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Power Plants

Ravenswood Generating Station

Ravenswood Generating Station

Ravenswood Generating Station Ravenswood Generating Station is a major power plant located on the East River waterfront in Long Island City, Queens, New York. The facility provides critical electricity to New York City and is one of the largest in-city generating stations in the United States.

Last verified: 2026-03-09
Written by Paul Danziger, J.D. & Rod De Llano, J.D.
•
Legally reviewed by Michelle Whitman, Mesothelioma Litigation Specialist
•
30+ years of mesothelioma litigation experience
Location
Long Island City, NY
Industry
Fossil Fuel Electric Power Generation
Exposure Era
1960s–1980s
Primary Asbestos Products
Boiler insulation, Pipe insulation, Turbine insulation, Gaskets, Fireproofing materials, Valve packing
Job Categories at Risk
Boiler operators, Maintenance workers, Pipe fitters, Insulators, Electricians, Turbine operators

History & Asbestos Use

Ravenswood Generating Station was built by Consolidated Edison between 1963 and 1965, with three large steam generating units burning oil and natural gas. A fourth unit, known as "Big Allis," was one of the largest steam turbines in the world when installed. The plant was constructed with extensive asbestos-containing materials throughout its boilers, turbines, and piping systems. The facility has been owned by various operators including KeySpan and currently by Rise Light & Power.

Exposure Details

Workers at Ravenswood were exposed to asbestos in boiler insulation, pipe lagging, turbine wrapping including the massive "Big Allis" unit, gaskets, fireproofing, and valve packing. The dense urban location meant the plant operated continuously with minimal downtime, and maintenance was often performed while adjacent units remained in service. Workers in the confined boiler rooms and turbine halls encountered high concentrations of airborne asbestos fibers during repair and insulation replacement work.

Workers at Risk

The following job categories at Ravenswood Generating Station had the highest risk of asbestos exposure:

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

Health Effects

Former Ravenswood workers have been diagnosed with mesothelioma, asbestosis, and lung cancer. New York City has documented significant numbers of asbestos-related disease cases from power plants, building construction, and shipyards. Consolidated Edison workers across the city's generating stations have been among those most affected, and Ravenswood's large workforce makes it one of the most significant exposure sites in the metropolitan area.

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 Ravenswood 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.

2 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 Ravenswood Generating Station?

Workers who were employed at Ravenswood 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 Ravenswood Generating Station may be eligible to file claims with the following trust funds:

Treatment Centers in New York

If you were exposed to asbestos at Ravenswood Generating Station and have been diagnosed with mesothelioma, these specialized treatment centers in New York may be able to help.

Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center

Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center

New York, NY

Comprehensive Cancer Center
View Full Profile
Mount Sinai Health System

Mount Sinai Health System

New York, NY

Cancer Center
View Full Profile
NYU Langone Perlmutter Cancer Center

NYU Langone Perlmutter Cancer Center

New York, NY

Comprehensive Cancer Center
View Full Profile

Browse all treatment centers →

Frequently Asked Questions

Was asbestos used at Ravenswood Generating Station?

Yes. Ravenswood was built in the 1960s with extensive asbestos-containing materials in boiler insulation, pipe insulation, turbine wrapping, gaskets, and fireproofing throughout all generating units including the massive "Big Allis" turbine.

What workers at Ravenswood were most exposed to asbestos?

Boiler operators, pipe fitters, insulators, and maintenance workers faced the greatest exposure, especially those who worked in the confined boiler rooms and turbine halls during maintenance and repair operations.

Can former Ravenswood workers file asbestos claims?

Yes. Former workers diagnosed with mesothelioma or other asbestos-related diseases after working at Ravenswood may pursue compensation through asbestos trust funds and legal claims against manufacturers of asbestos products used at the facility.

Get a Free Case Evaluation

If you or a loved one worked at Ravenswood 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.

Free & Confidential No upfront costs, no hidden fees. You pay nothing unless we recover compensation.
Nationwide Representation Licensed to handle mesothelioma cases in all 50 states from our Houston office.
Over 25 Years of Experience Our attorneys have recovered over $2 billion for mesothelioma patients and families.
Fast Results Trust fund claims can resolve in as few as 90 days. We move quickly for our clients.

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Sources:

  • EPA records — accessed 2026-03-09
  • OSHA compliance records — accessed 2026-03-09
  • Consolidated Edison historical records — accessed 2026-03-09
  • New York DEC records — accessed 2026-03-09
← All Exposure Sites in New York ← All Exposure Sites
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