Valdez Refinery
In 1993 Petro Star opened an oil refinery in Valdez, Alaska. The plant has the ability to produce up to 50,000 barrels of crude oil per day, and is in constant operation every day of the year.
The plant primarily produces military and commercial jet fuel, as well as marine diesel and turbine fuel. Some of their finished products are pumped out via the immense network of pipelines in Alaska, but most of it is shipped on large barges to the intended destination.
As a newer refinery, the plant in Valdez was built in adherence with strict ecological and health codes. The plant has modern emission control devices in operation, and is known for being an environmentally friendly facility. However, the presence of a toxic chemical known as Benzene has been found to be prevalent at this work site. Benzene causes leukemia, MDS and various forms of cancer that can be deadly.
Unfortunately, this was not the only health hazard that has created trouble within the Valdez refinery and put the employees of the plant at risk. Asbestos is a naturally occurring material that is made up of thousands of tiny fibers that cling together tightly. At one time, asbestos was considered to be very useful as a prime ingredient for insulation and industrial products which needed to have the ability to withstand great temperatures. Products made from asbestos were commonly used in oil refineries, because they produce an immense amount of heat from the actual refining process. While the asbestos based products would endure the heat, over time they broke apart, and the tiny fibers were released into the atmosphere. Once in the air, the fibers were easily inhaled by unsuspecting workers, or they could also attach to clothing and other personal items which allowed them to be transported to other locations and released into the air once again. Anyone who has unknowingly breathed in asbestos fibers has been put at great risk. The fibers will remain in a person's system for many years, and can cause massive respiratory damage, cancer and even death. Employees of this or any other refinery that used products that were made from asbestos should notify their doctor about their potential exposure to this dangerous substance at once.
Last modified: December 09, 2009.
