Power Plants and Possible Asbestos Exposure in Illinois


1. Baldwin Power Plant

  • Construction Materials: Asbestos was commonly used in insulation, fireproofing, and cement used in older power plants.
  • Boilers and Turbines: Asbestos was often used to insulate boilers and turbines due to its heat-resistant properties.
  • Pipes and Ducts: Asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) were used to insulate pipes and ducts carrying steam and hot air.

2. Braidwood Nuclear Power Plant

  • Insulation: Asbestos was used in pipe insulation and around reactors for its heat-resistant properties.
  • Fireproofing: Asbestos-containing materials were used in fireproofing applications to prevent the spread of fires.
  • Gaskets and Seals: Asbestos gaskets and seals were used in equipment to prevent leaks and handle high temperatures.

3. Clinton Power Station

  • Construction Materials: Asbestos was used in cement, drywall, and other construction materials.
  • Pipes and Valves: Insulation for pipes and valves often contained asbestos to manage high temperatures and prevent heat loss.
  • Machinery: Asbestos was used in various machinery components, including turbines and generators.

4. Dresden Nuclear Power Plant

  • Reactor Insulation: Asbestos was used around reactors for its insulating and fire-resistant properties.
  • Pipework: Asbestos insulation was commonly found on the extensive pipe networks within the plant.
  • Electrical Components: Asbestos was used in some electrical insulation materials.

5. LaSalle Generating Station

  • Insulation: Piping, boilers, and turbines were often insulated with asbestos-containing materials.
  • Construction Materials: Various building materials, including cement and tiles, contained asbestos.
  • Protective Gear: Workers’ protective gear, including gloves and aprons, sometimes contained asbestos fibers.

6. Quad Cities Nuclear Power Station

  • Heat Insulation: Asbestos was used for its excellent thermal insulation properties in boilers, pipes, and reactors.
  • Fireproofing Materials: Fireproofing sprays and boards containing asbestos were used throughout the plant.
  • Gaskets and Packing: Asbestos was commonly used in gaskets and packing materials in machinery to withstand high temperatures and pressures.

7. Zion Nuclear Power Station

  • Building Materials: Asbestos was used in roofing, siding, and flooring materials.
  • Thermal Insulation: Extensive use of asbestos for insulating pipes, ducts, and other components.
  • Fireproofing: Asbestos-containing fireproofing materials were applied to various structural components.

Health Risks

  • Inhalation of Asbestos Fibers: When asbestos-containing materials are disturbed or damaged, they can release fibers into the air, which, when inhaled, pose significant health risks, including mesothelioma, lung cancer, and asbestosis.
  • Long Latency Period: Diseases caused by asbestos exposure may not appear until many years after exposure, making early detection and intervention challenging.

Preventative Measures

  • Proper Handling: Use of personal protective equipment (PPE) and adherence to safety regulations when handling asbestos-containing materials.
  • Regular Monitoring: Regular air quality monitoring and health check-ups for workers in environments with potential asbestos exposure.
  • Asbestos Abatement: Professional asbestos abatement services to safely remove or encapsulate asbestos-containing materials.

These power plants, due to their age and the era of their construction, are likely to contain asbestos in various components, necessitating careful management and abatement practices to ensure safety.