California
A state with the sheer size of California is likely to contain several varieties of asbestos. As one of the largest and most populous states in the union, there are also several asbestos exposure sites. While several kinds of natural asbestos could be found within the state lines of California, by far the most common is chrysotile or “white” asbestos. Chrysotile asbestos accounts for nearly 95% of all asbestos used in American building construction and is likewise prevalent in California. Other naturally occurring varieties found in California include tremolite and other serpentine varieties. However, while naturally occurring asbestos fibers are dangerous, it is more likely a dangerous asbestos exposure would occur within an industrial or jobsite setting. Below are some common jobsites and other industrial settings in which asbestos exposures have occurred.
Power Generation Plants
One of asbestos’ main utilizations was as an insulation material. Power plants require a great deal of insulation materials because the infrastructure operates at temperature extremes which would be damaged if they were unprotected. Asbestos was commonly fitted in piping sleeves or pain as well as around electrical grid infrastructure, which can get quite hot or cold depending on the location. For these materials to operated properly they must be completely resistant to fire and heat extremes, both of which were solved with asbestos.
Power plant workers who knowingly encountered asbestos materials should monitor their health closely, particularly those who repaired or engaged with older fixtures and materials.
Shipyards
Shipyards have long been associated with asbestos and harmful asbestos exposures because it was used so liberally in naval and other vessel construction. With one of the longest coastlines of any U.S. state, California has several important shipyards, many of which have utilized asbestos extensively.
Asbestos was used in insulation capacities in shipyards much as it was in power plants. Sometimes even more asbestos was used in naval vessels because these types of ships were built for combat and required even more resistance to temperature extremes and fire. Shipyard workers have often come into contact with asbestos while repairing older vessels and in vessels constructed prior to 1980. Asbestos exposures have occurred in many shipyards but notable sites were the Long Beach Naval Shipyards and the Los Angeles Shipbuilding Co. of Terminal Island. Those workers who encountered asbestos at these or other shipyards should be in consultation with a physician and be aware of what symptoms may indicate asbestos related health complications.
Asbestos was banned in the late 1970’s because a clear connection developed between asbestos exposure and the development of respiratory complications, including the cancer mesothelioma. If you or someone you know commonly encountered asbestos, you may be eligible for financial compensation to allow for access to the very best treatments for asbestos related disease.
Last modified: December 28, 2010.
