Astoria Powerhouse

History of Astoria Powerhouse

Located in the section of Queens, NY that is adjacent to the East River, the Astoria Powerhouse is the largest Powerhouse in the metropolitan area providing approximately 50 percent of the energy needs in Greater New York. Astoria Powerhouse's chief duties consist of distributing power, natural gas and steam to over 3 million people in New Yoirk City. The powerhouse contains different sections that utilize different methods for obtaining the necessary amount of heat and power needed. Astoria Powerhouse mainly uses natural gas, oil and kerosene in its energy production.

Astoria Powerhouse was owned and operated by Consolidated Edison from at least the mid-twentieth century until it was sold off in 1999. In 1999, the wholesale market of electricity in and around New York was deregulated, resulting in ConEd's sale of the facility. . Though still in the same location, the Astoria Powerhouse now has three different sections each run by a separate entity: NRG Energy, Reliant Resources and the New York Power Authority.

Astoria Powerhouse Workers and Asbestos Exposure

There was a great need for cheap and efficient insulation throughout the years due to the intense heat generated in the Powerhouse. Asbestos was the insulation material of choice at Astoria Powerhouse until the mid 1970s. Asbestos is now known to be extremely dangerous to those who worked in it vicinity. Asbestos usage put employees at risk for the serious health problems associated with breathing its dust and particles. Astoria Powerhouse contained miles of pipes necessary for steam production that were insulated with asbestos. The powerhouse also had boilers, pumps, heaters, condensers, turbine generators and other equipment that used asbestos products and insulation.

Even if a worker was not in direct contact with asbestos, they were at risk because it was present throughout the facility. As asbestos insulation was applied, maintained and repaired it often brought forth airborne dust particles that could have been inhaled by anyone. The excessive amount of building works, repairs, and maintenance that occurred in the Astoria Powerhouse put every employee at risk.

Mesothelioma in Astoria Powerhouse Workers

Anyone exposed to asbestos at Astoria Powerhouse is at risk to develop mesothelioma cancer. This terminal cancer is caused solely by the inhalation of asbestos particles in to the lungs. The most common form of mesothelioma is pleural mesothelioma which affects the lung lining. Other forms of the cancer include peritoneal mesothelioma which affects the stomach lining and pericardial mesothelioma which affects the heart lining. If you were diagnosed with mesothelioma and you worked at Astoria Powerhouse, you have legal rights.