Washington and Oregon Asbestos Exposure Sites: Known Locations – Updated in 2026
Asbestos exposure on job sites poses serious health risks to individuals across Washington and Oregon. It is the only known cause of mesothelioma and increases the risk of lung cancer, asbestosis, and other life-threatening diseases. For over two decades, Oslund Udo Little has represented families harmed by workplace asbestos exposure, helping them hold corporations accountable and pursue meaningful compensation throughout the Pacific Northwest.
Brendan Little, Partner, Oslund Udo Little Last Updated: March 3, 2026
For much of the 20th century, employers in shipbuilding, refining, power generation, and manufacturing used asbestos in insulation, equipment, and building materials. Many workers handled these products without being warned of the long-term risks. Years later, those exposures have led to devastating diagnoses that impact entire families.
Oslund Udo Little focuses exclusively on asbestos litigation in the Pacific Northwest. Our firm has recovered over one billion dollars in verdicts and settlements and has secured landmark results in Washington and Oregon courts. As a small trial-focused firm, our attorneys take the time to understand where you worked, how exposure occurred, and how your diagnosis has affected your family.
What Is Asbestos Exposure and How Does It Affect Workers?
High-Risk Occupations for Asbestos Exposure and Mesothelioma
High-Risk Job Sites for Asbestos Exposure: Updated for 2026
What To Do if You’ve Been Exposed to Asbestos at Work
Legal Rights for Workers Exposed to Asbestos In the Pacific Northwest
Why Choose Oslund Udo Little for Your Workplace Asbestos Exposure Claim
Get Help Now: Contact The Premier Mesothelioma Lawyers In The Pacific Northwest
- Asbestos is a mineral compound widely used by numerous industries throughout most of the 20th century, exposing countless workers.
- Asbestos exposure on job sites can cause workers to develop mesothelioma and other health conditions, often years after initial exposure.
- Workers in construction, shipbuilding, power generation, and other heavy industries are at exceptionally high risk.
- If you have mesothelioma or another asbestos-related condition, you may qualify for compensation.
What Is Asbestos Exposure and How Does It Affect Workers?
Asbestos is a naturally occurring, highly durable, and heat-resistant mineral fiber. Asbestos exposure occurs when microscopic asbestos fibers become airborne and are inhaled or swallowed, often during work at industrial sites such as Puget Sound Naval Shipyard, Hanford Site, ALCOA Aluminum Smelter, Centralia Power Plant, Bremerton Navy Yard, and Trojan Nuclear Power Plant. These facilities used asbestos in insulation, turbines, piping, and construction materials for decades.
Once inhaled, the fibers can lodge in the lining of the lungs or abdomen, causing inflammation and scarring over time. This damage may lead to mesothelioma, lung cancer, or other serious illnesses years after exposure. In many cases, workers also carried fibers home on clothing, leading to secondary exposure for family members.
How Are Workers Exposed to Asbestos on the Job?
Workers are exposed to asbestos on the job when asbestos-containing materials are cut, repaired, removed, or disturbed, releasing microscopic fibers into the air. At industrial job sites, employees handled insulation, boilers, pipes, gaskets, cement products, and machinery that contained asbestos.
Exposure often occurred during routine maintenance, demolition, equipment repair, or renovation of older buildings. When these materials were sawed, drilled, sanded, or stripped, fibers became airborne and were easily inhaled. Once inside the body, the fibers can lodge in the mesothelium, the thin membrane that lines the lungs and abdomen. Over time, this irritation can lead to inflammation, scarring, and, in some cases, the development of mesothelioma or other serious diseases.
High-Risk Occupations for Asbestos Exposure and Mesothelioma
Prolonged contact with asbestos-containing materials increases your risk of developing mesothelioma and other asbestos-related diseases. Many workers in Washington and Oregon faced repeated exposure in trades that required direct contact with insulation, piping, machinery, and older building materials.
High-risk occupations include the following:
- Electricians: Due to its fire-resistant properties, asbestos was a common component in electrical wiring and systems until the 1990s. Electricians who work on older buildings may still encounter asbestos on job sites.
- Pipefitters: Because of its insulating properties, asbestos was a key component in gaskets, pipe joint compounds, cement adhesives, and valve rings. Pipefitters and plumbers may also have suffered exposure when cutting through asbestos-containing roofing or siding sheets, which often protect building pipes.
- HVAC workers: Asbestos is common in older heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems. HVAC professionals working in schools, hospitals, commercial properties, and residential homes built before the 1980s are at risk of exposure.
