Asbestos in Virginia

Virginia faces unique challenges with asbestos due to legacy industrial use and the presence of naturally occurring asbestos in certain geological formations, potentially exposing residents, workers, and the environment.

While Virginia has a history of asbestos use in construction, shipbuilding, and manufacturing, the state also has natural asbestos deposits. This combination presents a complex issue, as exposure can occur not only in older buildings and industrial sites but also through environmental contact in certain areas. Learn about Virginia's documented asbestos job sites, the risks associated with both industrial and naturally occurring asbestos exposure, and resources available to those affected.

Known Asbestos Job Sites in Virginia

Explore 988 known asbestos sites and job-sites across Virginia.

Job Site	City	State
201 Plaza Office Building	Richmond	VA
301 Plaza Office Building	Richmond	VA
30-32 Commercial Place	Norfolk	VA
3846 South Four Mile Rd.	Arlington	VA
Abermarle Paper	Richmond	VA
ABEX	Winchester	VA
ACandS	Richmond	VA
A.D. Atkinson	Richmond	VA
Administration Building	Virginia Beach	VA
Afeta Camp Peary	Williamsburg	VA
Aileen	Edinburg	VA
Air National Guard Facilities	Chesterfield	VA
Albemarle-Chesapeake	West Point	VA
Alexandria Hospital	Alexandria	VA
Alexandria Industrial Center	Alexandria	VA

Occupations with High Asbestos Exposure in Virginia

Shipyard Workers: Virginia's long history of shipbuilding, particularly in the Hampton Roads area, exposed workers to asbestos used extensively in ship construction and insulation (Example: Newport News Shipbuilding).
Construction Workers: Asbestos was commonly used in insulation, roofing, flooring, and fireproofing in buildings constructed before the 1980s (Example: Schools, hospitals, and government buildings throughout Virginia).
Textile Workers: Asbestos was used in certain textile manufacturing processes, potentially exposing workers in these industries (Example: Dan River Inc. textile mills).
Power Plant Workers: Asbestos was widely used for insulation and fireproofing in power generation facilities across the state (Example: Dominion Energy power plants).

Virginia Asbestos Regulations and Laws

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

Virginia Department of Labor and Industry (DOLI)

DOLI oversees workplace safety related to asbestos, including:

Enforcing asbestos abatement regulations and licensing requirements for contractors.
Establishing permissible exposure limits for asbestos fibers in the workplace.
Mandating worker training and certification for asbestos-related tasks.
Ensuring the use of personal protective equipment to minimize worker exposure.

Virginia Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ)

DEQ focuses on environmental aspects of asbestos, including:

Managing asbestos air quality standards and emissions.
Regulating the disposal of asbestos-containing waste.
Providing guidance on asbestos management in public buildings and schools.

Key Laws and Regulations

Virginia Asbestos Licensing and Notification Requirements: These regulations outline the licensing requirements for asbestos abatement contractors and the notification procedures for asbestos projects.
Virginia Occupational Safety and Health (VOSH) Standards: These standards incorporate federal OSHA regulations for asbestos exposure, including permissible exposure limits and worker protection measures.

Sources

Virginia Department of Labor and Industry (DOLI) - Asbestos, Lead & Demolition Notification Requirements: https://doli.virginia.gov/asbestos_lead_demolition_notification/
Virginia Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) - Air Quality Regulations: https://www.deq.virginia.gov/laws-regulations/air
Virginia Department of Health (VDH) - Asbestos: https://www.vdh.virginia.gov/environmental-health/public-health-toxicology/asbestos/
Virginia Tech - Environmental Health and Safety - Asbestos Management: https://ehs.vt.edu/programs/occupational-safety/asbestos-operations-and-maintenance.html

Were You Harmed by Asbestos Exposure in Virginia?

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