Asbestos in Alaska
Alaska Asbestos
Alaska is home to many industries that use asbestos-containing products and materials. In addition to what is manufactured and used, Alaska also contains naturally occurring asbestos minerals. When inhaled, the asbestos fibers attach themselves to the lining of the lungs (pleura) and begin to either scar the tissues or develop into mesothelioma (cancer of the lung lining).
Asbestos manufacturers have known for decades about the health risks involved with working around and being exposed to the fibers. However, they failed to disclose pertinent information about asbestos to the general public and employers did not take preventative and protective measures to ensure employee safety.
Jobs with Asbestos Exposure
Alaska is an already asbestos-rich area, particularly throughout the Panhandle region with its asbestos deposits. Even towns such as Glennallen contained friable asbestos that easily crumbles, making it one of the most dangerous types of asbestos. The easier it is to disturb the asbestos, the more likely it will release its fibers into the air to be inhaled.
Occupations for native Alaskans that are at high risk for asbestos exposure typically are jobs in the pulp mills, shipyards, seafood processing plants, and marine repair facilities. If you worked in any of these areas (though the list may not include the possibility of ALL other exposure sights), then you have more than likely been exposed to asbestos.
Shipyards:
Seward Ships Dry Dock Power Plants
Bernice Lake Powerhouse
Mantuska Electric
Chugach Electric
Aurora Power
Carl E. Bailey Generating Station
Golden Valley Power Plant