- Metal workers: The metal production industry used asbestos as an insulator until the 1980s, exposing many foundry and smelter professionals. There was even asbestos in personal protective equipment, such as gloves, jackets, and aprons.
- Insulators: Because asbestos was widely used for thermal protection, insulators regularly handled asbestos-containing materials during the installation or repair of insulation in industrial facilities, shipyards, and power plants.
- Boilermakers: Boilermakers, bricklayers, plumbers, and other trades working on or around boilers were often exposed to asbestos from insulation, refractory, and gaskets.
- Firefighters: Many older buildings contained asbestos in ceilings, flooring, insulation, and fireproofing materials. When structures burned or collapsed, firefighters might have inhaled airborne asbestos fibers released during the fire and overhaul process.
- Auto Mechanics: Asbestos was commonly used in brake pads, clutches, and other friction products. Mechanics who sanded, ground, or replaced these components could release asbestos dust into enclosed shop environments.
- Teachers: Schools built before the 1980s often contained asbestos in floor tiles, ceiling panels, pipe insulation, and wall materials. Teachers working in aging buildings may be exposed when these materials deteriorate or are disturbed during maintenance or renovation. Laboratory equipment often contained asbestos.
These are among the highest-risk occupations for asbestos exposure, but they are not the only ones. If your work led to an asbestos-related illness, you need more than a general personal injury lawyer. Oslund Udo Little focuses on asbestos cases in Washington and Oregon and builds claims designed to hold corporations accountable while supporting your family every step of the way.
High-Risk Industrial Job Sites for Asbestos Exposure
Washington and Oregon built their economies around large-scale industrial operations. Shipyards along Puget Sound, refineries near the Columbia River, power plants in Centralia and Rainier, and paper mills throughout the region operated for decades while asbestos was widely incorporated into equipment and infrastructure. Workers in these high-risk industries often spent entire careers inside facilities where asbestos products were standard.
High-risk industries include the following:
- Construction: Asbestos was a common component of many types of building materials for years. Today, asbestos exposure on job sites remains a risk for those working on older buildings, especially demolition professionals.
- Shipbuilding: As an effective insulator, asbestos was common in shipbuilding materials for many years. Large-scale sites such as the Puget Sound Naval Shipyard pose an exceptionally high risk, especially for those who have worked with or near heating and insulation systems.
- Power plants: The Centralia Power Plant in Lewis County, Washington, used asbestos thermal insulation to prevent fires. Workers at this and similar plants may have ingested or inhaled asbestos while operating or maintaining machinery.
- Oil refineries: These facilities used asbestos extensively to prevent combustion and protect workers from the extreme heat of the refining process. Cleaning or repairing asbestos-containing parts would release particles into the air, exposing nearby workers.
- Paper mills: Mills used asbestos insulation in boilers, drying systems, and other high-heat processing equipment. Workers who operated or maintained this machinery could inhale airborne fibers when insulation broke down or was disturbed during repairs.
Although asbestos use reached far beyond these industries, exposure often traces back to specific job sites and products. Oslund Udo Little brings decades of Pacific Northwest asbestos litigation experience to uncover where exposure happened and who should be held responsible.
High-Risk Job Sites for Asbestos Exposure: Updated for 2026
Across Washington and Oregon, certain job sites appear repeatedly in asbestos litigation because asbestos products were routinely used, repaired, or removed at those locations. Over time, patterns emerge. Specific facilities recur repeatedly in medical records, employment histories, and courtroom testimony.
The sites listed below reflect locations where asbestos exposure has been identified through worker reports, historical records, and prior cases. They do not represent every exposure site in the Pacific Northwest, but they highlight workplaces with documented histories of asbestos use. If you worked at one of these facilities, your employment history may play a critical role in an asbestos claim.
Known Asbestos Exposure Job Sites in Washington State
- Puget Sound Naval Shipyard, Bremerton: The shipyard widely used asbestos in shipbuilding during the 20th century for its insulating and fireproofing properties. Workers had heightened exposure, increasing their risk of asbestos-related illnesses.
- Todd Shipyards, Seattle: This shipyard utilized asbestos for its heat-resistant qualities in marine equipment, building materials, and more. Several former employees have sought compensation for mesothelioma.
- Centralia Power Plant: Asbestos was used for thermal insulation. While removal efforts occurred between 1985 and 2000, exposure risk remained, especially for workers pre-1985.
- Hanford Site: Established in 1943 for nuclear weapon production, the Hanford Nuclear Site used asbestos-containing items extensively. Decades later, asbestos was found in various locations, exposing many workers.
