Power Plants

Susquehanna Power Plant

Power plants generate electricity.  Historically, electricity was usually produced through steam-powered turbines, with steam generated by huge industrial boilers.  Beginning in the 1970s, however, many utilities began to build gas-powered turbines rather than the traditional boiler-powered steam generation units.  Steam can also be generated by nuclear reactors at nuclear power plants, although no nuclear power plant has been constructed in the United States since the 1980s.

Much of the equipment in a “traditional” power plant was insulated with asbestos.  The traditional power plants (which are still in service today) have several units.  Each unit has a boiler which powers a steam turbine.  Asbestos insulation would be found on the boilers, steam turbines, and all the accessory equipment such as pumps, valves, pressure regulators, super heaters and other miscellaneous equipment.  This is true for nuclear power plants and gas powered turbines built before 1975.  In addition, asbestos gaskets and asbestos packing were used on the hundreds of fittings, valves, and flanges found throughout the plant.

Exposure to Asbestos

Power plant equipment was insulated with asbestos during initial construction.  The asbestos insulation would be disturbed each time the equipment was repaired or maintained.  Asbestos exposure at these power plants occurred not only during the original construction when the asbestos insulation was installed, but also during the subsequent repairs when the asbestos was removed and replaced.

Asbestos-injured clients of Galiher DeRobertis Ono include many former power plant workers.  We have represented asbestos insulation workers who were employed by sub-contractors for the original construction of these power plants, as well as hands-on maintenance workers.  These workers had significant occupational exposure to asbestos.  Our firm has even filed claims on behalf of office employees who were exposed to asbestos dust through bystander exposure.

Tragically, many of these power plant employees have developed malignant mesothelioma, lung cancer, or asbestosis as a result of their exposure to asbestos on the job.  Our firm has helped these workers bring successful claims against the manufacturers of asbestos products, and has obtained significant compensation for the injured workers and their families.  Thus, there is a legal remedy for those who were exposed to asbestos at a power plant and later develop malignant mesothelioma, lung cancer, or asbestosis.