Identifying Asbestos Pipe Insulation
Virginia’s History Of Asbestos Use
The Appalachian Mountains, which run through Virginia and several other states, contain deposits of asbestos, a naturally occurring mineral that can cause serious health problems. Virginia contains a large number of asbestos concentrations along the Blue Ridge and Maryland state line, west of Washington, D.C.
Two mines in Virginia were found to contain deposits of asbestos. Although these mines have been closed, Virginia still operates a vermiculite mine in Louisa. Alone, vermiculite is a nontoxic material used for insulation. However, asbestos can contaminate other minerals as they are mined.
In 2000, the Virginia vermiculite mine was tested to identify the presence of asbestos. Conducted by the Mine Safety and Health Administration, the tests evaluated 30 air samples. Each air sample showed a dangerous level of the mineral. Additionally, 12 samples of ore and rocks also suggested a presence of two other forms of asbestos. The Louisa mine has been likened to the case of the infamous vermiculite mine in Libby, Montana, where 200 people in the town developed asbestos-related diseases.
The Virginia vermiculite mine sells nearly 100,000 tons of asbestos-contaminated vermiculite each year to be used in a variety of products across the United States. Researchers feel that the risk of asbestos diseases extends beyond those working in the Virginia mine. Townspeople have reportedly been using the waste rock for several years. Similarly, employees of companies who produce and sell the contaminated vermiculite may also be at risk for developing an asbestos-related illness.
Virginia’s history of asbestos use extends beyond the mines. Praised for its resistance to heat and insulating properties, asbestos was used in a variety of Virginia industrial jobsites, such as factories, power plants and oil refineries. Shipyards in Virginia, including the Newport News Shipyard, also used the mineral. The shipbuilding industry peaked during the world wars, and research suggests that many Veterans and federal contractors died from asbestos diseases as a result of working in the shipyards.
Because of its ability to resist heat, asbestos was also used in the power generation industry. The mineral was used in machines, mechanical equipment and pipes. During normal operations or servicing, machines containing asbestos could release tiny fibers, which could be inhaled by workers in the area. Once inhaled, the harmful mineral can build up, leading to potentially life-threatening diseases such as lung cancer, asbestosis and mesothelioma.
Nearly 1400 Virginians have died as a result of asbestos exposure between 1980 and 2000. Many of these Virginians developed asbestosis, which causes an inflammation and scarring of the lung tissue. Although asbestosis is not cancerous, its prognosis typically worsens when diagnosed during the later stages.
About the Author
A mesothelioma law firm in Newport News, VA, Patten, Wornom, Hatten & Diamonstein has been representing mesothelioma victims and their families for over 30 years. If you or a loved one has developed mesothelioma or an asbestos-related disease, contact a mesothelioma lawyer at PWHD for a free legal consultation.