Asbestos Exposure in Louisiana Power Plants
Power plants in Louisiana used asbestos materials to insulate high temperature piping systems and other plant machinery until the dangers of asbestos became known in the late 20th century. Asbestos insulation commonly lined pipes, boilers, and turbines. Almost every worker at these plants has come into contact with asbestos insulation and other products on the job. Thus, power plant workers and their families are at risk of developing mesothelioma.
Last Updated:
- May 16, 2025
Which Louisiana Power Plants Exposed Workers to Asbestos?
Several power plants in Louisiana are known sources of asbestos exposure since asbestos-containing materials were used in the construction and operation of the facilities. These job sites include the following:
View 7 Locations:
- Little Gypsy Power Station – Montz, LA
- Willow Glen Power Stations – St. Gabriel, LA
- Entergy Michoud Power Plants – New Orleans, LA
- Nine Mile Point Power Plants – Bridge City, LA
- Big Cajun Power Plants – New Roads, LA
- Waterford Steam Electric Stations – Killona, LA
- Ruston Power Plant – Ruston, LA
Causes of Asbestos Exposure for Power Plant Workers
Historically, asbestos was widely utilized in components and insulation at power plants because of the material’s heat resistance and fireproofing qualities. Asbestos was commonly used as insulation in boilers, turbines, pipes, and steam lines—all of which are essential components in power plants.
When this insulation deteriorated, was removed, or was repaired, it released asbestos fibers into the air, which workers could easily inhale or ingest. These fibers could become lodged in the tissue surrounding the workers’ bodily organs, causing harmful inflammation and eventually leading to diseases like mesothelioma and other asbestos-related cancers.
A Pipefitter’s Story
"I became a senior general foreman at the nuclear powerhouse."
I worked on shutdowns, repair work, and maintenance. I did a lot of maintenance work and I was exposed at all these places, especially the chemical plants, the powerhouses, and the oil refineries with asbestos.
Asbestos Products Used by Power Plant Workers
Power plant equipment generates intense heat. Thus, many plants were constructed with asbestos-containing materials, particularly insulation. Asbestos was also widely used in machinery components. Workers were exposed to asbestos during plant construction and maintenance and when installing, maintaining, and operating the equipment.
Some of the most commonly used products containing asbestos in power plants include:
- Pipe Insulation & Insulation Cements
- Refractory Products
- Firebrick
- Boilers
- Pipes
- Ductwork
- Turbines
- Steam lines
- Generators
- Turbines
- Pumps
- Asbestos Gaskets
- Asbestos Seals
- Construction materials
What Trades Were at Risk of Asbestos Exposure from Power Plants?
Various trades at power plants have been exposed to asbestos on the job—even if they didn’t directly work with asbestos-containing products. Union workers and others at these plants were also exposed by working near other trades who worked hands-on with asbestos products.
Some commonly exposed trades at power plants include the following:
- Boilermakers
- Electricians
- Pipefitters and Steamfitters
- Insulators
- Welders
- Machinists
- Laborers
- Engineers and Technicians
- Sheet and Metal Workers
- Maintenance Workers
At-Risk Family Members of Power Plant Workers
It’s not just power plant workers themselves who are at risk of asbestos exposure and developing asbestos-related diseases—their family members may also be at risk through secondary exposure. When exposed workers left an asbestos-ridden plant and returned home, they often had asbestos fibers clinging to their clothing, skin, and hair, exposing their family members.
Questions About Mesothelioma?
Many power plant workers are uncertain about what steps to take after receiving a mesothelioma diagnosis.
Were Power Plant Workers in Louisiana Protected from Asbestos?
Not enough was done to protect Louisiana power plant workers from asbestos exposure in the past. The manufacturers of deadly asbestos products used in these plants knew their goods were capable of causing numerous diseases, including asbestosis, lung cancer, and mesothelioma, but continued producing them to make a profit. Power plant owners also knew the dangers of asbestos but continued using it.
Manufacturers and the owners of the power plants that used the products kept these dangerous secrets, exposing millions of innocent workers to the cancer-causing carcinogen every day and putting profits over people.
Compensation for Power Plant Workers in Louisiana
If you or a loved one has worked in a power plant in Louisiana and been diagnosed with mesothelioma due to asbestos exposure, there are options available for compensation to help cover losses like medical costs, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
1) Mesothelioma Lawsuits: If you or a family member has developed an asbestos-related illness, you could be eligible to file a mesothelioma lawsuit, potentially leading to compensation for damages like medical expenses and lost income.
2) Asbestos Trust Funds: Many asbestos manufacturers established asbestos trust funds, which combine for an estimated $30 billion to compensate current and future victims.
Did You Know?
Mesothelioma and lung cancer patients may be eligible to receive compensation ranging from $500,000 to $10 million. However, results vary and are not guaranteed.
Mesothelioma Settlements for Power Plant Workers
Here are some noteworthy recoveries won by our sponsor, Baron & Budd, P.C., for power plant workers with mesothelioma in Louisiana.
Over $4 Million Settlement for Union Pipefitter and Welder Exposed to Asbestos in Power Plant
Our sponsor recovered over $4 million in settlements for a union pipefitter and welder exposed to asbestos at aluminum plants, chemical plants, oil refineries, and power plants in Southeast Louisiana. The man suffered from epithelioid pleural mesothelioma.
$4.4 Million Settlement for an X-Ray Technologist with Mesothelioma from Power Plant Asbestos Exposure
Our sponsor recovered more than $4 million in a settlement for a client who was exposed to harmful asbestos fibers through his work as an X-ray technologist. He had worked for Mobile Testing Laboratories at various industrial sites, such as power plants, paper mills, chemical plants, and petrochemical refiners. He lost his battle with mesothelioma after a fierce four-year fight.
Results are not guaranteed and vary.
Order Your Free Mesothelioma Book
Contact Louisiana Mesothelioma Advocates
If you or a loved one worked at a power plant in Louisiana, even if it was decades ago, and has developed an asbestos-related disease, contact Louisiana Mesothelioma Advocates. We will connect you with our sponsor, Baron & Budd, P.C., who can recommend the best routes for seeking treatment and compensation. Mesothelioma is a very aggressive cancer. We urge you to act quickly.
Content Reviewed by
Todd Kale
Todd Kale meets with mesothelioma patients and their families across Louisiana to investigate their asbestos exposure, providing compassionate support and guidance during a difficult time.
Cited Source
- Lin, R. T., Boonhat, H., Lin, Y. Y., Klebe, S., & Takahashi, K. (2024). Health Effects of Occupational and Environmental Exposures to Nuclear Power Plants: A Meta-Analysis and Meta-Regression. Current Environmental Health Reports, 11(3), 329–339. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40572-024-00453-8