Asbestos in Wyoming
Wyoming Asbestos
Sparsely populated for a state so big in size, Wyoming does have deposits of naturally occurring asbestos that runs through the state. Fortunately, these deposits have not been mined and there are no known asbestos disturbances. In addition to what naturally occurring asbestos in Wyoming, shipments of these fibers have also been imported into the state. Asbestos was in popular demand at one point, due to its heat and fire resistance.
Jobs with Asbestos Exposure
Energy is a necessity in Wyoming, as it is in other states, but what many may not be aware of is the high-volume of asbestos inside each plant. Boilers, pipes and insulation products are among many asbestos-containing materials found inside a power plant. Due to the affordability of the asbestos-containing products, many power plants have opted to utilize these materials to construct the power plants themselves. This means that employees are exposed to asbestos by just merely showing up to work and entering the power plant’s premises.
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 Wyoming. Many construction workers face the risk of asbestos exposure through cement mixtures, pipe gaskets, pipe fittings, and insulation.
Oil refineries in Wyoming employ hundreds of workers who are at risk for asbestos exposure. The protective gear worn by many workers at the refineries are often made of asbestos due to its ability to resist both heat and fire. For the same reason asbestos is used in protective gear, asbestos-containing insulation is used to wrap around refinery pipelines.
Power Plants:
- Green River Power
- David Johnson Power
- Jim Bridger Power
- Gillette Coal Plant
Asbestos-Related Deaths
Since 1979, there were nearly 70 asbestos-related deaths in the state of Wyoming. This makes Wyoming the second lowest state as far as asbestos fatalities, such as mesothelioma.
