Asbestos in North Carolina

North Carolina's history of asbestos use in various industries, including construction, textiles, and manufacturing, has left a legacy of potential asbestos exposure in buildings across the state.

North Carolina faces challenges with asbestos due to its presence in older homes, public buildings, and industrial sites. Although asbestos was not extensively mined in North Carolina, it was widely used in construction, textiles, and manufacturing industries. Learn about North Carolina's documented asbestos job sites, the health risks associated with asbestos exposure, and resources available to those affected.

Known Asbestos Job Sites in North Carolina

Explore 1430 known asbestos sites and job-sites across North Carolina.

Job Site	City	State
230 Tryon Center	Charlotte	NC
2506 Lucena Street	Charlotte	NC
Abbott Laboratories	Rocky Mount	NC
Aberfoyle Manufacturing	Ranlo	NC
Aberfoyle Manufacturing	Gastonia	NC
Abitibi Consolidated Paper	Roaring River	NC
Abitibi Price	North Wilkesboro	NC
A.B. Whitley	Greenville	NC
Acme Manufacturing	Acme	NC
Acme-McCrary	Asheboro	NC
Acme Mills	Belmont	NC
Acousti Engineering	Charlotte	NC
A. C. Reynolds High School	Asheville	NC
Adams	Wilmington	NC
Adams Millis	High Point	NC

Occupations with High Asbestos Exposure in North Carolina

Textile Mill Workers: North Carolina's history as a major textile producer led to significant asbestos use in mills for insulation and fireproofing (Example: Cone Mills Corporation facilities in Greensboro and other locations).
Construction Workers: Asbestos was commonly used in insulation, roofing, flooring, and other building materials in older structures (Example: Schools, hospitals, and government buildings constructed before the 1980s).
Shipyard Workers: Shipbuilding and repair activities, particularly in coastal areas, exposed workers to asbestos used in ship construction and insulation (Example: Newport News Shipbuilding facilities).
Power Plant Workers: Asbestos was extensively used in power plants for insulation and fireproofing (Example: Duke Energy power plants throughout the state).

North Carolina Asbestos Regulations and Laws

North Carolina has enacted laws and regulations to protect workers and the public from asbestos exposure. These regulations are primarily enforced by the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS) and the North Carolina Department of Labor (NCDOL).

North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS)

The NCDHHS oversees asbestos abatement activities, including:

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

North Carolina Department of Labor (NCDOL)

The NCDOL enforces workplace safety regulations related to asbestos exposure, including:

Establishing permissible exposure limits for asbestos fibers
Mandating worker training and certification for asbestos-related tasks
Requiring the use of personal protective equipment to minimize exposure.

Key Laws and Regulations

North Carolina General Statute 130A-444 to 130A-452: This statute addresses asbestos hazard management, including accreditation requirements for asbestos professionals, permitting for abatement projects, and enforcement provisions.
North Carolina Occupational Safety and Health Standards for General Industry: These standards incorporate federal OSHA regulations for asbestos exposure, including permissible exposure limits and worker protection measures.

Sources

North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS) - Asbestos: https://epi.dph.ncdhhs.gov/asbestos/healthaz.html
North Carolina Department of Labor (NCDOL) - Occupational Safety and Health: https://www.labor.nc.gov/safety-and-health

Were You Harmed by Asbestos Exposure in North Carolina?

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