Washington’s industrial economy relied heavily on asbestos throughout much of the 20th century. This durable, fire-resistant mineral was used in everything from ships and airplanes to power plants and schools.

Unfortunately, asbestos fibers are highly toxic when inhaled or ingested. Once inside the body, they can cause mesothelioma, lung cancer, and other life-threatening illnesses — often decades after exposure.

Key Washington Industries Linked to Asbestos

• Shipbuilding & Navy Facilities – Puget Sound Naval Shipyard in Bremerton and Todd Shipyards in Seattle used asbestos extensively for insulation, piping, and boiler rooms. Thousands of naval personnel and civilian workers were exposed.
• Aerospace Manufacturing – Boeing plants across Washington relied on asbestos-containing materials in brakes, adhesives, and insulation.
• Paper Mills & Pulp Plants – Companies like Weyerhaeuser and Georgia-Pacific used asbestos to line high-heat machinery. Workers often inhaled fibers during maintenance and repairs.
• Power Plants – Hydroelectric, nuclear, and fossil-fuel plants (such as Hanford Nuclear Site and Centralia Power Plant) used asbestos to insulate turbines, boilers, and wiring.
• Construction & Trades – Plumbers, electricians, carpenters, and roofers were regularly exposed to asbestos in homes, schools, and commercial buildings.
• Chemical Plants & Refineries – Facilities across Tacoma, Anacortes, and Seattle used asbestos to prevent fires during high-heat processes.