Asbestos in Oregon

Oregon's history of shipbuilding, manufacturing, and use of asbestos-containing materials in construction has left a legacy of potential asbestos exposure sites across the state, posing health risks to residents and workers.

Oregon faces significant challenges with asbestos due to its widespread use in various industries and building materials. While asbestos was mined in Oregon at one point, the majority of asbestos-containing products were imported for use in construction, shipbuilding, and manufacturing. Learn about Oregon's documented asbestos job sites, the health risks associated with asbestos exposure, and resources available to those affected.

Known Asbestos Job Sites in Oregon

Explore 1318 known asbestos sites and job-sites across Oregon.

Job Site	City	State
200 Market Building	Portland	OR
635 Sw 19Th	Portland	OR
A B Boyd	Portland	OR
Aberdeen Victory	Portland	OR
ACandS	Reedsport	OR
ACandS	Ontario	OR
ACandS	Halsey	OR
ACandS	Portland	OR
ACandS	Eugene	OR
Acme Trading & Supply	Portland	OR
Adrian Victory	Portland	OR
Aeolus	Portland	OR
Aetolicus	Portland	OR
Agios Georgios V.	Portland	OR
Agm22	Portland	OR

Occupations with High Asbestos Exposure in Oregon

Shipyard Workers: Oregon's extensive coastline supported numerous shipyards where asbestos was used extensively in ship construction and insulation (Example: Portland Shipyard).
Construction Workers: Asbestos was commonly found in insulation, roofing, flooring, and other building materials in older structures (Example: Schools and public buildings constructed before the 1980s).
Lumber Mill Workers: Asbestos was used in various applications within lumber mills, including insulation and fireproofing (Example: Lumber mills throughout the Willamette Valley).
Manufacturing Workers: Various manufacturing industries in Oregon utilized asbestos in products and facilities (Example: Paper mills and manufacturing plants in the Portland area).

Oregon Asbestos Regulations and Laws

Oregon has established laws and regulations to protect workers and the public from asbestos exposure. These regulations are primarily enforced by the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) and Oregon Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA).

Oregon Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ)

The DEQ 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.

Oregon Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)

Oregon OSHA 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

Oregon Administrative Rules (OAR) 340-255: This rule addresses asbestos abatement projects, including notification requirements, work practices, and disposal procedures.
Oregon Occupational Safety and Health Code (Oregon OSHA): This code incorporates federal OSHA standards for asbestos exposure, including permissible exposure limits and worker protection measures.

Sources

Oregon Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) - Asbestos: https://www.oregon.gov/deq/hazards-and-cleanup/pages/asbestos-information.aspx
Oregon Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) - Asbestos: https://osha.oregon.gov/pages/topics/asbestos.aspx

Were You Harmed by Asbestos Exposure in Oregon?

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