Asbestos in Vermont

Vermont's unique history with asbestos, including its past as a significant asbestos producer, has left a legacy of potential exposure in both residential and commercial buildings throughout the state.

Vermont faces a distinct challenge with asbestos contamination due to the presence of former asbestos mines within the state. While asbestos mining ceased in 1993, the legacy of this industry, combined with the use of asbestos in older construction and industrial applications, poses ongoing health risks to Vermonters. Learn about Vermont's documented asbestos job sites, the health risks associated with asbestos exposure, and resources available to those affected.

Known Asbestos Job Sites in Vermont

Explore 118 known asbestos sites and job-sites across Vermont.

Job Site	City	State
Adams Paper	Wells River	VT
Atlas Plywood	Morrisville	VT
Barnetts	Troy	VT
Barton Village Electric	Barton	VT
Bennington Potters	Bennington	VT
Black Cat Textiles	Bennington	VT
Blodgett Supply	Burlington	VT
Brattleboro Union High School	Brattleboro	VT
Burlington	Burlington	VT
Burlington Light & Power	Winooski	VT
Burlington Light & Power	Burlington	VT
Burlington Water Department	Burlington	VT
Canney Plue	Rutland	VT
Central Vermont Medical Center	Berlin	VT
Central Vermont Public Service	Georgia	VT

Occupations with High Asbestos Exposure in Vermont

Miners: Historically, workers in Vermont's asbestos mines faced the highest risk of exposure. (Example: Vermont Asbestos Group (VAG) Mine in Eden and Lowell).
Construction Workers: Asbestos was commonly used in insulation, roofing, flooring, and other building materials in older structures. (Example: Schools, hospitals, and public buildings constructed before the 1980s).
Factory Workers: Various industries in Vermont utilized asbestos in manufacturing processes. (Example: Textile mills and paper mills).
Power Plant Workers: Asbestos was used extensively in power plants for insulation and fireproofing. (Example: Vermont Yankee Nuclear Power Plant).

Vermont Asbestos Regulations and Laws

Vermont has enacted laws and regulations to protect workers and the public from asbestos exposure. These regulations are primarily enforced by the Vermont Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) and the Vermont Department of Health.

Vermont Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC)

The DEC oversees various aspects of asbestos management, including:

Regulations related to asbestos mining and remediation of mine sites.
Oversight of asbestos disposal.
Guidance on asbestos management in construction and demolition projects.

Vermont Department of Health

The Department of Health focuses on public health aspects of asbestos, including:

Asbestos control in schools and public buildings.
Public education and awareness about asbestos-related health risks.
Surveillance and reporting of asbestos-related diseases.

Key Laws and Regulations

Vermont Asbestos Control Rule: This rule outlines regulations for asbestos abatement activities, including licensing of contractors, permits for removal, and proper disposal procedures.
Vermont Occupational Safety and Health Rules: These rules incorporate federal OSHA standards for asbestos exposure in the workplace, including permissible exposure limits and worker protection measures.

Sources

Vermont Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) - Asbestos: https://dec.vermont.gov/geological-survey/health/asb-other
Vermont Department of Health - Asbestos: https://www.healthvermont.gov/environment/asbestos-lead-requirements
Vermont Occupational Safety and Health Administration (VOSHA) - Asbestos: https://labor.vermont.gov/vermont-occupational-safety-and-health-administration-vosha

Were You Harmed by Asbestos Exposure in Vermont?

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