Alaska
Alaska is a unique state with regards to asbestos in that asbestos was once one of the state’s primary natural resources. Indeed, there is a great deal of naturally occurring asbestos in Alaska. Alaska residents have two primary areas of concern with regards to asbestos exposures. Processed or in natural form, asbestos is nonetheless dangerous. Its fibers are very thin and can be easily inhaled. Several areas of Alaska could be associated with asbestos exposure. Prior to its federal ban in 1977, asbestos was used in many products and industrial capacities. Below are discussed some of the more common asbestos exposure sites in Alaska.
Industry
While certainly Alaska has a low population density, industry still exists around the state’s urban centers. Among the more common uses for asbestos in Alaska was in insulation capacities. Alaska is a state associated with temperature extremes, with the winters being some of the coldest on the face of the earth. For this reason, nearly all buildings require a great deal of insulation to conserve the heat and prevent temperature transfer. Asbestos was used in all types of building materials for this very purpose. It could be included not only in common foam insulation, but also in floor and ceiling tiles. For this reason Construction is one industry in which asbestos exposures commonly occur.
Seafood processing is one of Alaska’s biggest industries. Given its geographical location, Alaska is within the vicinity of some of the finest fishing waters in the world. Storage of raw seafood requires several layers of refrigeration, both at sea and at port. Asbestos was typically used in the insulation material for these refrigeration units, maintaining internal temperature and preventing temperature transfer. Those who repaired refrigeration units or other insulated fixtures may be at risk of asbestos exposure.
Shipyards
Shipbuilding is one industry that has long had a connection with asbestos and asbestos materials. While shipbuilding was not a major industry in Alaska, shipyards were used to maintain naval and fishing vessels operating in the region. Asbestos was used in all aspects of shipbuilding, particularly all weather vessels suitable for Alaskan waters. Many who have worked in Alaskan shipyards have fallen victim to asbestos exposure, particularly those who serviced older vessels. Asbestos could be used to insulate all parts of vessels, but was found commonly around piping, electrical fixtures, and hull insulation.
Asbestos was banned due to a clear connection between asbestos exposure and respiratory complications, the most serious of which is mesothelioma, a rare form of cancer. Since asbestos was banned, nearly 50 Alaskans have died of asbestos related disease. If you or someone you know has been exposed to asbestos in one of the above or other location, consult the advice of a doctor and monitor your respiratory health closely.
Last modified: December 09 2009.
