Power Plants and Potential Asbestos Exposure in New Hampshire
Posted on: July 25, 2024
In New Hampshire, several industrial sites have had significant asbestos exposure concerns due to their construction and operational periods before the dangers of asbestos were fully recognized. Here’s a look at some notable sites:
Dover Gas Plant
The Dover Gas Plant, like many industrial facilities built in the early to mid-20th century, likely used asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) in various applications. Asbestos was commonly found in insulation for pipes, boilers, and machinery, as well as in building materials such as floor tiles and roofing.
Exeter Gas Plant
Similar to the Dover Gas Plant, the Exeter Gas Plant probably utilized ACMs in its construction and maintenance. Workers at such plants often faced exposure risks, especially during maintenance, repair, or demolition activities when asbestos fibers could be released into the air.
Merrimack Station Powerhouse
The Merrimack Station Powerhouse, a significant power generation facility in New Hampshire, used asbestos extensively. Powerhouses required substantial insulation for boilers, turbines, and other high-temperature equipment, making asbestos a common material. Workers in powerhouses were particularly at risk due to the frequent need to repair and maintain equipment covered in asbestos insulation.
Newington Power Plant
The Newington Power Plant is another example of a facility where asbestos was likely used for insulation and fireproofing. As with other power plants, workers who handled or disturbed asbestos-containing materials during maintenance or repairs were at risk of inhaling dangerous asbestos fibers.
Schiller Station Powerhouse
The Schiller Station Powerhouse, operating for many decades, would have used asbestos in a variety of applications. The plant’s infrastructure, including pipes, boilers, and electrical equipment, was likely insulated with ACMs. The risk of asbestos exposure was significant for plant workers, especially during periods of maintenance and renovation.
Seabrook Nuclear Power Station
The Seabrook Nuclear Power Station, although newer than some of the other plants, was still constructed during a time when asbestos was widely used in the construction industry. Asbestos could be found in fireproofing materials, insulation, gaskets, and other components critical to the safe operation of a nuclear power plant. Despite strict safety protocols, the potential for asbestos exposure remained a concern, particularly for construction workers and maintenance personnel.
Health Risks and Regulations
Exposure to asbestos fibers can lead to serious health issues, including:
- Mesothelioma: A rare and aggressive cancer that affects the lining of the lungs, abdomen, or heart.
- Lung Cancer: Asbestos exposure increases the risk of lung cancer, especially among smokers.
- Asbestosis: A chronic lung condition caused by inhaling asbestos fibers, leading to lung tissue scarring.
The recognition of these health risks has led to stringent regulations on the use of asbestos and the handling of ACMs. In the United States, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) enforce regulations to protect workers and the public from asbestos exposure. These regulations include proper identification, removal, and disposal of asbestos materials, as well as requirements for protective equipment and training for workers who may come into contact with asbestos.
Mitigation and Cleanup
Many of these plants have undergone extensive asbestos abatement procedures to remove or contain ACMs. Abatement efforts include:
- Encapsulation: Sealing off asbestos-containing materials to prevent fiber release.
- Removal: Safely removing ACMs from the facility.
- Air Monitoring: Ensuring that asbestos fibers are not present in the air during and after abatement activities.
Conclusion
The historical use of asbestos in industrial sites across New Hampshire, such as the Dover and Exeter Gas Plants, Merrimack Station, Newington Power Plant, Schiller Station, and Seabrook Nuclear Power Station, highlights the widespread risk of asbestos exposure in these environments. Efforts to mitigate these risks and protect workers continue to be a priority through regulatory enforcement and abatement programs.