Arizona
No state has been untouched by the dangers of asbestos exposure and Arizona is no exception. Arizona is a state which has a great deal of naturally occurring asbestos. In fact, prior to its ban, asbestos was mined extensively in Arizona. Because the state has experience dealing with hazardous asbestos, the Asbestos Institute is located in Phoenix, which assists in developing knowledge of asbestos and asbestos management. It is one of the largest training facilities of its kind in the United States. Unfortunately, Arizona has also been scarred by the harmful effects of asbestos exposures. Below is information regarding some common asbestos exposure sites.
Power Generation and Smelting
Throughout the major urban centers of Arizona, including Phoenix, Tucson, Scottsdale, and Yuma, there is several major power generating plants. Power generation plants have long been associated with asbestos because of its ability to insulate boilers and turbines while preventing heat transfer. For this reason, asbestos was included in many compounds used to insulate these fixtures. Asbestos was versatile in that it could be added to a great many compounds including not only insulation, but also paints and concrete mixtures. Asbestos could also be found around power grid infrastructure, including wiring and other electrical fixtures. Piping insulation sleeves were another asbestos use and many of those insulation fixtures are still within factories and power plants.
Mining
Asbestos mining goes back hundreds of years. The insulation and fire retardant properties of asbestos were recognized by early civilizations and were woven into fabric and pottery to make these materials more durable. While those uses were primitive asbestos was used up until the late 1970’s for many construction and industrial purposes, meaning there was demand for mined asbestos fibers.
Arizona had several prominent asbestos mines. Several people who have worked in asbestos mines have become ill with asbestos related health complications. Even those who live in surrounding towns have felt the health consequences of nearby asbestos mines, as the fibers can easily be released into the air. Those who have worked in asbestos or vermiculite mines should undergo regular health evaluations by a physician familiar with asbestos related health complications, such as mesothelioma.
Asbestos was banned by the Consumer Safety Commission in 1978 because a clear connection was established between asbestos exposure and the development of respiratory health complications, including the cancer mesothelioma. Because of an abundance of naturally occurring asbestos, Arizona has an unusually high incidence of asbestos related deaths. In fact, over 500 people have died of asbestos related health complications since its federal ban. If you or someone you know has been exposed to asbestos it is important you monitor your health closely. Early recognition of an asbestos related health problem is important in obtaining the treatment you need as well as financial compensation if you were wrongfully exposed.
Last modified: December 28, 2010.
