Asbestos Exposure Sites in North Carolina

Thousands of North Carolina residents have been exposed to hazardous asbestos fibers in some form or fashion. Not only is the state home to naturally-occurring asbestos, it is also home to many power plants, military bases, steel mills, and shipyards (industries known for their usage of asbestos-containing materials in years past).

Areas at Risk of Asbestos Exposure

Below is a list of several cities and towns where asbestos has been found at or around job sites, workplaces, and public buildings:

Industries/Occupations Most at Risk of Asbestos Exposure

• 
  Power Plants

  Workers employed at power-generating facilities may be at greater risk of asbestos exposure, and subsequently, may be more likely to develop mesothelioma or other asbestos-related disease.

  Before the hazards of asbestos exposure were well-documented, asbestos-containing materials (also known as ACMs) were often used in building insulation due to their heat and fire-resistant properties. In power plants, ACMs were used in plaster, cement, and drywall as well as to wrap electrical conduits. Power plant workers most at risk of asbestos exposure include electricians, pipefitters, boilermakers, repairmen, and other maintenance workers.

• 
  Steel Mills

  Workers employed at steel mills and plants have a documented risk of asbestos exposure, and subsequently, may be more likely to develop mesothelioma or other asbestos-related disease.

  In steel mills, asbestos-containing materials were used for gaskets and linings, ovens, ladles, boilers, and steam pipes. Special uniforms, initially designed to protect steelworkers from burns, have also been found to be lined with ACMs. Steelworkers most at risk of asbestos exposure include pourers, casters, welders, operators, tenders, furnace operators and inspectors, machine setters, and millwrights.

• 
  Shipyards

  Workers employed at N.C. shipyards may have been exposed to asbestos on the job, and subsequently, may be more likely to develop mesothelioma or other asbestos-related disease.

  For decades, shipyards around the world used ACMs to build and repair ships. Asbestos-containing insulation was used to fireproof doors and soundproof ship decks. ACMs were also used in pipes and pipe systems. Three North Carolina shipyards are documented sources of asbestos exposure: North Carolina Shipbuilding Company, Cardinal Lines, and New Bern Shipyard.

• 
  Military Bases

  Members of the U.S. Armed Forces living in North Carolina may be at greater risk of asbestos exposure, and subsequently, may be more likely to develop mesothelioma or other asbestos-related disease.

  Asbestos-containing materials have been found at Fort Bragg and Camp Lejeune in North Carolina. Years ago, asbestos was discovered in many buildings and construction materials, including floor tiles, roofing materials, thermal insulation, and boiler gaskets.