Arthur Kill Powerhouse and Use of Asbestos

Operations for the Arthur Kill Powerhouse plant in New York first began in 1948.

The powerhouse was built to supply electricity to Staten Island, which was largely unpopulated at that time.

Arthur Kill Powerhouse was purchased by Consolidated Edison in 1952.

As Staten Island's population grew and required more power, the Arthur Kill plant expanded to fill the growing energy needs of the communities there.

In 1959 and then in 1969, Arthur Kill received a supplemental unit to help satisfy energy production.

Asbestos exposure at the Arthur Kill Powerhouse

As will all powerhouse plants, Arthur Kill required use of industrial insulation due to the heat it generates and the resulting potential fire hazards.

Before the 1980s, the general public was unaware that the insulation material asbestos was dangerous to human health, and could cause cancer.

In fact, it was the primarly insulation material used by powerhouses, including Arthur Kill.

Asbestos was cheap, fire, heat, and electricity-proof. Thus, it was used in pipes, gaskets, cables, pumps, boils, and turbines, and anywhere insulation was necessary to operate a plant safely.

Asbestos was even used in protective gear and work overalls.

Many of the people who worked in powerhouse plants went on to develop the terminal cancer mesothelioma, as well as other cancers, and a very painful lung ailment called asbestosis.

These workers also exposed their families to the asbestos dust as it invariably stuck to their overalls and work clothing. This allowed unknowing workers to take the dangerous asbestos fibers home, putting their family members’ health at risk.

If you or a family member worked at one of the power plants, please complete the form below to get important legal information.