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Power Plants

San Onofre Nuclear Generating Station

San Onofre Nuclear Generating Station

San Onofre Nuclear Generating Station San Onofre Nuclear Generating Station (SONGS) was a nuclear power plant located on the Pacific coast between San Diego and Los Angeles in San Clemente, California. The facility consisted of three pressurized water reactor units operated by Southern California Edison.

Last verified: 2026-03-09
Written by Paul Danziger, J.D. & Rod De Llano, J.D.
•
Legally reviewed by Michelle Whitman, Mesothelioma Litigation Specialist
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30+ years of mesothelioma litigation experience
Location
San Clemente, CA
Industry
Nuclear Electric Power Generation
Exposure Era
1960s–1980s
Primary Asbestos Products
Pipe insulation, Reactor containment insulation, Gaskets, Turbine insulation, Fireproofing materials, Valve packing
Job Categories at Risk
Nuclear plant operators, Maintenance workers, Pipe fitters, Insulators, Electricians, Health physics technicians

History & Asbestos Use

San Onofre Unit 1 began commercial operation in 1968, while Units 2 and 3 came online in 1983 and 1984. The plant was built on a scenic stretch of coastline at Camp Pendleton Marine Corps Base. Asbestos-containing materials were used extensively during the construction of all three units, particularly the original Unit 1 built in the 1960s. The plant was permanently shut down in 2013 after problems with replacement steam generators in Units 2 and 3. Decommissioning is ongoing.

Exposure Details

Workers at San Onofre were exposed to asbestos through pipe insulation, reactor containment insulation, turbine wrapping, gaskets, fireproofing materials, and valve packing. Unit 1, built in the 1960s, contained the heaviest concentrations of asbestos-containing materials. During refueling outages, hundreds of contract workers joined the permanent staff in areas where asbestos was routinely disturbed. The ongoing decommissioning process continues to involve potential asbestos exposure as structures are demolished.

Workers at Risk

The following job categories at San Onofre Nuclear Generating Station had the highest risk of asbestos exposure:

  • Nuclear plant operators
  • Maintenance workers
  • Pipe fitters
  • Insulators
  • Electricians
  • Health physics technicians

Health Effects

Former San Onofre workers have been diagnosed with mesothelioma, asbestosis, and lung cancer linked to workplace asbestos exposure. Both permanent Southern California Edison employees and contract workers who participated in outage maintenance are among those affected. California's large nuclear and industrial workforce has produced substantial numbers of asbestos-related disease cases, and San Onofre is one of the most significant exposure sites in Southern California.

Health information is based on established medical research on asbestos exposure. Asbestos is classified as a known human carcinogen by the National Cancer Institute, the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry, and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Consult a physician for medical advice specific to your situation.

Compensation May Be Available

Workers exposed to asbestos at San Onofre Nuclear Generating Station may be entitled to compensation through asbestos trust funds, personal injury lawsuits, or veterans benefits. Mesothelioma patients and their families have recovered billions in compensation from companies that manufactured or used asbestos products.

3 asbestos trust funds have been identified as potentially related to exposure at this site. Many mesothelioma patients qualify to file claims with multiple trusts simultaneously.

Find Out If You Qualify

Were You Exposed to Asbestos at San Onofre Nuclear Generating Station?

Workers who were employed at San Onofre Nuclear Generating Station between 1960s–1980s may have been exposed to asbestos-containing materials. If you've been diagnosed with mesothelioma, lung cancer, or asbestosis, you may have legal options including trust fund claims and lawsuits.

Speak with an Attorney — Free Request a Free Case Evaluation

Related Asbestos Trust Funds

Workers exposed to asbestos at San Onofre Nuclear Generating Station may be eligible to file claims with the following trust funds:

Treatment Centers in California

If you were exposed to asbestos at San Onofre Nuclear Generating Station and have been diagnosed with mesothelioma, these specialized treatment centers in California may be able to help.

UCSF Medical Center

UCSF Medical Center

San Francisco, CA

Comprehensive Cancer Center
View Full Profile
UCLA Medical Center

UCLA Medical Center

Los Angeles, CA

Comprehensive Cancer Center
View Full Profile
Stanford Medicine (Stanford Cancer Institute)

Stanford Medicine (Stanford Cancer Institute)

Stanford, CA

Comprehensive Cancer Center
View Full Profile

Browse all treatment centers →

Frequently Asked Questions

Was asbestos used at San Onofre Nuclear Generating Station?

Yes. All three units at San Onofre were built with asbestos-containing materials, including pipe insulation, reactor containment insulation, turbine wrapping, gaskets, and fireproofing. Unit 1, built in the 1960s, had the most extensive asbestos use.

Who was most at risk for asbestos exposure at San Onofre?

Pipe fitters, insulators, maintenance workers, and contract laborers who worked during refueling outages faced the highest exposure levels, particularly in confined spaces within the reactor containment buildings and turbine halls.

Can former San Onofre workers file asbestos claims?

Yes. Former workers diagnosed with mesothelioma or other asbestos-related diseases after working at San Onofre may pursue compensation through asbestos trust funds and legal claims against manufacturers of asbestos products used at the facility, even though the plant has been permanently closed.

Get a Free Case Evaluation

If you or a loved one worked at San Onofre Nuclear Generating Station and have been diagnosed with mesothelioma, lung cancer, or asbestosis, our attorneys can help you explore your legal options. There is no cost, no pressure, and no obligation.

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Sources:

  • NRC inspection records — accessed 2026-03-09
  • EPA records — accessed 2026-03-09
  • Southern California Edison historical records — accessed 2026-03-09
  • OSHA compliance records — accessed 2026-03-09
← All Exposure Sites in California ← All Exposure Sites
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