Asbestos was used heavily in oil refineries built in the 20th century. The material was suited for the high-heat environments of purifying crude oil, and it was widely utilized for its ability to withstand high temperatures, as well as its fireproofing qualities and durability.
Though asbestos isn’t found as abundantly on oil refinery sites today, workers may still be at risk of exposure from lingering use of asbestos in old buildings and machinery. With 164,959 people working in the oil refinery industry in 2016 alone, thousands may have been exposed during their time working at oil refinery jobsites across the United States. Exposure to asbestos can lead to mesothelioma and other asbestos-related diseases.
01. Overview
Asbestos Use at Oil Refineries
Since petroleum is highly flammable, it was essential that fireproof materials were utilized on refinery sites. Asbestos was most commonly found in gaskets, fireproof clothing and other construction materials in oil refineries. Commonly used to seal pipes or other pieces of machinery, gaskets often contained asbestos because the mineral does not break down as quickly as other materials. When gaskets are removed for repair or otherwise disrupted, asbestos dust can be released into the air, exposing workers to hazardous airborne asbestos fibers. Gaskets stopped being produced with asbestos in 1980, but some oil refineries may have old pipes and machinery that still have these asbestos-containing parts.
Similar to chemical plants, asbestos was used in protective clothing to prevent workers from burns and other dangerous reactions. The mineral could also be found in cement, asbestos insulation and other refinery equipment to prevent fires that could easily occur when working with large amounts of oil. Although the mineral is fireproof, it is recognized by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) as a toxic substance. Since it is not banned entirely in the United States, thermal insulation and other structural asbestos materials may still be found in old buildings.
Below are oil refineries in the United States that have utilized asbestos and led to exposure:
02. Mesothelioma Risk
Oil Refinery Workers and Mesothelioma Risk
Engineers, boiler operators, machine operators and maintenance workers all may be exposed to dangerous asbestos while on the job. When asbestos products break down and asbestos dust is released into the air, the fibers that are inhaled may cause mesothelioma or other asbestos-related illnesses. In 1968, researchers found that 90% of oil refinery workers came into contact with asbestos, whether it was directly or from secondary exposure, which leaves them at high risk of developing mesothelioma, lung cancer or asbestosis.
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has set laws and regulations to protect workers from exposure, such as requiring that a jobsite be assessed and monitored for asbestos particles prior to trained professionals working in the area, and that respirators be worn in areas of concern. Laws are also in place to prevent workers from wearing asbestos-containing protective equipment and clothing, further protecting them from risk of exposure.
