Connecticut
Despite its relatively small geographical size, Connecticut is a state that has long been associated with an abnormally high amount of asbestos exposure locations. Contrary to popular belief, asbestos exposures have not been limited to industrial settings. In fact, asbestos could be found in municipal buildings, such as schools, firehouses, and also homes. Despite a high incidence of asbestos use throughout the state, industrial uses still account for most exposures. These include not only exposures in construction, but also in manufacturing and other industrial locations. It is important to understand where exposures are most common. Below are some common sites in Connecticut where asbestos exposures occur.
Power Generation Plants
Power plants are almost universally associated with asbestos use. Prior to being banned in the late 1970’s, asbestos was used in a great many industrial capacities. Asbestos was particularly adept at insulating materials, so it was included in a great many construction compounds. It was also effective in preventing heat transfer, promoting durability, and was used to make construction compounds fire retardant.
Power plants require nearly all these properties and it asbestos was used in almost any capacity you could imagine. The fibers were often included in piping sleeves to prevent overheating and insulation. It was used in paint compounds around boiler and turbine rooms to prevent fire and was included in concrete compounds to make the construction materials more durable. These are only a few of the uses of asbestos in power plants. Employees of these plants should be aware of the possibilities of asbestos exposure. Those who worked with older fixtures are likely most at risk. Asbestos was phased out of most construction materials after its federal ban, but still exists in many older materials that are in most buildings.
Other Uses
Few people understand the extent to which asbestos was used prior to being banned by the Consumer Safety Commission. In fact, it is more than likely that if your home or building was built prior to 1978, there is some degree of asbestos in the construction material. Indeed, nearly 80% of these structures contain asbestos in any number of products.
Asbestos was used in siding, floor and ceiling tiles, home insulation and other materials. For this reason, mechanics, contractors, and construction workers are all at some degree of risk depending on personal history in dealing with asbestos.
The reason asbestos was banned was because there was conclusive links between those who were exposed and the development of respiratory related diseases, such as mesothelioma, a rare form of cancer caused by exposure. If you or someone you know has been exposed to asbestos in one of the above or other jobsites, it is important you contact a physician immediately. Symptoms of mesothelioma and other asbestos related disease may not manifest for decades after an exposure, but early recognition of these is key to getting the best possible results from treatment. It is also possible that if you were wrongfully exposed to asbestos, you may be eligible for financial compensation. Please fill out our brief form to receive further information about asbestos exposure, mesothelioma, and to learn If you’re eligible for the compensation that victims deserve.
Last modified: December 28, 2010.
