Asbestos Exposure in Power Plants

Throughout the history of asbestos use, most victims of exposure are been those who worked in shipyards, construction, chemical plants, steel mills and power plants. These industries made widespread use of asbestos insulation because of its durability and because of its ability to withstand high temperatures and prevent fires and burns.

Asbestos was used to cover pipes, boilers, generators and other machinery. Molded asbestos insulation protected electrical wires, and asbestos blankets were regularly used for fire barriers. Some employees even wore asbestos-containing protective clothing. Asbestos exposure was virtually unavoidable in power plants built prior to 1980.

Asbestos Litigation

In 2007, contract worker Robert Croteau filed a lawsuit against Con Edison, Treadwell Corporation and others. Croteau was a contract worker for Treadwell and later developed mesothelioma. He also worked at two Con Edison sites and 23 other power plants that used asbestos-containing materials. He was never informed of the asbestos hazard or given protective gear. Because of the companies’ negligence, a court found Con Edison 34 percent responsible for Croteau’s disease and Treadwell 4 percent responsible. The remaining liability was apportioned among the 23 other companies.

Leroy V. Moran testified similarly in his case against Treadwell and A.O. Smith Water, a maker of water heaters and electrical motors. Moran worked as a steam fitter and mechanic from 1963 to 1990 at several New York powerhouses and later suffered asbestos-related personal injuries. He testified that he was regularly exposed to asbestos when nearby workers used products such as gaskets, rope and packing. Moran has said he was never warned of the dangers of asbestos-containing materials. The case remains active.

The experiences of Moran and Croteau are typical. Although many corporate executives knew the deadly effects of asbestos exposure, they continued using the mineral without supplying employees any information about its dangers or giving them safety equipment as protection. It was typical for workers to handle asbestos without any protection.

In addition, because insulators, pipefitters, electricians, welders and others often worked in close quarters, it was common for them to inhale tiny asbestos fibers that circulated through the air. Many workers developed asbestos-related illnesses, including mesothelioma cancer and asbestosis.

Resources for Power Plant Workers

If you have been affected by exposure to asbestos during employment at a power plant, it is important to learn more about your legal rights. Anybody suffering from mesothelioma may have a right to sue negligent employers for compensation for loss of income, medical bills, pain and suffering and other expenses associated with the disease. For more information, complete the form on this page or call (800) 615-2270.