Asbestos in Rhode Island

Despite its small size, Rhode Island's historical industrial activity, including shipbuilding and manufacturing, has left behind a legacy of asbestos in many buildings, potentially endangering residents and workers.

Rhode Island faces asbestos-related challenges due to its industrial past, particularly in the shipbuilding and manufacturing sectors. Although asbestos was not mined in Rhode Island, it was widely used in various applications. Learn about Rhode Island's documented asbestos job sites, the health risks associated with asbestos exposure, and resources available to those affected.

Known Asbestos Job Sites in Rhode Island

Explore 347 known asbestos sites and job-sites across Rhode Island.

Job Site	City	State
ACandS	Providence	RI
ACandS	Cranston	RI
Acme Finishing	Pawtucket	RI
A. & C.W. Holbrook	Providence	RI
Albion	Valley Falls	RI
Allen Avenue Sewage Pumping Station	Providence	RI
Alrose Chemical	Cranston	RI
American Electrical Works	Providence	RI
American Hoechst	Coventry	RI
American Insulated Wire	Pawtucket	RI
American Insulated Wire	Providence	RI
American Locomotive	Providence	RI
American Screw	Providence	RI
Apex Tire & Rubber	Pawtucket	RI
Apponaug	Apponaug	RI

Occupations with High Asbestos Exposure in Rhode Island

Shipyard Workers: Rhode Island's historical involvement in shipbuilding, particularly at the Quonset Point Naval Air Station and the Newport Naval Station, exposed numerous workers to asbestos used in ship construction and insulation (Example: Quonset Point Naval Air Station, North Kingstown, RI).
Construction Workers: Asbestos was commonly used in insulation, roofing, flooring, and other building materials in older structures throughout the state (Example: Historic mills and factories in Providence and Pawtucket).
Textile Mill Workers: Rhode Island's history of textile manufacturing involved the use of asbestos in machinery and building materials (Example: Former textile mills in Woonsocket and Central Falls).
Power Plant Workers: Asbestos was used extensively in power plants for insulation and fireproofing (Example: Narragansett Electric Company facilities).

Rhode Island Asbestos Regulations and Laws

Rhode Island has enacted laws and regulations to protect workers and the public from asbestos exposure. These regulations are primarily enforced by the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (RIDEM) and the Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH).

Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (RIDEM)

RIDEM 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.

Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH)

RIDOH plays a role in:

Developing and enforcing asbestos regulations related to public health
Providing information and resources on asbestos-related health risks
Investigating asbestos-related complaints and incidents.

Key Laws and Regulations

Rhode Island Asbestos Control Act: This act establishes regulations for asbestos abatement projects, including licensing requirements, notification procedures, and work practices.
Rhode Island Department of Health Regulations for Asbestos Control: These regulations provide detailed guidelines for identifying, managing, and abating asbestos in schools and public buildings.

Sources

Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (RIDEM) - Asbestos: https://dem.ri.gov/environmental-protection-bureau/land-revitalization-and-sustainable-materials-management/asbestos
Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH) - Asbestos: https://health.ri.gov/healthrisks/poisoning/asbestos/
Rhode Island General Assembly - Asbestos Control Act: https://rules.sos.ri.gov/regulations/part/216-50-15-1

Were You Harmed by Asbestos Exposure in Rhode Island?

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