employees face many potential dangers including silica, radiation and asbestos exposure.
Linda Porter, who worked as a painter at Comanche Peak, was exposed to especially egregious conditions at work. In 1988, she and three other workers were given respirators and ordered to perform a test for the company: grinding and power-sand coatings known to contain silica and asbestos. The foursome was instructed to generate as much dust as possible while doing so. Porter shut down the test after several hours in the enclosed space. She was laid off a few weeks later. Porter believes she was subjected to the test, various other intimidation techniques and eventual termination because of her demands for a safer work environment.
Comanche Peak Nuclear Power Plant and Asbestos Litigation
Before Comanche Park's second reactor opened, the plant's liabilities had resulted in hundreds of workers' compensation claims. For four years, beginning in 1989, about 2,000 workers from Comanche Peak and the nearby Texas Project plant filed asbestos-related lawsuits against their employers. Workers suffered various ailments because of the toxic substances they came into contact with. Many suffered from asbestosis, mesothelioma, other cancers, memory loss and other neurological problems.
Resources for Power Plant Workers
If you worked at Comanche Peak Nuclear Power Plant during its construction, you have the potential to develop mesothelioma and should monitor your health as closely as possible. Mesothelioma can take several decades to develop, but diagnosing it as early as possible is important in treating the cancer. It is recommended you schedule periodic physical examinations and chest X-rays.
If you need help in finding a mesothelioma testing center near you, call a Patient Advocate at (800) 615-2270. If you've already been diagnosed with mesothelioma and need more information about treatment or other issues, fill out the form on this page or speak with a Patient Advocate.
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Last Modified Thursday, February 23rd, 2012 | Disclaimer | Privacy Policy |
The information provided by The Mesothelioma Center is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.
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