- Skagit Oil Refineries: Brought jobs to Skagit County in the 1950s and exposed workers to asbestos in refinery parts, equipment, and building materials.
- Cowlitz County Paper Mills: Relied on asbestos in machinery for fireproofing and durability up to the 1980s.
- Crown Zellerbach Paper Mill, Camas: Used asbestos extensively in equipment and insulation, exposing workers to the carcinogen.
- Regis Pulp & Paper Mill: The mill incorporated asbestos into its paper production processes due to its fire-retardant properties. Workers who maintained the asbestos-insulated systems were regularly exposed to asbestos.
- ALCOA Aluminum Smelter, Wenatchee: This was a significant asbestos job site in the early 20th century. It used asbestos in building materials, machinery, and protective clothing. Despite knowledge of its dangers, its use persisted for decades.
- Weyerhaeuser Paper Mill, Longview: Like other mills, it used asbestos for insulation during pulping and boiling processes. Workers often interacted directly with asbestos, and the mill’s construction materials were often asbestos-containing.
- Grays Harbor and Olympic Peninsula Paper Mills: Multiple pulp and paper mills operate on Olympic Peninsula and around Grays Harbor. These facilities often utilized steam power, along with industrial boilers, turbines, and insulated piping that exposed workers to asbestosis.
Known Asbestos Exposure Job Sites in Oregon State
- Swan Island Shipyard, Portland: A significant West Coast shipbuilding center, this shipyard extensively used asbestos during WWII, exposing many workers.
- Zidell Marine Corporation, Portland: This shipbuilding and dismantling facility handled ships containing asbestos components, putting workers at risk.
- Willamette Industries: This paper and forest products manufacturer used asbestos in machinery, risking worker exposure.
- Boise Cascade Paper Mill: This paper and wood products manufacturer contained machinery with asbestos components, and maintenance on that equipment posed asbestos exposure risks.
- Georgia-Pacific Paper Mill: A leading paper company, it used asbestos in equipment, posing risks during repairs.
- Portland General Electric: An electric utility company where asbestos insulation in facilities exposed workers.
- Trojan Nuclear Power Plant, Rainier: Oregon’s only commercial nuclear plant with asbestos use, particularly around maintenance tasks.
- BP Refinery in Portland (formerly ARCO): Oil refinery where asbestos materials heightened exposure risks for workers near equipment.
- Rhone-Poulenc Chemicals, Portland: This chemical plant used asbestos extensively, putting production and maintenance workers at risk.
- Oregon Steel Mills, Portland: This steel facility contained asbestos insulation, exposing those working near high-temperature operations.
- Umatilla Army Depot: This military site used asbestos in construction and vehicles, posing risks to military and civilian personnel.
- Union Pacific Railroad: This railroad company exposed workers to asbestos in trains, especially in repair and maintenance.
- Southern Pacific Railroad: Another major railroad, it used asbestos in train components, risking worker exposure.
Workers Most at Risk for Asbestos Exposure
Prolonged contact with asbestos-containing materials increases the likelihood of developing a related illness. High-risk occupations for asbestos exposure include:
- Electricians: Due to its fire-resistant properties, asbestos was a common component in electrical wiring and systems until the 1990s. Electricians who work on older buildings may still encounter asbestos on job sites.
- Pipefitters: Because of its insulating properties, asbestos was a key component in gaskets, pipe joint compounds, cement adhesives, and valve rings. Pipefitters and plumbers may also have suffered exposure when cutting through asbestos-containing roofing or siding sheets, which often protect building pipes.
- HVAC workers: Asbestos is common in older heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems. HVAC professionals working in schools, hospitals, commercial properties, and residential homes built before the 1980s are at risk of exposure.
- Metal workers: The metal production industry used asbestos as an insulator until the 1980s, exposing many foundry and smelter professionals. There was even asbestos in personal protective equipment, such as gloves, jackets, and aprons.
These are some of the highest-risk occupations for asbestos exposure, but it is not a complete list. If you believe your work has led to an asbestos-related illness, speak to an attorney as soon as possible.
How Veterans Can Qualify for VA Benefits After Asbestos Exposure
Military asbestos exposure was common among sailors, mechanics, shipyard workers, and other service members who worked around insulation, boilers, pipes, and engine rooms. Many veterans with mesothelioma were exposed decades ago while serving their country and had no warning about the long-term health risks.
