Asbestos in West Virginia

Coal Mining

Coal mining is an important aspect of West Virginia’s economy and employs more than 11,500 workers. In general, miners may come into contact with asbestos in naturally occurring deposits or in their mining equipment. Though the state does not have any recorded asbestos deposits, miners may still face asbestos-contaminated coal.

Mining equipment known to contain asbestos includes welding blankets and transite panels. Consolidation Coal Company in Fairmont and Ben Franklin Coal Company in Moundsville are just a few of the coal mining companies where West Virginia workers were exposed to asbestos.

Power Plants

Fort Martin Power Plant in Morgantown and Albright Power Station are among the hundreds of power plants that used asbestos in their facilities. Power plants were often constructed with asbestos because it could help prevent fires and combustion. Some workers may have even worn fire-resistant clothing that contained asbestos.

Manufacturing

Centurial Products and Fourco Glass, both located in Clarksburg, were part of the manufacturing center in the city. Clarksburg became a huge industrial and manufacturing center in the 20th century, especially in the production of glass. Machinery on manufacturing floors often contained asbestos products. In addition, asbestos could be found in construction products used in the buildings.

Oil Refineries

Asbestos was also present in West Virginia oil refineries. The mineral was used to protect the oil plants and their valuable equipment from fire. Unfortunately, this led to oil refinery workers being exposed to hazardous asbestos fibers.

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Camp Lejeune Exposure Risks

West Virginia military personnel stationed at Camp Lejeune may have faced asbestos exposure risks at the base. Evidence shows from August 1, 1953, to December 31, 1987, the water at Camp Lejeune was contaminated with chemicals.

Exposure to the water’s chemical contaminants may have later led to health issues, including:

• Cancer
• Kidney diseases
• Neurological disorders
• Reproductive issues

West Virginia veterans and their loved ones may have been at this base during these years. Recent legislation allows them to seek compensation for contaminated water exposure and resulting health conditions. An attorney experienced with the Camp Lejeune contamination can help veterans and their loved ones seek compensation.

Asbestos Superfund Sites in West Virginia

West Virginia has had several sites added to the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Superfund list over the years. Environmental concerns for two of these sites included asbestos contamination.

Fike Chemical Inc.

The Fike Chemical Inc. Superfund site in Nitro occupies 12 acres. Hazardous waste was improperly disposed of on-site and buried in lagoons. The waste included various metals, asbestos and several other contaminants that polluted the surrounding soil and groundwater. Asbestos was also found in standing structures on the site.

The site was added to the Superfund list in 1988 and cleanup efforts began in 1989. The site continues to be monitored and additional cleanup efforts will continue if necessary.

West Virginia Ordnance

The U.S. Department of Defense operated the 8,000 acre West Virginia Ordnance site in Point Pleasant during World War II to produce TNT. After being decommissioned in 1945, the industrial portion of the land was deeded to the state for wildlife management. Over the years, contamination was noted from its original use in TNT production.

The EPA noted the industrial area, on-site facilities and the wastewater disposal system were all contaminated with TNT, TNT byproducts and asbestos. The site was officially added to the cleanup list in 1983, and extensive cleanup efforts began shortly after.

Asbestos was removed from two on-site powerhouses by 1994. The EPA, along with the Department of Defense and state agencies, created a long-term monitoring plan and will continue to maintain the site.

Asbestos Exposure at Other West Virginia Jobsites

Asbestos exposure affects residents across West Virginia. Select a town from the list below to see jobsites where asbestos exposure occurred.

Asbestos exposure at any of these sites could put a worker at risk for developing mesothelioma cancer. Individuals who believe they were exposed to asbestos in West Virginia should disclose this information to their doctors. Regular screening may help diagnose asbestos diseases in their early stages.