Asbestos in South Carolina

South Carolina's history with asbestos is deeply intertwined with its industrial past, particularly in shipbuilding, manufacturing, and even vermiculite mining. This legacy has left behind a potential hazard in many buildings and structures across the state, endangering the health of workers and residents.

South Carolina faces unique challenges with asbestos contamination due to the state's history of vermiculite mining, a mineral often found with asbestos. Asbestos mining, combined with the widespread use of asbestos in shipbuilding and textile mills, has left a lasting impact on communities across South Carolina state. Learn about South Carolina's documented asbestos job sites, the specific health risks associated with asbestos exposure, and the resources available to those affected.

Known Asbestos Job Sites in South Carolina

Explore 777 known asbestos sites and job-sites across South Carolina.

Job Site	City	State
3M	Laurens	SC
Abbeville High School	Abbeville	SC
Abbeville Mills	Abbeville	SC
Abney Mills	Greenwood	SC
Abney Mills	Travelers Rest	SC
ACandS	Orangeburg	SC
ACandS	Charleston	SC
ACandS	Columbia	SC
Ace Sales & Service	Charleston	SC
Administration Building	Spartanburg	SC
Administration Building	Columbia	SC
Aerocox	Myrtle Beach	SC
Aerovox	Myrtle Beach	SC
Aetna Cotton Mills	Union	SC
Aiken Box & Pallet	Aiken	SC

Occupations with High Asbestos Exposure in South Carolina

Shipyard Workers: Coastal areas like Charleston had significant shipbuilding activity, exposing workers to asbestos used in ship construction and insulation (Example: Charleston Naval Shipyard).
Textile Mill Workers: South Carolina's textile industry relied on asbestos for insulation and fireproofing in mills, putting workers at risk (Example: Former textile mills in Greenville and Spartanburg).
Construction Workers: Asbestos was commonly used in insulation, roofing, flooring, and other building materials in older structures (Example: Schools, hospitals, and government buildings built before the 1980s).
Vermiculite Miners and Processors: South Carolina had vermiculite mines, and workers involved in mining and processing this mineral were exposed to asbestos (Example: Former vermiculite mines in the northwestern part of the state).

South Carolina Asbestos Regulations and Laws

South Carolina has enacted laws and regulations to protect workers and the public from asbestos exposure. These regulations are primarily enforced by the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) and the South Carolina Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation ( Health and Environmental Control (DHEC)

DHEC oversees asbestos abatement activities, including:

Licensing of asbestos abatement contractors
Issuing permits for asbestos removal projects
Ensuring proper disposal of asbestos-containing materials Labor, Licensing and Regulation (LLR)

LLR 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

South Carolina Regulation 61-86.1: This regulation provides comprehensive rules for asbestos abatement projects, including notification requirements, work practices, and disposal procedures.
South Carolina Occupational Safety and Health Act: This act incorporates federal OSHA standards for asbestos exposure, including permissible exposure limits and worker protection measures.

Sources

Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) - Asbestos: https://des.sc.gov/programs/bureau-air-quality/asbestos
Labor, Licensing and Regulation (LLR) - Occupational Safety and Health: https://des.sc.gov/sites/des/files/Library/ML-025415.pdf
South Carolina Legislature - Regulation 61-86.1: https://des.sc.gov/sites/des/files/Library/Regulations/R.61-86.1.pdf

Were You Harmed by Asbestos Exposure in South Carolina?

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