Why Mesothelioma Cases Occur in Raleigh
Raleigh's asbestos legacy centers on power generation and industrial manufacturing. Progress Energy (now Duke Energy) and its predecessor Carolina Power & Light (CP&L) operated multiple generating stations throughout the Raleigh region where asbestos was used extensively in boiler insulation, turbine casings, steam piping, and electrical components.
The Shearon Harris Nuclear Plant, located near Raleigh, was constructed in the 1970s and 1980s when asbestos was still prevalent in building materials, pipe insulation, and equipment components. Construction workers and early plant operators were exposed to asbestos during the building and commissioning of the facility.
The 20-to-50-Year Latency Period
Mesothelioma has a latency period of 20 to 50 years. A worker exposed to asbestos at Raleigh facilities in the 1970s may only receive a mesothelioma diagnosis in 2025 or later. This is why Raleigh continues to produce new mesothelioma cases decades after asbestos use was restricted.
IBM operated major manufacturing and research facilities in the Research Triangle area where asbestos was present in building insulation, cleanroom construction, and manufacturing equipment. Weyerhaeuser operated paper and lumber operations in the Raleigh area where asbestos was used in industrial equipment and processing facilities.
Raleigh's growth as a technology and research center involved extensive construction and renovation where workers encountered asbestos-containing building materials throughout commercial and industrial projects.
Raleigh's Asbestos Legacy by the Numbers
Duke Energy (formerly Progress Energy / CP&L) is one of the nation's largest utilities. The Shearon Harris Nuclear Plant provides electricity to the region. IBM has operated in the Triangle since the 1960s. North Carolina allows 3 years from diagnosis to file a mesothelioma claim. Documenting your asbestos exposure history is a critical first step.

