Three Mile Island Nuclear Generating Station Three Mile Island Nuclear Generating Station is located on an island in the Susquehanna River near Middletown, Pennsylvania. The site is best known for the 1979 partial meltdown of Unit 2, the most significant nuclear accident in U.S. history.
Last verified: 2026-03-09Three Mile Island Unit 1 began commercial operation in 1974, and Unit 2 followed in 1978. Both units were constructed with extensive asbestos-containing insulation and fireproofing materials. The 1979 accident at Unit 2 created a massive cleanup effort lasting over a decade, during which thousands of workers were brought in for decontamination and repair work. Unit 1 continued operating until 2019, exposing additional generations of workers to asbestos during maintenance.
Workers at Three Mile Island encountered asbestos in pipe insulation, gaskets, turbine wrapping, and fireproofing throughout both nuclear units. The post-accident cleanup of Unit 2, which lasted from 1979 to 1993, exposed thousands of cleanup workers to disturbed asbestos as they demolished and removed contaminated components. During routine maintenance on Unit 1, workers regularly stripped and replaced asbestos insulation on pipes, valves, and equipment in confined spaces.
The following job categories at Three Mile Island Nuclear Generating Station had the highest risk of asbestos exposure:
Former Three Mile Island workers, including both regular employees and cleanup contractors, have been diagnosed with mesothelioma and other asbestos-related diseases. The extensive post-accident cleanup created uniquely high exposure conditions as asbestos-containing materials were disturbed and removed throughout Unit 2. Workers who handled insulation materials without adequate respiratory protection are at the highest risk for developing mesothelioma decades after their exposure.
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.
Workers exposed to asbestos at Three Mile Island 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 QualifyWorkers who were employed at Three Mile Island 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.
Workers exposed to asbestos at Three Mile Island Nuclear Generating Station may be eligible to file claims with the following trust funds:
If you were exposed to asbestos at Three Mile Island Nuclear Generating Station and have been diagnosed with mesothelioma, these specialized treatment centers in Pennsylvania may be able to help.
Yes. Both Unit 1 and Unit 2 at Three Mile Island were constructed with extensive asbestos-containing materials, including pipe insulation, gaskets, fireproofing, and turbine insulation.
Yes. The cleanup and decontamination of Unit 2, which lasted over a decade, required thousands of workers to operate in areas where asbestos-containing materials had been damaged and disturbed by the accident, creating heightened exposure conditions.
Yes. Workers who developed mesothelioma, asbestosis, or lung cancer after working at Three Mile Island may file claims through asbestos trust funds or pursue legal action against the manufacturers of asbestos products used at the facility.
If you or a loved one worked at Three Mile Island 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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