Contributing Factors
Asbestos mining in Mount Belvidere began in 1899 and continued for nearly a century, exposing workers to hazardous asbestos fibers. In addition, many older buildings across Vermont—including hospitals, schools, power plants, and manufacturing facilities—were constructed using asbestos-containing materials.
The Vermont Yankee Power Plant in Vernon also contributed to asbestos exposure among employees. Other high-risk occupations include auto repair workers and employees at textile and paper mills. Several elementary, middle, and high schools in the state have been found to contain asbestos in their construction materials.
Beyond mesothelioma, asbestos exposure is also associated with an increased risk of lung cancer, particularly among individuals who smoke.
High-Risk Occupations in Vermont
Asbestos was widely used in Vermont's power plants, hospitals, schools, and manufacturing sites, resulting in serious health risks for workers in these environments.
Power Plant Workers
Power plant workers faced significant asbestos exposure due to its use in boilers, generators, and heat-intensive equipment. Construction and maintenance crews were also exposed while installing or repairing asbestos-containing materials. Companies such as Vermont Electric Power Company Inc., Montpelier, and Barre Light and Power Company are known sources of exposure.
Construction and Maintenance Workers
Construction workers, custodians, and maintenance staff who built or renovated schools were often exposed to asbestos in insulation, ceiling tiles, and other materials. As these materials deteriorate over time, asbestos fibers are more likely to become airborne during repairs or renovations.
Industrial Workers
Industrial workers in manufacturing facilities, mills, and refineries regularly encountered asbestos in machinery, equipment, and building materials, particularly during routine maintenance and repair work.
Electricians
Electricians were frequently exposed to asbestos while installing or repairing electrical systems. Asbestos was commonly used to insulate wiring, panels, and electrical components in older buildings and power stations.
Insulation Workers
Insulation workers faced some of the highest exposure risks because asbestos was widely used in pipe insulation, ductwork, boiler coverings, and other heat-resistant materials. Many handled these products directly, often without adequate protective measures in earlier decades.
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Cities in Vermont with Asbestos
There are 61 cities in Vermont that are covered by Asbestos Trust Funds
Notable Asbestos Lawsuit in Vermont
While mesothelioma verdicts in Vermont may not always attract widespread attention, many affected individuals have received substantial compensation through private settlements, some reaching into the millions.
Vermont Secures $3.1 Million Settlement in Johnson & Johnson Asbestos Lawsuit
In 2023, Vermont Attorney General Charity Clark announced a $3.1 million settlement from Johnson & Johnson related to talc-based baby and body powder products that contained asbestos. This settlement was part of a nationwide resolution involving multiple states and followed a four-year investigation.
As part of the settlement, Johnson & Johnson is required to permanently stop manufacturing, marketing, and distributing its talc-based products in the United States. The lawsuit addressed deceptive marketing practices that misled consumers about the safety of asbestos-contaminated products.
