Nashville - Asbestos & Mesothelioma Resources

Many Tennessee industrial workers have been affected by asbestos exposure. Nashville, currently the 25th largest city in the nation with a population of 590,807, has numerous private and residential buildings containing asbestos. However, the main source of asbestos exposure in Tennessee has been industrial. Paper and pulp mills throughout the state have contributed to asbestos exposure, but within Nashville and Davidson County, power plants and automotive plants have been the main cause of concern.

Statistical Data

According to data compiled by the Environmental Working Group using statistics from the Centers for Disease Control, at least 671 people have passed in Tennessee from asbestos-related diseases since 1979.

** The government did not begin tracking mesothelioma separately as a cause of death until 1999. Since then, the nationwide mortality rate for deaths from mesothelioma has more than doubled. The lower number in each range represents an estimated mortality rate based on asbestos cancers that were thought to be mesothelioma. The higher range reflects the mesothelioma rate if one assumes that the incidence during the earlier years was actually twice that reflected by government statistics.

Historical Asbestos Exposure Sites

Power Plants

Historically, power plants have been a significant source of asbestos exposure. Asbestos was extensively used in power plants built before the 1980s primarily for its insulting and fireproofing properties. Prior to the 1980s, workers in the following Nashville power plants were exposed to asbestos and other toxins: Watts Bar Nuclear Power Plant, Gallatin Steam Plant, and Nashville Steam Plant.

These plants are run by the historic Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA). The TVA was established during the 1930s under Franklin Delano Roosevelt's administration. TVA brought thousands of jobs to the Tennessee Valley and helped raise many people out of poverty, but like all power plants at the time, they used asbestos extensively.

Auto Industry

Workers in the automotive industry have also been exposed to asbestos. Asbestos was used in brake linings, clutches, and many other auto parts. The hazardous material was present in the buildings of automotive factories as well. Workers at the following Nashville auto plants prior to the 1980s were subject to asbestos exposure: Ford Motor Plant, Ford Motor Glass Plant, and Ford Float-Glass Line.

Ford Motor Company, founded in 1903 by Henry Ford, is one of the world's largest family owned companies. Ford freely admits that asbestos was widely used in its automotive products, but denies these products pose any kind of health risk. In the past, several asbestos-related lawsuits have been filed against Ford's Nashville plants.

Other Sources of Concern

Other sources of asbestos exposure within Nashville have included the DuPont Plant at Johnsonville (formerly at Hickory). DuPont never manufactured asbestos-containing products, but much of its equipment included asbestos. Internal company documents have shown that DuPont's upper management was aware of the hazards of asbestos, but failed to notify any employees. Former workers of DuPont have filed numerous lawsuits over asbestos exposure.

Existing Asbestos Exposure Sites

Nashville still has older buildings that contain asbestos materials, but such materials do not pose a threat unless they are damaged or disturbed. Friable asbestos that is damaged can produce a toxic dust, and if asbestos fibers are inhaled, serious illnesses can develop. Asbestos can be found in old paint, textured ceilings, walls, insulation, and much more.

Asbestos in the News

In April 2008, workers renovating Nashville's Church Street YMCA discovered asbestos in the walls. The work was immediately halted and professional asbestos workers were called to remove the hazardous materials. Asbestos within buildings is not considered a significant health risk, unless it is exposed. Renovating an older building can result in asbestos exposure if safety precautions are ignored.

Legal Issues

Nashville residents have won numerous lawsuits over asbestos exposure. Many lawyers in the Nashville area specialize in asbestos claims. If you believe you have been made ill by exposure to asbestos, it is best to consult with a qualified mesothelioma lawyer.

Treatment Centers

The Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center
691 Preston Building
Nashville, TN 37232
(615) 936-5847