Asbestos in Mississippi

Mississippi's industrial history, including shipbuilding, oil refineries, and manufacturing, has left a legacy of asbestos in various structures throughout the state, posing potential health risks to workers and residents.

Although asbestos was not mined in Mississippi, its widespread use in industries like shipbuilding, oil refining, and construction has resulted in its presence in many older buildings and infrastructure. The state also faces challenges due to potential asbestos exposure during hurricane recovery efforts, as damaged buildings can release asbestos fibers. Learn about Mississippi's documented asbestos job sites, the health risks associated with asbestos exposure, and resources available to those affected.

Known Asbestos Job Sites in Mississippi

Explore 670 known asbestos sites and job-sites across Mississippi.

Job Site	City	State
Aberdeen High School	Jackson	MS
ACandS	Jackson	MS
Ackerman Planning	Ackerman	MS
Advance Gin & Mill	Vicksburg	MS
Aircraft Weapons Training Facility	Biloxi	MS
Ak McKinnis	Hattiesburg	MS
Alexander Hall	Jackson	MS
Allison Lykes	Pascagoula	MS
Alpo Petfoods	Pascagoula	MS
Amerada Hess	Purvis	MS
Americaloide	Pascagoula	MS
American Altair	Pascagoula	MS
American Biltrite Rubber	Ripley	MS
American Box Board	Greenville	MS
American Creosoting	Louisville	MS

Occupations with High Asbestos Exposure in Mississippi

Shipyard Workers: Mississippi's Gulf Coast has a long history of shipbuilding, exposing workers to asbestos used in ship construction and insulation (Example: Ingalls Shipbuilding in Pascagoula).
Oil Refinery Workers: Asbestos was extensively used in oil refineries for insulation and fireproofing (Example: Chevron Pascagoula Refinery).
Construction Workers: Asbestos was commonly found in insulation, roofing, flooring, and other building materials in older structures (Example: Schools, hospitals, and government buildings built before the 1980s).
Manufacturing Workers: Various manufacturing industries in Mississippi utilized asbestos in products and facilities (Example: Textile mills and chemical plants).

Mississippi Asbestos Regulations and Laws

Mississippi has established laws and regulations to protect workers and the public from asbestos exposure. These regulations are primarily enforced by the Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality (MDEQ) and the Mississippi Department of Health (MDH).

Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality (MDEQ)

The MDEQ oversees asbestos abatement activities, including:

Licensing of asbestos abatement contractors and inspectors.
Issuing permits for asbestos removal projects.
Ensuring proper disposal of asbestos-containing materials.
Providing guidance on managing asbestos in public buildings and schools.

Mississippi Department of Health (MDH)

The MDH focuses on public health aspects of asbestos exposure, including:

Monitoring asbestos-related diseases.
Providing information and resources to the public on asbestos health risks.
Collaborating with other agencies to minimize asbestos exposure.

Key Laws and Regulations:

Mississippi Air and Water Pollution Control Law: This law provides the MDEQ with the authority to regulate asbestos air emissions and enforce asbestos abatement standards.
Mississippi Occupational Safety and Health Act: This act adopts federal OSHA standards for asbestos exposure, including permissible exposure limits and worker protection measures.

Sources

Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality (MDEQ) - Asbestos: https://www.mdeq.ms.gov/air/asbestos/
Mississippi Department of Health (MDH) - Environmental Health: https://msdh.ms.gov/msdhsite/_static/14,0,420.html

Were You Harmed by Asbestos Exposure in Mississippi?

If you or a loved one is sick or passed away due to asbestos, you may be entitled to significant financial compensation. Mississippi law protects victims of asbestos exposure. We can assist you in understanding your legal options.