Colorado
Colorado, because it is such a geologically diverse state, has a great deal of naturally occurring asbestos along the Rocky Mountain ridge. Industrial asbestos however, is equally widespread and harmful asbestos exposures have happened throughout the state. Some common areas where natural asbestos deposits are located include the regions of the San Juan Mountains as well as the Southwestern region of the state around the town of Cortez. In these naturally occurring deposits is amphibole asbestos, a highly toxic variety, in addition to other hazardous varieties, including tremolite and crocidolite asbestos. Below is an explanation of some common industrial and jobsite exposure sites to be aware of in Colorado.
Power Generation Plants
Without a doubt, power plants are the number one asbestos exposure sites in the state of Colorado. Urban areas of Colorado, including the Denver, Boulder, Colorado Springs, and Vail municipalities require a great deal of power supply to be generated. Like elsewhere in the country, this is done with coal or steam at power plants.
Asbestos is used throughout industry but its primary purpose was to act as an insulation fiber. It was also particularly adept at resisting temperature extremes and adding fire retardant qualities to compounds in which it was included. Power plants require nearly all their fixtures to possess the above qualities. Asbestos would be added to piping sleeves that insulated steam and water plumbing fixtures and was used to insulate electrical grid fixtures throughout power plants. It was also used in paint and other coverings around boilers and turbines. Workers who commonly encountered these fixtures or engaged directly with them may be at risk of a harmful asbestos exposure. It is typically only when the fibers are disturbed or damaged that they are available to inhale in the air. Those employees who repaired older fixtures are likely those most at risk.
Other Industry and Construction
Nearly 80% of buildings constructed prior to 1978 contain at least some asbestos in some aspect of their materials. It could be found almost anywhere, but was especially common in siding, tiles, concrete, and drywall. Construction workers and contractors who dealt with these materials may be at risk of asbestos exposure, particularly those who repair or renovate older asbestos fixtures.
Factories would also use asbestos as an insulation material, not only in their building construction but also around piping and electrical fixtures. Employees who encountered these materials frequently are those most at risk.
Asbestos was banned in the late 1970’s because of a developing connection between asbestos exposure and health complications became evident. Asbestos has been conclusively linked with respiratory problems, including mesothelioma, a deadly form of cancer caused by exposure. Since its federal ban asbestos has caused over 400 deaths in the state of Colorado. Asbestos is not a hazard of the past as some industries may have you believe. If you were exposed to asbestos in one of the above or other jobsites it is important you seek the advice of a medical professional immediately. Those who qualify may also be eligible for financial compensation if they were wrongly exposed. Please fill out our brief form to receive a free mesothelioma and asbestos information packet for more information.
Last modified: December 28, 2010.
