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Power Plants

Paradise Fossil Plant

Paradise Fossil Plant

Paradise Fossil Plant Paradise Fossil Plant is a coal-fired power station located near Drakesboro in Muhlenberg County, Kentucky. Operated by the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA), the plant was immortalized in John Prine's 1971 song "Paradise."

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
Drakesboro, KY
Industry
Coal-Fired Electric Power Generation
Exposure Era
1960s–1980s
Primary Asbestos Products
Boiler insulation, Pipe insulation, Turbine insulation, Gaskets, Refractory materials, Cement products
Job Categories at Risk
Boiler operators, Maintenance workers, Pipe fitters, Insulators, Electricians, Millwrights

History & Asbestos Use

Paradise Fossil Plant's three units were constructed between 1963 and 1970 by the Tennessee Valley Authority. The massive facility was one of TVA's largest coal-fired plants and was built during the peak era of asbestos use in industrial construction. Asbestos-containing insulation and materials were installed throughout all three generating units. The plant's Unit 3 was one of the largest coal-fired boilers in the world at the time of its construction. Units 1 and 2 were retired in 2017 and demolished in 2020.

Exposure Details

Workers at Paradise Fossil Plant encountered asbestos in boiler insulation, pipe lagging, turbine wrapping, gaskets, refractory materials, and cement products. TVA employed large maintenance crews who regularly worked inside the massive boiler units during scheduled outages, where asbestos-containing insulation was removed and replaced. The scale of the plant's boilers—particularly the enormous Unit 3—meant that maintenance operations involved extensive contact with asbestos materials in confined, hot environments.

Workers at Risk

The following job categories at Paradise Fossil Plant had the highest risk of asbestos exposure:

  • Boiler operators
  • Maintenance workers
  • Pipe fitters
  • Insulators
  • Electricians
  • Millwrights

Health Effects

Former Paradise Fossil Plant workers have been diagnosed with mesothelioma, asbestosis, and asbestos-related lung cancer. Kentucky's coal-dependent energy workforce, including TVA employees and contractors who served at Paradise, has been significantly affected by asbestos-related diseases. Workers from the 1960s and 1970s construction and early operational periods face the greatest risk.

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 Paradise Fossil Plant 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.

4 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 Paradise Fossil Plant?

Workers who were employed at Paradise Fossil Plant 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 Paradise Fossil Plant may be eligible to file claims with the following trust funds:

Frequently Asked Questions

Was asbestos used at Paradise Fossil Plant?

Yes. All three units at Paradise were built between 1963 and 1970 using extensive asbestos-containing materials, including boiler insulation, pipe insulation, turbine wrapping, gaskets, and refractory materials.

What workers at Paradise were most at risk for asbestos exposure?

Boiler operators, pipe fitters, insulators, and maintenance workers faced the highest exposure, especially those who worked inside the massive boiler units during outage maintenance when asbestos insulation was removed and replaced.

Can former Paradise Fossil Plant workers file asbestos claims?

Yes. TVA employees and contractors who worked at Paradise and have been diagnosed with mesothelioma or other asbestos-related diseases may be eligible for compensation through asbestos trust funds and legal claims against asbestos product manufacturers.

Get a Free Case Evaluation

If you or a loved one worked at Paradise Fossil Plant 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:

  • EPA records — accessed 2026-03-09
  • OSHA compliance records — accessed 2026-03-09
  • TVA historical records — accessed 2026-03-09
  • Kentucky DEP records — accessed 2026-03-09
← All Exposure Sites in Kentucky ← All Exposure Sites
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