Asbestos in Utah

Utah faces a unique challenge with asbestos due to both naturally occurring deposits and its historical use in various industries. This widespread presence poses a risk to residents, particularly those involved in mining, construction, and industrial work.

Utah's landscape contains natural asbestos deposits, and the mineral was historically mined and used in various applications, increasing the risk of exposure for residents. Combined with its use in construction and industrial settings, asbestos poses a significant health concern for those who may come into contact with it. Learn about Utah's asbestos-related occupations, the health risks associated with exposure, and the regulations in place to protect individuals.

Known Asbestos Job Sites in Utah

Explore 263 known asbestos sites and job-sites across Utah.

Job Site	City	State
7th East & Second South Streets Apt.	Salt Lake City	UT
Amalgamated Sugar	Lewiston	UT
Amalgamated Sugar	Smithfield	UT
Amalgamated Sugar	Logan	UT
Amalgamated Sugar	Ogden	UT
American Linen Supply	Salt Lake City	UT
American Oil	Salt Lake City	UT
American Smelting & Refining	Salt Lake City	UT
American Smelting & Refining	Garfield	UT
American Smelting & Refining	Murray	UT
American Stores	Salt Lake City	UT
Amoco	Salt Lake City	UT
Anaconda	Tooele	UT
Anaconda/International Smelting & Refining	Tooele	UT
Artc Building	Salt Lake City	UT

Occupations with High Asbestos Exposure in Utah

Miners: Utah has naturally occurring asbestos deposits, and miners working in these areas faced significant exposure risks (Example: Tremolite Asbestos Mine near Sulphurdale, UT).
Construction Workers: Asbestos was commonly used in insulation, roofing, flooring, and other building materials in older structures (Example: Schools, hospitals, and public buildings built before the 1980s).
Industrial Workers: Various industries utilized asbestos in manufacturing processes, exposing workers to the fibers (Example: Kennecott Utah Copper).
Power Plant Workers: Asbestos was extensively used for insulation and fireproofing in power generation facilities (Example: Hunter Power Plant in Castle Dale, UT).

Utah Asbestos Regulations and Laws

Utah has enacted laws and regulations to protect workers and the public from asbestos exposure. These regulations are primarily enforced by the Utah Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) and the Utah Labor Commission.

Utah Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ)

The DEQ 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.

Utah Labor Commission

The Utah Labor Commission 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

Utah Administrative Code R313-20: This rule addresses asbestos abatement projects, including notification requirements, work practices, and disposal procedures.
Utah Occupational Safety and Health Act: This act incorporates federal OSHA standards for asbestos exposure, including permissible exposure limits and worker protection measures.

Sources

Utah Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) - Asbestos: https://deq.utah.gov/air-quality/asbestos
Utah Labor Commission - Occupational Safety and Health (UOSH): https://laborcommission.utah.gov/divisions/uosh/
Utah Legislature - Utah Administrative Code R313-20: https://www.nrc.gov/docs/ML0037/ML003705681.pdf

Were You Harmed by Asbestos Exposure in Utah?

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