Occupational Asbestos Exposure for Chemical Plant Workers 

Historically, asbestos has been widely used in chemical plants due to its natural heat-resistance properties, as well as its natural resistance to chemical corrosion. As a result, chemical plant workers have long faced high rates of occupational asbestos exposure.

During much of the 20^th Century, asbestos was used in the personal protective gear worn by chemical plant workers, including protective coverings, aprons, gloves, and fire blankets. It was also used in various structures within industrial processing facilities, such as laboratory countertops, insulation, and liners in laboratory ovens. 

Asbestos was also widely used in the construction of these facilities. Everything from the insulation to the plumbing to the flooring and ceiling tiles, electrical wiring, and HVAC equipment in chemical plants has been found to contain asbestos. The installation, repair, replacement, and maintenance of these materials often led to the release of microscopic asbestos fibers, putting construction crews, maintenance workers, and others nearby at risk of inhaling or ingesting them. This is a known cause of numerous asbestos-related illnesses, including mesothelioma. 

Chemical plant workers may have also been exposed to asbestos when making small repairs within the facility, producing products that contained asbestos, or even merely brushing against objects—such as pipes or gaskets—that contained asbestos, disturbing the asbestos and releasing fibers into the air. 

Which Types of Chemical Plant Workers Were Exposed to Asbestos? 

Anyone who worked in an industrial processing plant or who worked in the construction, maintenance, inspection, or supervision of such a facility may have been exposed to asbestos. 

This includes but is not limited to: 

If you or someone you love worked in a chemical plant and was later diagnosed with asbestos, pulmonary disease, mesothelioma, or another asbestos-related condition, reach out to the team at SWMW Law. We can help you understand your legal rights and options, including your right to seek fair compensation for your damages. 

Are Chemical Plant Workers Still Exposed to Asbestos? 

Though the risk is much lower now, chemical plant workers may still be exposed to asbestos on the job. The use of asbestos is not entirely banned in the United States, and many products continue to be manufactured with this harmful material. 

Additionally, older facilities may still contain numerous asbestos products and structures. Old insulation, HVAC systems, plumbing pipes, gaskets, and other items may contain asbestos. If the asbestos in these items is disturbed, workers nearby could breathe in or ingest asbestos fibers. Furthermore, when these items are replaced, the process of removing them could lead to airborne asbestos fibers, which puts construction crews, workers, and others at risk.