Power Plants are large facilities where fuels, such as coal, oil, and natural gas, are converted to generate electricity. These plants use these fuels to create high pressured steam through a system of pipes to turn the blades of a turbine. As the wheeled turbine turns, it spins a generator to make the electricity that the United States depends on.
During the 20th century, asbestos gained popularity for being inexpensive and resistant to corrosion, heat and flame. Unfortunately, because of the extreme heat required for power plants to function and the fire hazards that go with it, asbestos was used heavily throughout power stations in heat-resistant materials and insulation.
Power plant workers included many skilled workers including pipefitters, boilermakers, metal workers, and machine operators to keep the plant running effectively. All of those who worked at a power plant may be at increased risk of developing mesothelioma cancer from asbestos exposure inside the plant. While these workers were each employed for different tasks, they all regularly installed, removed and repaired asbestos containing insulation, gaskets, and machine parts. Additionally, much of the building material used to construct the plant itself contained asbestos to prevent fires.
Tiny asbestos fibers may have been released into the air as power plant workers installed asbestos insulation, repaired machinery with asbestos parts, and as asbestos insulation and tile broke down in time. While intact, asbestos is not a hazard. It is when the asbestos fibers begin to flake that it becomes a danger to those around it. Once airborne, asbestos dust can easily be inhaled or ingested. Once inside the body, the inflammation and scarring in organs caused by the asbestos can lead to the development of mesothelioma cancer and other asbestos-related diseases.
Unfortunately, millions of people have been exposed to asbestos over the years. Only now are we able to see the disastrous effects of asbestos exposure in the workplace. Generally, it takes 10 to 60 years from the time of asbestos exposure until symptoms appear or mesothelioma is diagnosed.
Many of the companies have established trust funds to pay compensation to persons injured by asbestos.
If you have mesothelioma, or other asbestos-related injury, and wish to consult an attorney about your legal rights to compensation, CLICK HERE for a free consultation.
