Introduction
Texas has long been a hub for industry, from oil refining and shipbuilding to construction and manufacturing. While this industrial boom helped drive the state’s economy, it also led to widespread asbestos use — a mineral now known to cause deadly diseases like mesothelioma, asbestosis, and lung cancer. Despite federal regulations curbing asbestos use since the 1970s, many older buildings and industrial sites in Texas still contain the hazardous material, putting thousands of workers at risk over decades.
This article explores the most notorious asbestos exposure sites in Texas, highlights high-risk occupations, and outlines the legal and health implications for those affected.
The History of Asbestos Use in Texas Industries
Industrial Growth and Asbestos Dependency
During the mid-20th century, Texas rapidly developed into an industrial powerhouse. Asbestos was prized for its heat resistance, durability, and affordability, making it a staple in construction materials, insulation, gaskets, and machinery parts. Industries in Texas that heavily relied on asbestos included:
- Oil refineries
- Chemical plants
- Shipyards
- Steel and power plants
- Construction companies
Unfortunately, many workers were unaware of the dangers, and safety precautions were minimal or nonexistent.
High-Risk Asbestos Exposure Sites in Texas
1. Oil Refineries (Houston, Beaumont, Port Arthur)
Texas is home to some of the largest oil refineries in the United States. Workers in these facilities frequently handled asbestos-containing materials, including pipe insulation, fireproofing, and machinery components.
Notable Sites:
- ExxonMobil Refinery (Beaumont)
- Chevron Phillips Chemical Company (Baytown)
- Valero Energy Corporation (Corpus Christi)
2. Shipyards (Houston and Galveston)
Texas shipyards used asbestos extensively for fireproofing and insulation. Boilermakers, pipefitters, electricians, and welders were regularly exposed.
Key Facilities:
- Todd Shipyards (Galveston)
- Brown Shipbuilding Company (Houston)
3. Chemical Plants (Texas City, Freeport)
Chemical processing equipment required asbestos insulation to prevent overheating. Maintenance crews and operators often disturbed asbestos during repairs.
Examples Include:
- Dow Chemical (Freeport)
- Union Carbide (Texas City)
4. Military Bases and Facilities
Military personnel and civilian workers at Texas bases faced asbestos exposure in buildings, vehicles, and ships.
Prominent Bases:
- Naval Air Station Corpus Christi
- Fort Bliss (El Paso)
- Kelly Air Force Base (San Antonio)
5. Power Plants
Asbestos was essential for insulating turbines, boilers, and generators. Workers in Texas power plants faced high exposure risks during maintenance or breakdowns.
Examples:
- LCRA Power Plants (Multiple locations)
- TXU Energy Plants
6. Construction Sites and Older Buildings
From schools to hospitals, many public and private buildings constructed before the 1980s still contain asbestos. Construction workers, plumbers, electricians, and HVAC professionals are particularly vulnerable during renovations.
Occupations Most at Risk in Texas
Certain job roles in Texas were especially susceptible to asbestos exposure due to their proximity to high-risk materials.
| Occupation | Exposure Sources |
|---|---|
| Insulators | Pipe and boiler insulation made with asbestos |
| Plumbers | Gaskets, sealants, and pipe coverings |
| Electricians | Asbestos-containing wire coatings and circuit breakers |
| Shipyard Workers | Hull insulation, engine rooms, and fireproofing |
| Refinery Workers | Machinery insulation, pumps, and valves |
| Construction Workers | Drywall, ceiling tiles, roofing, and cement |
| Military Veterans | Barracks, naval vessels, aircraft, and vehicles |
Health Effects of Asbestos Exposure
Latency and Diagnosis
One of the most insidious features of asbestos-related diseases is the long latency period — often 20 to 50 years between exposure and symptom onset.
Common Diseases
- Mesothelioma – A rare cancer affecting the lining of the lungs or abdomen.
- Asbestosis – Chronic lung scarring leading to breathing difficulty.
- Lung Cancer – Often exacerbated by smoking and asbestos exposure.
- Pleural Plaques – Thickened areas on the lung lining.
Legal Recourse for Asbestos Victims in Texas
Statute of Limitations
Texas law allows asbestos victims to file a lawsuit within two years of a diagnosis or discovery of illness. Due to the long latency period, courts often consider the date of diagnosis over initial exposure.
Types of Claims
- Personal Injury Lawsuits – Filed by individuals diagnosed with asbestos-related diseases.
- Wrongful Death Claims – Brought by family members of deceased victims.
- Trust Fund Claims – Bankrupt asbestos manufacturers have set aside over $30 billion for victims.
Key Texas Legal Cases
Several large verdicts in Texas have set precedents for asbestos litigation:
- Bostic v. Georgia-Pacific Corp. (2014): Texas Supreme Court required a clear causal link between exposure and illness.
- Multiple Beaumont and Houston juries have awarded multi-million-dollar verdicts to refinery workers.
Current Regulations and Abatement Efforts
Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS)
DSHS regulates asbestos abatement and requires:
- Licensing for abatement contractors
- Notification for renovation/demolition involving asbestos
- Air monitoring during removal
EPA and OSHA Guidelines
Federal agencies set safety standards for:
- Workplace exposure limits
- Protective equipment
- Removal procedures
Despite regulations, asbestos is not fully banned in the U.S., and legacy materials remain widespread.
Asbestos Awareness and Prevention in Texas Today
Community and Advocacy Groups
Nonprofits like the Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization (ADAO) and Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation provide resources for Texans affected by asbestos exposure.
Awareness Campaigns
- Local universities and health organizations run outreach programs about safe renovation practices.
- Legal and medical clinics offer free consultations for those exposed.
Ongoing Risks
- Hurricanes and natural disasters (like Hurricane Harvey) can disturb asbestos in older buildings.
- Urban renewal projects often encounter hidden asbestos in older neighborhoods.
Conclusion
Texas’s robust industrial heritage has left a legacy of asbestos exposure that still endangers lives today. From oil refineries and shipyards to schools and military bases, countless workers unknowingly inhaled or handled asbestos-containing materials. Understanding where and how exposure occurred is critical for early diagnosis, legal accountability, and public safety.
For those who worked in high-risk industries or suspect exposure, seeking legal and medical help can be life-saving. With continued education, abatement, and support for victims, Texas can move closer to overcoming the long shadow cast by asbestos.
References
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. “Asbestos Laws and Regulations.” https://www.epa.gov/asbestos/asbestos-laws-and-regulations
- Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). “Asbestos.” https://www.osha.gov/asbestos
- Texas Department of State Health Services. “Asbestos Program.” https://www.dshs.texas.gov/asbestos-program
- Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation. https://www.curemeso.org
- Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization. https://www.asbestosdiseaseawareness.org
- Bostic v. Georgia-Pacific Corp., 439 S.W.3d 332 (Tex. 2014).
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). “Asbestos Exposure and Your Health.” https://www.cdc.gov/asbestos
- The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center. “Mesothelioma Diagnosis and Treatment.” https://www.mdanderson.org
