Asbestos in Nevada

 

 

Nevada Asbestos

 

Asbestos exposure in Nevada typically takes place in older buildings dating back from the 1940s through 1970s or power plants. As Nevada has no deposits of naturally occurring asbestos, the main source of asbestos exposure is through the power plants that supply energy to homes and businesses throughout the state.

 

Jobs with Asbestos Exposure

 

The insulation used in most power plants is made of asbestos. This is because asbestos was heat and fire resistant, perfect for providing plant workers with the protection needed when working around the heated, electricity-filled pipes that ran throughout the plant. Thousands of plant workers were at risk for asbestos exposure. Asbestos exposure occurs when fibers are disturbed and are released into the air.

 

It is no secret that the construction industry across the United States used many asbestos-containing products. This is no different in the state of Nevada. Many construction workers face the risk of asbestos exposure through cement mixtures, pipe gaskets, pipe fittings, and insulation. 

 

The oil industry has a small presence in Nevada, with a refinery in Tonopah, Nevada. Oil refinery use asbestos-containing products for the same reasons power plants do—to provide insulation from heat and fire. Other parts such as gaskets and pipes were commonly found on site at an oil refinery. 

 

Locations with Known Asbestos Exposure:

 

 

Asbestos-Related Deaths

 

Nevada is ranked 11th in the nation for asbestos-related deaths. Over a 20-year period between 1970s and 1990s, Nevada reportedly had 155 deaths that were caused by asbestos exposure.

 

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