Recently released reports by the state of Virginia Department of Labor and Industry indicated that asbestos exposure occurred among at least a dozen individuals at the Surry nuclear power plant in April. According to Cory Nealon of the Daily Press, the exposure allegedly occurred during the removal of piping, which required cutting through asbestos material and releasing the fibers into the air.

While there was no air sampling equipment on the premises, a dozen workers were found to have asbestos material on their clothing and person following exposure. Hopewell, Virginia-based Quality Specialties, who was tasked with labeling and handling all asbestos material, was fine $4,900 for failing to properly label the piping involved.

Workers noted upon after cutting into the piping material using blowtorches and other tools, that asbestos fibers were visible in the air, resembling dust particles or very fine snow.

Asbestos exposure is not uncommon in older facilities like the Surry nuclear plant. Asbestos was used in a number of different industrial capacities until being regulated by the Environmental Protection Agency and Consumer Product Safety Commission in 1989. Asbestos has been linked to lung cancer, mesothelioma, and other respiratory complications among those exposed. Exposure among pipe fitters, electricians, and plumbers is considered common, particularly among those working with older materials.

Asbestos like that in the Surry plant is often abated, which means it is carefully removed or encased. Without being disturbed, the fibers will pose no harm while intact. It is only upon being released into the air that it can be inhaled and present a hazard- a hazard clearly experience by workers at this particular plant. Investigations are ongoing between the state authorities, Dominion Power and their contractors responsible for abatement procedures.

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