Crystal River Nuclear Power Plant

History & Asbestos Use

Crystal River Unit 3 began commercial operation in 1977 and was part of a larger energy complex that included coal-fired units dating back to 1966. Asbestos-containing materials were used extensively during the construction of all five units, particularly in pipe insulation, gaskets, and fireproofing throughout the nuclear and coal-fired facilities. The nuclear unit was permanently shut down in 2013 after a containment building delamination incident, but decades of asbestos exposure had already affected the workforce.

Exposure Details

Workers at Crystal River were exposed to asbestos through pipe insulation, gaskets, valve packing, and fireproofing materials used throughout the nuclear and coal-fired generating units. During refueling outages and maintenance periods, hundreds of contract workers joined plant staff in areas where asbestos removal and replacement were routine. The confined spaces within the containment building and turbine halls concentrated airborne asbestos fibers, significantly increasing exposure risk.

Workers at Risk

The following job categories at Crystal River Nuclear Power Plant had the highest risk of asbestos exposure:

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

Health Effects

Workers at Crystal River Nuclear Power Plant have developed mesothelioma, asbestosis, and lung cancer linked to occupational asbestos exposure. Both permanent plant employees and contract workers who participated in outage maintenance are among those diagnosed. The long latency period of asbestos-related diseases means that former workers from the 1970s and 1980s continue to receive new diagnoses decades later.

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.

Related Asbestos Trust Funds

Workers exposed to asbestos at Crystal River Nuclear Power Plant may be eligible to file claims with the following trust funds:

• Manville Personal Injury Settlement Trust
• Owens Corning/Fibreboard Trust
• Combustion Engineering Asbestos Trust

Treatment Centers in Florida

If you were exposed to asbestos at Crystal River Nuclear Power Plant and have been diagnosed with mesothelioma, these specialized treatment centers in Florida may be able to help.

Moffitt Cancer Center

Tampa, FL

Comprehensive Cancer Center

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Mayo Clinic (Florida)

Jacksonville, FL

Comprehensive Cancer Center

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Frequently Asked Questions

Sources:

• NRC inspection records — accessed 2026-03-09
• EPA records — accessed 2026-03-09
• Duke Energy historical records — accessed 2026-03-09
• OSHA compliance records — accessed 2026-03-09