Asbestos in Washington, DC

Name: Alexandria Power Plant
Address: Washington, DC

Washington, D.C.'s aging infrastructure and historical buildings, combined with extensive renovations and construction projects, contribute to a significant risk of asbestos exposure for workers and residents.

The nation's capital faces unique challenges with asbestos due to the presence of numerous older government buildings, historical landmarks, and residential structures. While asbestos was not mined in D.C., it was widely used in construction materials throughout much of the 20th century. Learn about documented asbestos job sites in Washington, D.C., the health risks associated with asbestos exposure, and resources available to those affected.

Known Asbestos Job Sites in Washington, DC

Explore 362 known asbestos sites and job-sites across Washington, DC.

Job Site	City	State
1201 Pennsylvania Avenue Nw	Washington	DC
1705 Desales Street NW	Washington	DC
1750 Pennsylvania Avenue - Office Buildings	Washington	DC
201 Kennedy Street	Washington	DC
21St Street & C Street Nw	Washington	DC
5050 Addison Rd.	Washington	DC
5050 Minnesota Avenue	Washington	DC
953 V Street N.E.	Washington	DC
Abatt Air Conditioning & Heating	Washington	DC
ACandS	Washington	DC
Adas Israel Synagogue	Washington	DC
Additional House Office Building	Washington	DC
Afl-Cio Building	Washington	DC
Agriculture Research Center	Washington	DC
Alexandria Power Plant	Washington	DC

Occupations with High Asbestos Exposure in Washington, DC

Construction Workers: Renovation and demolition activities in older buildings, including government structures and historical sites, pose a significant risk of asbestos exposure to construction workers (Example: Renovation projects on Capitol Hill).
HVAC Technicians: Maintenance and repair of heating and cooling systems in older buildings often involve contact with asbestos-containing insulation and fireproofing materials. (Example: HVAC work in federal office buildings).
Shipyard Workers: Washington, D.C.'s history as a port city and the presence of naval facilities have exposed shipyard workers to asbestos used in ship construction and repair. (Example: The Washington Navy Yard).
Power Plant Workers: Asbestos was used extensively for insulation and fireproofing in power plants serving the District of Columbia. (Example: The Potomac River Generating Station).

Washington, D.C. Asbestos Regulations and Laws

The District of Columbia has enacted laws and regulations to protect workers and the public from asbestos exposure. These regulations are primarily enforced by the District Department of the Environment (DOEE) and the District of Columbia Department of Employment Services (DOES).

District Department of the Environment (DOEE)

The DOEE 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.

District of Columbia Department of Employment Services (DOES)

The DOES 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

District of Columbia Asbestos Abatement Regulations: These regulations provide comprehensive guidelines for identifying, managing, and abating asbestos in various settings.
District of Columbia Occupational Safety and Health Act: This act incorporates federal OSHA standards for asbestos exposure, including permissible exposure limits and worker protection measures.

Sources

District Department of the Environment (DOEE) - Asbestos Laws and Regulations: https://doee.dc.gov/service/asbestos-laws-and-regulations
District of Columbia Department of Employment Services (DOES): https://does.dc.gov/service/occupational-safety-and-health

Were You Harmed by Asbestos Exposure in Washington, DC?

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