Asbestos in Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania's rich industrial history, including extensive mining and manufacturing, has left a significant presence of asbestos in buildings and infrastructure throughout the state, posing potential health risks to residents and workers.

Pennsylvania faces considerable challenges with asbestos due to its widespread use in various industries, including steel production, shipbuilding, and construction. Notably, Pennsylvania was a significant producer of asbestos, with mines operating in the southeastern region of the state. Learn about Pennsylvania's documented asbestos job sites, the health risks associated with asbestos exposure, and resources available to those affected.

Known Asbestos Job Sites in Pennsylvania

Explore 5344 known asbestos sites and job-sites across Pennsylvania.

Job Site	City	State
1010 Race Street	Philadelphia	PA
19th Allegheny	Philadelphia	PA
2545 Aramingo Avenue, Building 30	Philadelphia	PA
25th Ward Gas Works	Philadelphia	PA
2Nd Avenue Passenger Railway	Pittsburgh	PA
30th & Market Streets	Philadelphia	PA
3M	Bristol	PA
46th & Haverford School	Philadelphia	PA
5th & Glenwood Avenue	Philadelphia	PA
600 North Progress Street	Harrisburg	PA
6136 Gulf	Philadelphia	PA
69th Street Terminal Restaurant	Philadelphia	PA
6 North Progress Avenue	Harrisburg	PA
7th Avenue Hotel	Pittsburgh	PA
A & A	Philadelphia	PA

Occupations with High Asbestos Exposure in Pennsylvania

Steelworkers: Pennsylvania's history as a major steel producer led to extensive asbestos use in steel mills for insulation, fireproofing, and other applications (Example: U.S. Steel facilities in Pittsburgh and Bethlehem Steel plants in Bethlehem).
Shipyard Workers: Shipbuilding activities, particularly in Philadelphia and along the Delaware River, exposed workers to asbestos used in ship construction and insulation (Example: Philadelphia Naval Shipyard).
Construction Workers: Asbestos was a common component of insulation, roofing, flooring, and fireproofing materials in older buildings across the state (Example: Schools, hospitals, and public buildings constructed before the 1980s).
Miners: Asbestos mining in southeastern Pennsylvania exposed workers to high levels of asbestos fibers (Example: Ambler Asbestos Mines).

Pennsylvania Asbestos Regulations and Laws

Pennsylvania has implemented laws and regulations to protect workers and the public from asbestos exposure. These regulations are primarily enforced by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) and the Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry.

Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP)

The DEP 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.

Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry

The Department of Labor & Industry 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

Pennsylvania Asbestos Accreditation and Certification Act (Act 194 and Act 161): This act requires contractors to be certified and licensed by the Department of Labor and Industry to perform demolition and renovation projects involving asbestos.
Part 56, Air Pollution Control, Rule 295: This rule addresses asbestos abatement projects, including notification requirements, work practices, and disposal procedures.

Sources

Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) - Asbestos: https://www.dep.pa.gov/Business/Air/BAQ/BusinessTopics/Pages/Asbestos.aspx
Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry - Asbestos: https://www.pa.gov/agencies/dli/programs-services/labor-management-relations/bureau-of-occupational-and-industrial-safety/asbestos-occupations.html
Pennsylvania Legislature - Act 194 (Asbestos Occupations Accreditation and Certification Act): https://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/legis/LI/uconsCheck.cfm?txtType=HTM&yr=1990&sessInd=0&smthLwInd=0&act=194&chpt=0&sctn=9&subsctn=0

Were You Harmed by Asbestos Exposure in Pennsylvania?

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