Asbestos in West Virginia

West Virginia's long history of coal mining and industrial activity has left a widespread legacy of asbestos throughout the state, particularly in mines, manufacturing facilities, and older buildings, posing potential health risks to workers and residents.

West Virginia faces significant challenges with asbestos contamination due to its extensive use in the coal mining industry, manufacturing, and construction throughout the 20th century. Asbestos was often found in mines and used in various industrial applications across the state. Learn about West Virginia's documented asbestos job sites, the health risks associated with asbestos exposure, and the resources available for those affected.

Known Asbestos Job Sites in West Virginia

Explore 865 known asbestos sites and job-sites across West Virginia.

Job Site	City	State
3M	Middleway	WV
ACandS	Dunbar	WV
ACandS	Charleston	WV
ACF Industries	Red House	WV
ACF Industries	Huntington	WV
Acme Fishing Tool	Parkersburg	WV
Aep Graham's Power Plant	New Haven	WV
Aep John Amos Power	Winfield	WV
Aep Kammer Power Plant	Moundsville	WV
Aep Kanawha River Power	Glasgow	WV
Aep Mitchell Power Plant	Moundsville	WV
Agsten	Charleston	WV
A & I	South Charleston	WV
A & I	Charleston	WV
Air Products	New Martinsville	WV

Occupations with High Asbestos Exposure in West Virginia

Coal Miners: Asbestos occurs naturally in some coal deposits and was also used in mining equipment, exposing miners to significant risks (Example: Numerous coal mines throughout the state, particularly in the southern coalfields).
Manufacturing Workers: Asbestos was used in various manufacturing processes, including chemical plants, steel mills, and glass factories (Example: Union Carbide facilities in Institute and South Charleston).
Construction Workers: Asbestos was commonly used in insulation, roofing, flooring, and fireproofing in older buildings across the state (Example: Schools, hospitals, and public buildings constructed before the 1980s).
Power Plant Workers: Asbestos was extensively used for insulation and fireproofing in power generation facilities (Example: American Electric Power plants throughout West Virginia).

West Virginia Asbestos Regulations and Laws

West Virginia has implemented laws and regulations to protect workers and the public from asbestos exposure. These regulations are primarily enforced by the West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection (WVDEP) and the West Virginia Office of Miners' Health, Safety and Training.

West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection (WVDEP)

WVDEP 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.

West Virginia Office of Miners' Health, Safety and Training

This office enforces workplace safety regulations related to asbestos exposure in mines, 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

West Virginia Code §22-1A-1 et seq.: This section addresses air pollution control, including regulations on asbestos abatement projects.
West Virginia Code §22-1-1 et seq.: This section covers occupational safety and health standards, including those related to asbestos exposure in the workplace.

Sources

West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection (WVDEP) - Asbestos: https://dep.wv.gov/DAQ/CANDE/Pages/AsbestosRemovalandDemolition.aspx
West Virginia Office of Miners' Health, Safety and Training: https://minesafety.wv.gov/
West Virginia Legislature - Code §22-1A-1 et seq.: https://code.wvlegislature.gov/22-1A/

Were You Harmed by Asbestos Exposure in West Virginia?

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