Pennsylvania has a long history as a hub for heavy industry, and with that history comes a hidden danger: asbestos exposure. Once hailed as a wonder material due to its heat-resistant properties, asbestos was widely used in the state’s manufacturing, construction, and shipbuilding industries. Unfortunately, many people who worked in these industries, as well as those living near factories, are now facing health risks from exposure to this toxic material. In this blog, we’ll explore some of Pennsylvania’s key asbestos hotspots, where exposure was most prevalent, the health risks involved, and the steps being taken to address this ongoing issue.
What Is Asbestos and Why Is It Dangerous?
Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral made up of tiny fibers that are resistant to heat, fire, and chemicals. For decades, it was used in building materials, automotive parts, insulation, and more. While it was incredibly useful in many industries, scientists later discovered the serious health risks associated with inhaling asbestos fibers. Exposure can lead to diseases such as mesothelioma, lung cancer, and asbestosis, many of which don’t show symptoms until years or even decades later.
Key Asbestos Hot Spots in Pennsylvania
Here are some of the major locations in Pennsylvania where asbestos exposure has been a serious concern:
- Ambler Asbestos Piles (BoRit Asbestos Site)
- Location: Ambler, Upper Dublin, and Whitpain Townships, Montgomery County
- History: From the late 19th century to 1962, the Keasbey and Mattison Company, later Turner & Newall and CertainTeed Corporation, disposed of asbestos-containing materials at this site. This led to significant contamination of the area, which was only officially recognized and cleaned up in 2009.
- Risk: Workers and residents in the surrounding areas were exposed to toxic asbestos fibers, leading to long-term health problems.
- Regulation: The site was added to the Superfund National Priorities List in 2009, and efforts to clean it up were completed in 2018.
- U.S. Steel and J&L Steel Mills
- Location: Pittsburgh, Aliquippa, Braddock, Clairton, and Duquesne, PA
- History: These steel mills, crucial to Pennsylvania’s industrial past, used asbestos extensively in construction, insulation, and machinery parts. The widespread use of asbestos-containing materials exposed workers to high levels of risk, especially those in maintenance and repair roles.
- Risk: Employees who worked directly with asbestos-containing materials, like boilers and furnaces, are at an increased risk for developing mesothelioma and other lung diseases.
- Current Impact: Many former workers of these mills are still living with the consequences of their asbestos exposure.
- Philadelphia State Hospital at Byberry
- Location: Philadelphia, PA
- History: The Byberry State Hospital, operational from the early 1900s until its closure in 1990, was another site where asbestos-containing materials were prevalent. These materials were used in construction, insulation, and various building components.
- Risk: Asbestos fibers became airborne during renovations and demolitions of the old buildings, potentially exposing both staff and patients.
- Health Risks: Former workers and residents of Byberry are at risk for developing diseases such as mesothelioma due to their long-term exposure to asbestos.
- Keystone and Conemaugh Power Stations
- Location: Armstrong and Indiana Counties, PA
- History: These coal-fired power stations used asbestos for insulation and fireproofing, especially around high-heat areas like steam generators and turbines.
- Risk: Workers in power plants, particularly those who handled asbestos-containing materials, faced a high risk of exposure. The ongoing maintenance and aging infrastructure also present potential dangers for current workers.
- Current Impact: Asbestos exposure in the energy industry remains a concern, especially for workers handling outdated machinery.
- Edgewater Steel Plant
- Location: Oakmont, PA
- History: The Edgewater Steel Plant, a major steel production facility, also used asbestos in its construction and machinery.
- Risk: Workers exposed to asbestos through routine maintenance and repairs in high-temperature environments are at significant risk for asbestos-related diseases.
- Ongoing Concerns: Even after its closure, the legacy of asbestos exposure continues to affect former employees and nearby residents.
Health Risks of Asbestos Hot Spots in Pennsylvania
Asbestos exposure can lead to several severe health conditions, which may take years to develop:
- Mesothelioma: A rare but aggressive cancer that affects the lining of the lungs, abdomen, or heart.
- Lung Cancer: Exposure to asbestos significantly increases the risk of developing lung cancer, particularly for smokers.
- Asbestosis: A chronic lung disease caused by scarring of lung tissue, leading to breathing difficulties and reduced lung function.
The risk of developing these diseases is higher for those who have had prolonged exposure to asbestos in industrial settings.
What’s Being Done to Address the Asbestos Hot Spots?
While asbestos use has declined, the problem is far from solved. Several initiatives are in place to reduce the risks:
- Asbestos Trust Funds: Companies that used asbestos have set up trust funds to compensate victims of asbestos-related diseases.
- Government Action: The EPA and state authorities have implemented regulations to limit asbestos exposure in buildings and industrial sites.
- Ongoing Cleanup Efforts: Sites like the BoRit Asbestos Site in Ambler have undergone remediation to remove dangerous asbestos materials.
The Lasting Legacy of Asbestos in Pennsylvania
Asbestos hot spots and their exposure has left a lasting mark on Pennsylvania, with many residents and workers still dealing with its effects. While progress has been made in cleaning up contaminated sites and offering financial support to victims, much remains to be done. Awareness, safe asbestos removal, and continued monitoring of high-risk areas are essential to preventing further health crises related to asbestos exposure.
Get Legal Help for Asbestos Exposure
If you or someone you know has been exposed to asbestos in Pennsylvania and diagnosed with mesothelioma or another asbestos-related disease, you may be entitled to compensation. The Halpern Law Firm has over 35 years of experience helping victims of asbestos-related diseases. Our team can guide you through the legal process and help you get the compensation you deserve. For more information, call (800) 505-6000, fill out our contact form, or chat with a representative on our website.
Sources:
https://whyy.org/articles/asbestos-cleanup-in-ambler-nears-completion/
