There are more than 150 oil refineries spread throughout the U.S. — 25 in Texas and 22 in California alone — and every one of them was built before 1976, the point at which relevant asbestos regulations were finally implemented by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). These refineries have hundreds of components that contain asbestos, including:

• roofing tiles
• flooring
• ceiling tiles
• insulation for walls, plumbing, and electrical wiring
• acoustical plaster
• drywall compound
• duct tape

For example, since oil refining processes often require very high temperatures, pipes throughout the refineries were lined with asbestos insulation. Asbestos is indeed a very effective insulation material, based on its high resistance to heat, flames and friction.

Asbestos Is a Toxin

However, asbestos is toxic to humans when it is “friable” (crumbling or in deteriorated condition). The oil refineries in the U.S. are all at least 30 years old, and their asbestos containing components are likely to have deteriorated since they were installed.

The employees at oil refineries, their families, and the residents in the vicinity of an oil refinery are all at risk of being exposed to a toxic level of asbestos — which an individual may inhale without being aware of doing so. Exposure to asbestos is the sole confirmed cause of mesothelioma, a deadly cancer.

Huge Oil Refineries in the U.S.

Some of the largest oil refineries in the U.S. are:

• Baytown Refinery (ExxonMobil), in Baytown Texas: 557,000 bbl/d (barrels per day)
• Baton Rouge Refinery (ExxonMobil), in Baton Rouge, Louisiana: 503,000 bbl/d
• Texas City Refinery (BP), in Texas City, Texas: 437,000 bbl/d
• Whiting Refinery (BP), in Whiting, Indiana: 410,000 bbl/d

Potential Asbestos Exposure of Millions

The oil refining industry employs hundreds of thousands of people, and the families of these workers comprise hundreds of thousands more individuals. Add in the many people who live within close proximity to an oil refinery, and the total exposed population may number in the millions.

(Source: E Magazine)

Get Legal Help

If you suspect that a diagnosis of mesothelioma in your family can be traced to oil refinery asbestos exposure, contact mesothelioma centers to schedule a free consultation with a qualified mesothelioma attorney today.