Asbestos in Tennessee

Tennessee's industrial heritage, including mining, manufacturing, and power generation, has left a widespread legacy of asbestos in buildings and infrastructure throughout the state, posing potential health risks to residents and workers.

Tennessee faces significant challenges with asbestos contamination due to its historical reliance on industries that extensively utilized asbestos-containing materials. While asbestos was not mined in Tennessee, asbestos was imported and widely used in construction, manufacturing, and various other applications. This has resulted in a concerning prevalence of asbestos in older buildings, industrial sites, and even some natural environments. Learn about Tennessee's documented asbestos job sites, the health risks associated with asbestos exposure, and resources available to those affected.

Known Asbestos Job Sites in Tennessee

Explore 1067 known asbestos sites and job-sites across Tennessee.

Job Site	City	State
1212 South Bellevue	Memphis	TN
1St American National Bank Building	Nashville	TN
249 Cold Creek Correctional Facility	Henning	TN
2668 Yale	Memphis	TN
3M	Chattanooga	TN
625 Poplar	Memphis	TN
A-2300 Wing Vanderbilt Hospital	Nashville	TN
ACandS	Memphis	TN
ACandS	Nashville	TN
A.C. Lawrence Leather	Newport	TN
Acme Plastering	Knoxville	TN
A.E.D.C. Project	Tullahoma	TN
A.E. Staley Manufacturing	Loudon	TN
Afg Glass Plant	Church Hill	TN
Afg Glass Plant	Kingsport	TN

Occupations with High Asbestos Exposure in Tennessee

Manufacturing Workers: Tennessee's diverse manufacturing sector, including textile mills, chemical plants, and automotive parts factories, historically exposed workers to asbestos used in insulation, gaskets, and other applications (Example: Former rayon manufacturing facilities in Elizabethton).
Construction Workers: Asbestos was commonly used in insulation, roofing, flooring, and fireproofing materials in older buildings across the state (Example: Schools, hospitals, and government buildings constructed before the 1980s).
Miners: Although asbestos was not mined extensively in Tennessee, some historical mining operations, particularly for zinc and other minerals, may have involved contact with asbestos-containing rock formations (Example: Zinc mines in eastern Tennessee).
Power Plant Workers: Asbestos was widely used for insulation and fireproofing in power generation facilities throughout Tennessee (Example: Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) coal-fired power plants).

Tennessee Asbestos Regulations and Laws

Tennessee has implemented laws and regulations to protect workers and the public from asbestos exposure. These regulations are primarily enforced by the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation (TDEC) and the Tennessee Occupational Safety and Health Administration (TOSHA).

Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation (TDEC)

TDEC 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.

Tennessee Occupational Safety and Health Administration (TOSHA)

TOSHA 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

Tennessee Air Pollution Control Act: This act provides TDEC with the authority to regulate asbestos abatement activities and enforce air quality standards related to asbestos.
Rules of the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation, Chapter 1200-3-11: This chapter specifically addresses asbestos abatement, including notification requirements, work practices, and disposal procedures.
Tennessee Occupational Safety and Health Act (TOSHA): This act incorporates federal OSHA standards for asbestos exposure, including permissible exposure limits and worker protection measures.

Sources

Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation (TDEC) - Asbestos: https://www.tn.gov/environment/air/asbestos.html
Tennessee Department of Health - Asbestos: https://www.tn.gov/health/cedep/environmental/environmental-health-topics/eht/asbestos.html

Were You Harmed by Asbestos Exposure in Tennessee?

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