🧱 Asbestos Exposure in Texas: High-Risk Industries & Locations
Learn How Asbestos Has Impacted Texas Workers, Veterans & Residents
While Texas has several natural asbestos deposits, most asbestos-related health issues stem from occupational exposure in high-risk industries. From oil refineries to schools, asbestos-containing materials were commonly used across Texas throughout the 20th century—placing thousands of workers and families at risk.
🔥 Common Sites of Asbestos Exposure in Texas
Many of Texas’ largest industries relied heavily on asbestos for its heat resistance, durability, and fireproofing qualities. Below are the most common exposure sites across the state:
🛢️ 1. Oil Refineries and Chemical Plants
Texas is home to some of the nation’s largest oil and chemical refineries. Workers were routinely exposed to high heat and corrosive environments, where asbestos insulation and fireproofing were used on pipes, boilers, gaskets, and valves.
Notable Facilities: Texaco, Gulf Oil, Chevron Phillips Chemical, Lyondell Chemical
🏚️ 2. Old Commercial and Residential Buildings
Buildings constructed before the 1980s in Texas often contain asbestos-based insulation, ceiling tiles, and floor tiles. These materials become dangerous when disturbed during fires, renovations, or demolitions.
Example: In May 2021, over 100 firefighters responded to a warehouse fire in Austin that released airborne asbestos. X-rays were later conducted to monitor for potential lung damage.
🏫 3. Public Schools and Educational Institutions
Asbestos was widely used in school construction throughout the U.S. Many Texas schools still contain asbestos, especially in older floor tiles, ceiling panels, and pipe insulation.
Example: In January 2019, asbestos was discovered at Tyler High School and Tyler Legacy High School, halting renovations until professional abatement crews safely removed the contaminated materials.
⚓ 4. Shipyards and Marine Facilities
Texas shipbuilders faced extremely high levels of asbestos exposure. Asbestos was used to insulate engine rooms, pipes, boilers, and gaskets aboard naval and commercial vessels.
Shipyards Linked to Asbestos Exposure:
- Bethlehem Shipbuilding (Beaumont)
- Gulfport Shipbuilding (Port Arthur)
- Todd Shipyards (Galveston and Houston)
🪨 5. Vermiculite Processing Facilities
The W.R. Grace & Co. / Texas Vermiculite site in Dallas imported asbestos-contaminated vermiculite until 1992. Workers and nearby residents were exposed to airborne asbestos fibers during processing and shipping.
📊 Asbestos-Related Deaths in Texas
Between 1999 and 2013, an estimated 2,454 Texans died from asbestos-related diseases such as mesothelioma, asbestosis, and lung cancer—making Texas one of the top five states nationwide for asbestos-related mortality.
👷♂️ High-Risk Jobs for Asbestos Exposure in Texas
Most mesothelioma diagnoses in Texas are linked to workplace exposure. Many major industries, especially those requiring heat-resistant equipment, used asbestos extensively to insulate machinery and protect workers.
⚠️ High-Risk Occupations in Texas Include:
- Oil & Chemical Refinery Workers
- Construction Workers
- Power Plant Technicians
- Shipyard Workers
- Metal & Foundry Workers
- Manufacturing & Assembly Line Employees
- Insulation Installers
- Auto Mechanics
- Pipefitters and Boilermakers
🎖️ Veterans at Increased Risk
Military veterans in Texas, especially those who served in the Navy, Air Force, or Marines, were exposed to asbestos through insulation, machinery, and protective gear. Many veterans also brought asbestos fibers home on their clothing, creating secondhand exposure risks for family members.
🏭 Major Texas Companies Linked to Asbestos Use
Dozens of companies operating in Texas heavily relied on asbestos-based materials for fire protection and insulation. These include:
- Texaco Oil, Gulf Oil, ExxonMobil
- Chevron Phillips Chemical, Texas Chemical, Lyondell Chemical
- Bethlehem Shipbuilding, Gulfport Shipbuilding, Todd Shipyards
- General Motors, DuPont, Dow Chemical
If you worked for one of these companies—or lived near one of their facilities—you may be eligible to file a mesothelioma lawsuit or claim compensation from asbestos trust funds.
🧑⚖️ Legal Support for Asbestos Exposure Victims in Texas
If you or a loved one has developed mesothelioma, asbestosis, or another asbestos-related illness, a Texas mesothelioma lawyer can help. You may be eligible for financial compensation to cover medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages.
📞 Get a Free Legal Case Review
- No upfront fees
- No cost unless we win
- Statewide representation
- Fast-tracked for mesothelioma cases