Asbestos in Arizona

Arizona residents also faced non-occupational exposure risks. This can occur in places like homes, schools and office buildings. Secondary exposure is also a risk for anyone who lives with an asbestos worker. The mineral can accidentally be brought home on work clothing, leading to exposure for others. Arizonians can talk with their doctors about any suspected asbestos exposure.

Mining

For decades, Arizona was home to many high-volume asbestos mines, including one of the largest chrysotile asbestos mines in the country. Miners may have been exposed to asbestos through their typical job duties. Asbestos dust created by mining can be inhaled, ingested and carried home on workers’ hair and clothing.

Workers who mined for other minerals may also have experienced asbestos exposure. Certain types of minerals often develop near each other. Asbestos exposure can occur when mining for minerals located near asbestos deposits, like talc. Mining equipment also contained asbestos, which could lead to exposure.

Copper Smelting

Arizona has a long history of copper smelting, dating back to the 1800s. This industry spawned from the state’s rich deposits of copper. After mining, the copper was processed into a usable form and sold across the country. Eventually, Arizona became a leader in U.S. copper production.

For decades, the copper smelting process used asbestos materials for its heat resistance and other qualities. Often, the equipment and facilities were built with asbestos materials. Workers involved with any aspect of copper smelting may have faced asbestos risks.

Oil Refining

Oil companies, like Coastal Mobile Refinery, once had locations throughout Arizona. Oil refineries handled various aspects of production, such as crude oil processing. These activities required high heat, which companies often used asbestos products to protect against.

Many of these now-defunct refineries are recognized as asbestos jobsites. Workers at these sites often faced asbestos exposure risks. Any older facilities or equipment still in use today may contain asbestos materials, posing ongoing exposure risks.

Manufacturing

Many manufacturing companies throughout Arizona used asbestos in their machinery and facilities. Employees in various roles may have been exposed to asbestos at these sites. Some companies also manufactured asbestos-contaminated products and materials.

For instance, W.R. Grace is a well-known asbestos company that operated a Phoenix plant called Solomon’s Mines Inc. The plant packed a mineral called vermiculite, which was mined in Libby, Montana. Frequent asbestos contamination of this vermiculite put plant workers at risk of exposure.

Military

During the 20th century, the military used asbestos in all branches, including the Air Force and the Marines. Arizona is home to several bases, including Williams Air Force Base and Marine Corps Air Station Yuma.

These facilities were among the leading military training stations for their respective branches. For decades, asbestos was used throughout these bases. Because harmful contaminants were present, both facilities were eventually listed as Superfund sites. Many personnel at these Arizona bases may have experienced related exposures.

Power Plants

Arizona power plants, like Cholla Power Plant and the Yucca Power Plant, used asbestos materials for decades. Asbestos was popular for insulation, pipes, boilers and other power plant components. The mineral was an affordable option for companies to protect against high temperatures.

But employees at these plants could easily be exposed to asbestos while working. Even maintaining or repairing asbestos equipment poses risks. This asbestos use put many Arizona power plant workers at risk of developing mesothelioma.

03. Superfund Sites

Asbestos Superfund Sites in Arizona

Several Arizona asbestos jobsites are Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Superfund sites. Notable sites include the Mountain View Mobile Home Estates and Marine Corps Air Station Yuma. The EPA identified both sites as having significant asbestos contamination. Cleanup efforts aim to lessen health risks to the environment and the general public.

Mountain View Mobile Home Estates

In 1973, builders constructed the 17-acre Mountain View Mobile Homes community in Arizona. In the past, the Metate Asbestos Corporation mills occupied the same location. The EPA ordered two of its three mills to shut down for failure to meet emission standards. But the former mill owners secured permits to rezone the area for residential use.

During this transition, the owners covered asbestos-contaminated soil with fresh topsoil. They also left behind asbestos equipment. The third mill remained in operation nearby.

In 1982, the EPA designated the area as a Superfund site. This led to the temporary relocation of roughly 100 residents during cleanup. In 1988, the EPA removed this site from the Superfund list after proper cleanup and asbestos testing.

Marine Corps Air Station Yuma

The Marine Corps Air Station Yuma spans nearly 3,000 acres near Yuma, Arizona. The Marines began operating it in the 1950s, but it was originally an Air Force training facility. In 1990, the EPA added it to the Superfund list for various health concerns. Among these concerns were asbestos-contaminated groundwater and improper disposal of waste fuel.

The military and the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality led remediation efforts. Remediation included installing wells and testing environmental samples. Today, monitoring and maintenance at the site continue.

04. Exposure in Arizona Cities

Asbestos Exposure in Arizona Cities

Provided below is a list of Arizona cities with known workplace asbestos use. Click on a city to see more details about specific jobsites where asbestos exposure occurred.

• Phoenix
• Tucson

05. Other Work Sites

Asbestos Risks at Other Arizona Jobsites

Beyond the major Arizona cities listed above, asbestos exposure has also occurred at many other jobsites. The list below contains many known asbestos jobsites in this state. Anyone who experiences asbestos exposure faces the risk of developing mesothelioma and other asbestos diseases.