If your diagnosis is connected to your time in service, you may be eligible for VA disability benefits. These benefits can provide monthly compensation and access to treatment through the Department of Veterans Affairs. Filing for VA benefits typically requires proof of service duties, medical documentation of your condition, and a medical opinion linking your illness to asbestos exposure during active duty.
What To Do if You've Been Exposed to Asbestos at Work
If you know you have been exposed to asbestos, document it thoroughly as soon as possible. Record when and where the exposure occurred and what safety protocols were in place, if any. Report the exposure to OSHA and the appropriate state agency.
Seek medical attention if you have any symptoms. Even if you don’t have a cough, shortness of breath, or other respiratory symptoms, see a doctor, as asbestos-related diseases can affect other body systems. Asbestos-related diseases also have very long latency periods, so symptoms can take decades to surface.
After you have documented the exposure and sought medical care, the next step is choosing the right legal team. Asbestos cases are complex and often involve decades-old records, multiple job sites, and large corporate defendants.
Oslund Udo Little has been fighting for clients and their families for decades and brings the experience and local knowledge needed to overcome these complexities. Each client works closely with a dedicated team that takes the time to understand how mesothelioma has affected their life and family. Recognized by Super Lawyers and The National Trial Lawyers, our attorneys combine courtroom strength with patience and compassion for families facing a difficult diagnosis.
Oslund Udo Little Has Recovered Millions for Those Exposed to Asbestos on the Job
At Oslund Udo Little, our experienced mesothelioma attorneys have negotiated multiple six- and seven-figure settlements and verdicts in asbestos lawsuits.
In 2022, we secured a $30 million verdict for the family of a worker who died from mesothelioma decades after his exposure in the 1970s. Also, in a landmark secondhand exposure case, we won a $1.1 million jury verdict for an 89-year-old Washington woman who developed mesothelioma from asbestos on her husband’s work clothing.
How Long Do I Have to File an Asbestos Exposure Claim in 2026?
You must file your claim within the period set by your state’s statute of limitations. In Washington, most asbestos-related injury claims must be filed within three years. In Oregon, personal injury claims are generally subject to a two-year deadline. The deadlines for claims from asbestos exposures in other states can be even shorter.
For mesothelioma and most asbestos-related diseases, the filing period usually begins at diagnosis rather than at the time of exposure. Because these deadlines can determine whether your case moves forward, it is important to speak with an attorney promptly to protect your right to pursue compensation.
Protecting Workers from Asbestos: Safety Standards and Employer Obligations
Although asbestos use has been largely phased out, exposure remains a risk in demolition, renovation, shipyard, and industrial work. Workers should use proper protective equipment and avoid disturbing suspected asbestos materials without appropriate safeguards in place.
Federal OSHA regulations require employers to identify and assess asbestos-containing materials before work begins. Employers must monitor air levels, establish regulated areas when asbestos is present, and implement engineering controls to reduce fiber release. The permissible exposure limit is 0.1 fibers per cubic centimeter of air over an eight-hour workday.
When exposure risks exist, employers must provide respiratory protection, protective clothing, medical surveillance, and initial and annual training. Employers must also maintain exposure records and follow strict handling and disposal procedures.
Legal Rights for Workers Exposed to Asbestos In the Pacific Northwest
If you developed mesothelioma or another asbestos-related disease, you have legal rights under Washington and Oregon law. Exposure often occurred after corporations knew about the dangers of asbestos. Yet, they failed to warn workers, refused to use safer materials, and continued using the toxic mineral. You have the right to pursue compensation and hold those companies accountable.
Your legal options may include:
- Mesothelioma Lawsuit: You may file a claim against manufacturers or suppliers who exposed you to asbestos products.
- Wrongful Death Claim: Surviving family members may pursue compensation if a loved one passed away from an asbestos-related illness.
- Asbestos Trust Fund Claim: You may qualify for payment from trust funds established by bankrupt asbestos companies.
- VA Benefits: Veterans with mesothelioma linked to military asbestos exposure may seek VA benefits in addition to civil claims.
Why Choose Oslund Udo Little for Your Workplace Asbestos Exposure Claim
Oslund Udo Little focuses exclusively on asbestos litigation in Washington and Oregon, representing clients and families throughout the Pacific Northwest. As a small firm with a narrow focus, you receive direct access to experienced trial attorneys who understand regional job sites, court systems, and the challenges these cases present, resulting in some of the highest verdicts and settlements in the region.
Just as important, the team takes time to understand how your diagnosis has affected your family. Oslund Udo Little helps families with asbestos claims through education, advocacy, and litigation, building personalized strategies designed to hold corporations accountable while serving you with patience and respect.
