Asbestos in Texas

Texas's booming oil and gas industry, coupled with its extensive history of shipbuilding and construction, has resulted in widespread asbestos use throughout the state, leaving a potential hazard in numerous buildings and industrial sites.

Texas faces a significant challenge with asbestos contamination due to its extensive use in insulation, fireproofing, and construction materials throughout the 20th century. While asbestos was not mined extensively in Texas, it was imported and heavily utilized in various industries, including oil and gas, shipbuilding, and manufacturing. This legacy of asbestos use poses health risks to workers and residents across the state. Learn about Texas's documented asbestos job sites, the health risks associated with asbestos exposure, and resources available to those affected.

Known Asbestos Job Sites in Texas

Explore 3687 known asbestos sites and job-sites across Texas.

Job Site	City	State
1010 North Saint Marys	San Antonio	TX
1121 Rothwell	Houston	TX
1401 College	Levelland	TX
1St City National Bank	Houston	TX
1St Federal Savings & Loan	Austin	TX
1St National Bank	Kerrville	TX
1St National Bank	San Antonio	TX
2001 Bryan Tower	Dallas	TX
2016 Main	Houston	TX
322 D Breesport Street	San Antonio	TX
4101 San Jacinto	Houston	TX
4714 Buffalo Trail	Amarillo	TX
501 Dayton	Orange	TX
5050 Westheimer Building	Houston	TX
5521 Armour Drive	Houston	TX

Occupations with High Asbestos Exposure in Texas

Oil and Gas Workers: Asbestos was widely used in refineries, pipelines, and other oil and gas infrastructure for insulation and fireproofing (Example: ExxonMobil refineries in Baytown and Beaumont).
Shipyard Workers: Texas's long coastline and shipbuilding history exposed workers to asbestos used in ship construction and repair (Example: AMFELS Shipyard - Brownsville, Brown Shipbuilding Company)
Construction Workers: Asbestos was a common component of insulation, roofing, flooring, and fireproofing materials in older buildings across the state (Example: Schools, hospitals, and government buildings constructed before the 1980s).
Power Plant Workers: Asbestos was extensively used in power generation facilities for insulation and fireproofing (Example: Luminant power plants throughout Texas).

Texas Asbestos Regulations and Laws

Texas has implemented laws and regulations to protect workers and the public from asbestos exposure. These regulations are primarily enforced by the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) and the Texas Workforce Commission (TWC).

Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS)

The DSHS oversees asbestos abatement activities, including:

Licensing of asbestos abatement contractors and workers.
Issuing permits for asbestos removal projects.
Ensuring proper disposal of asbestos-containing materials.
Guiding on managing asbestos in public buildings and schools.

Texas Workforce Commission (TWC)

The TWC 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

Texas Asbestos Health Protection Rules (TAHPR): These rules govern asbestos abatement activities in Texas, including licensing requirements, notification procedures, and work practices.
Texas Occupations Code, Chapter 504: This chapter addresses asbestos health hazards and establishes requirements for asbestos abatement contractors and workers.

Sources

Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) - Asbestos: https://www.dshs.texas.gov/asbestos-program
Texas Workforce Commission (TWC): https://www.twc.texas.gov/
Texas Legislature - Occupations Code, Chapter 504: https://statutes.capitol.texas.gov/Docs/OC/htm/OC.504.htm

Were You Harmed by Asbestos Exposure in Texas?

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