Asbestos in Washington

Washington's history of shipbuilding, aerospace manufacturing, and construction has left behind a significant presence of asbestos in both urban and rural areas, posing potential health risks to residents and workers.

Washington State faces unique challenges with asbestos due to its diverse industrial past and the presence of naturally occurring asbestos in certain geological formations. While asbestos was not mined extensively in Washington, it was widely used in industries like shipbuilding, aerospace, and construction. Learn about Washington's documented asbestos job sites, the health risks associated with asbestos exposure, and resources available to those affected.

Known Asbestos Job Sites in Washington

Explore 1021 known asbestos sites and job-sites across Washington.

Job Site	City	State
1101 Boat Street	Seattle	WA
1St Congregational Church	Everett	WA
1St Federal Savings & Loan	Bremerton	WA
300 Area Hanford Works	Richland	WA
Abitibi Consolidated Paper	Steilacoom	WA
ACandS	Tacoma	WA
ACandS	Bellingham	WA
ACandS	Seattle	WA
ACandS	Spokane	WA
ACandS	Richland	WA
ACandS	Longview	WA
ACandS	Renton	WA
Ace Furnace & Steel	Tacoma	WA
Acme Linen Supply	Seattle	WA
Aeows - Lock & Tackle	Des Moines	WA

Occupations with High Asbestos Exposure in Washington

Shipyard Workers: Washington's long history of shipbuilding, particularly in Puget Sound, exposed numerous workers to asbestos used in ship construction and insulation (Example: Puget Sound Naval Shipyard in Bremerton).
Aerospace Workers: The aerospace industry in Washington, centered around Boeing, utilized asbestos in aircraft manufacturing and maintenance (Example: Boeing Everett Factory).
Construction Workers: Asbestos was commonly used in insulation, roofing, flooring, and other building materials in older structures throughout the state (Example: Schools, hospitals, and government buildings constructed before the 1980s).
Power Plant Workers: Asbestos was used extensively in power plants for insulation and fireproofing (Example: Grand Coulee Dam).

Washington Asbestos Regulations and Laws

Washington has enacted laws and regulations to protect workers and the public from asbestos exposure. These regulations are primarily enforced by the Washington State Department of Labor & Industries (L&I) and the Washington State Department of Ecology.

Washington State Department of Labor & Industries

L&I 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.

Washington State Department of Ecology

The Department of Ecology 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.

Key Laws and Regulations

Chapter 296-62 WAC, Asbestos: This chapter outlines the requirements for asbestos surveys, abatement projects, worker training, and air monitoring.
Washington Industrial Safety and Health Act (WISHA): This act incorporates federal OSHA standards for asbestos exposure, including permissible exposure limits and worker protection measures.

Sources

Washington State Department of Labor & Industries (L&I) - Asbestos: https://www.lni.wa.gov/safety-health/safety-topics/topics/asbestos
Washington State Department of Ecology - Asbestos:https://ecology.wa.gov/Regulations-Permits/Guidance-technical-assistance/Dangerous-waste-guidance/Common-dangerous-waste/Asbestos
Washington State Legislature - Chapter 296-62 WAC: https://app.leg.wa.gov/wac/default.aspx?cite=296-62

Were You Harmed by Asbestos Exposure in Washington?

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