Oslund Udo Little Has Recovered Millions for Those Exposed to Asbestos on the Job
At Oslund Udo Little, our experienced mesothelioma attorneys have negotiated multiple six- and seven-figure settlements and verdicts in asbestos lawsuits, such as the following:
- $30 million jury verdict: A worker died from mesothelioma after years of handling asbestos without proper warning. Oslund Udo Little filed a wrongful death lawsuit against the former employer for failing to notify employees that they were working with asbestos fibers.
- $13.5 million jury verdict: For the family of a worker at a Washington paper mill who was exposed to asbestos as a laborer and electrician and passed away from mesothelioma.
- $5.75 million jury verdict: A brake mechanic developed mesothelioma after repeated exposure to asbestos-containing brake products. Oslund Udo Little brought a lawsuit against the Volkswagen Group of America for manufacturing and distributing asbestos-containing brakes.
- $1.1 million jury verdict: An 89-year-old Washington woman developed mesothelioma after her husband unknowingly brought asbestos fibers home on his work clothing. Oslund Udo Little filed a lawsuit against the responsible tile manufacturing company for causing take-home exposure.
How To Protect Yourself From Asbestos at Work
Although the risk of occupational asbestos exposure is now lower than it was, it is still a concern for demolition workers, those working in older buildings, and those handling older materials.
OSHA has implemented safety regulations for employers, and understanding these can help you protect yourself. Wear PPE when working in areas with known quantities of asbestos, and do not eat or drink near these areas.
Follow these guidelines even if the concentration is below the permissible exposure limit or PEL. There is no risk-free level of asbestos exposure.
Employer Responsibilities for Asbestos Safety
Asbestos regulations for employers exist if there is a chance that exposure levels exceed the PEL, which is 0.1 fibers per cubic centimeter of air in an eight-hour workday. Employers must monitor potential risk areas and minimize concentrations as much as possible, using respiratory protection as a supplement when the risk cannot be below PEL.
If a workplace exposes any employee above the PEL, employees must provide asbestos training before work and annually thereafter.
Get Help Now: Contact The Premier Mesothelioma Lawyers In The Pacific Northwest
Filing a claim or an asbestos exposure lawsuit can be challenging, but the experienced and knowledgeable asbestos attorneys at Oslund Udo Little are here to help. We leverage years of experience representing asbestos exposure victims in the Pacific Northwest and have achieved transformative results for many patients and their families.
Contact us online or call 206-957-9510 in Washington and 503-447-6230 in Oregon to speak with an attorney today.
Asbestos Exposure Frequently Asked Questions
Can I File a Claim For Asbestos Exposure at Work?
If you were diagnosed with mesothelioma or another asbestos-related disease, you may be able to file a personal injury claim against the companies responsible for your exposure. Many workers qualify even if the exposure happened decades ago.
How Long Does an Asbestos Trust Fund Claim Take in Washington or Oregon?
The timeline varies depending on the trust and the documentation required. Some claims may resolve in several months, while more complex claims can take longer if additional records are needed.
What Are The Health Risks Posed by Asbestos Exposure?
Asbestos exposure can cause mesothelioma, lung cancer, asbestosis, and other serious diseases. These conditions often develop years or even decades after exposure.
What Is The Statute of Limitations for Mesothelioma in Washington in 2026?
In Washington, most mesothelioma claims must be filed within three years of diagnosis.
What Is The Statute of Limitations for Mesothelioma in Oregon in 2026?
In Oregon, mesothelioma personal injury claims are generally subject to a two-year filing deadline. Exposures that occurred in other states may be subject to even shorter deadlines.
What if My Loved One Died Before I Could File a Claim?
You may be eligible to pursue a wrongful death claim over your loved one’s death. Speaking with an attorney promptly can help you understand your rights and next steps.
Resources for Asbestos-Exposed Workers
Under OSHA rules, asbestos exposure is monitored in the workplace to ensure employee safety. Frequency and techniques depend on the industry.
If you have been exposed to asbestos, resources are available. Here are a few to get you started:
- Medical information:
- American Cancer Society
- M.D. Anderson Cancer Center
- American Lung Association
- Financial resources:
- Legal assistance:
- Medical information:
VA Benefits for Veterans Exposed to Asbestos
If your exposure happened during active-duty military service, you may qualify for benefits through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.
To file a claim, you’ll need service records documenting your work and medical records stating your condition. Your doctor must also confirm a link between your condition and service-related exposure.
