Asbestos Exposure Sites in South Carolina
South Carolina has 1 documented asbestos exposure site spanning 1 industry. Workers at these facilities were exposed to asbestos-containing materials — often in shipyards, power plants, refineries, and manufacturing plants — and may be eligible for compensation through trust fund claims and lawsuits.
Asbestos Exposure in South Carolina
South Carolina's asbestos exposure history is driven by its military installations, textile industry, and nuclear facilities. The Charleston Naval Shipyard, which operated from 1901 to 1996, built and repaired naval vessels using extensive asbestos materials and is one of the most significant exposure sites in the Southeast. The Savannah River Site, a nuclear weapons production facility on the Georgia-South Carolina border, used asbestos throughout its massive industrial complex and exposed thousands of workers over decades of operation. Shaw Air Force Base near Sumter, the Marine Corps Recruit Depot at Parris Island, and Fort Jackson in Columbia all contained asbestos in their buildings and facilities. South Carolina's textile industry, centered in Greenville, Spartanburg, and the Upstate region, operated hundreds of mills that used asbestos in machinery insulation and building materials. The Duke Energy nuclear power stations at Oconee and Catawba were constructed with asbestos-containing materials. Chemical plants and paper mills along the coast and in the Midlands region also used asbestos products. The tire manufacturing industry in the Upstate, including Michelin operations, used asbestos in production processes. South Carolina provides a three-year statute of limitations from discovery for both personal injury and wrongful death claims, and the state's diverse military and industrial exposure history means many residents have potential claims.
Major industries linked to asbestos exposure in South Carolina: Shipbuilding, Nuclear weapons production, Textile manufacturing, Military installations, Power generation, Tire manufacturing.
Notable exposure sites: Charleston Naval Shipyard; Savannah River Site, Aiken; Shaw Air Force Base, Sumter; Parris Island Marine Recruit Depot; Duke Energy Oconee Nuclear Station.
Frequently Asked Questions: Asbestos Exposure in South Carolina
What is South Carolina's statute of limitations for mesothelioma claims?
South Carolina has a three-year statute of limitations from the date of diagnosis or discovery for personal injury claims. Wrongful death claims also have a three-year filing period from the date of death.
Was the Charleston Naval Shipyard a major asbestos exposure site?
Yes. The Charleston Naval Shipyard operated for nearly a century and used extensive asbestos insulation in ship construction and repair. Thousands of workers were exposed to asbestos during their employment at the yard.
Were Savannah River Site workers exposed to asbestos?
Yes. The Savannah River Site used asbestos-containing materials throughout its nuclear production facilities. Workers may have claims against asbestos manufacturers and may also qualify for federal compensation under the EEOICPA program.
How do I find a mesothelioma attorney in South Carolina?
Our directory connects you with attorneys experienced in South Carolina asbestos litigation. Many national firms handle cases from the Charleston shipyard, Savannah River Site, and other South Carolina exposure sites. Most work on contingency with no upfront cost.