Boston Edison Company

In recent years, former employees of Boston Edison Co. have developed and died of mesothelioma, lung cancer and other asbestos-related diseases.  Boston Edison, now known as NSTAR, is a utility company that supplied steam and electricity to consumers throughout various communities in metropolitan Boston. Those who were employed at the Kneeland Street Station and the L Street Station in Boston, the Mystic Station in Everett, the Edgar Station in Weymouth and the Pilgrim Nuclear Plant, in Plymouth were routinely exposed to materials that contained asbestos.  Asbestos insulation-lined steam pipes, boilers, pumps, turbine generators and other equipment was widespread throughout Boston Edison powerhouses and substations.  

Until the mid-1970’s, asbestos-containing materials were utilized as high temperature insulation for equipment such as pipes, boilers and turbines.  Inhaling dust and particles from the application and maintenance of asbestos insulation and other materials placed employees at risk of developing serious health problems.  Not only employees of Boston Edison were affected.  Many tradesmen working for sub-contractors who built, repaired and maintained these Boston Edison plants were exposed.  These trades include pipe fitters, boiler makers, millwrights, pipe coverers, electricians and sheet metal workers.  Even those not who were not in direct contact with asbestos materials remain at risk for the development of asbestos-related diseases like mesothelioma or lung cancer.

Once a year, Boston Edison’s stations went into a maintenance period called “shut down” when workers were directed to dismantle asbestos insulation from power turbines, pipes and boilers.  During annual shut downs, worn asbestos insulation was removed by sawing insulation off of pipes and flat surfaces, a process that filled the work atmosphere with asbestos dust and fibers.  This work created enormous asbestos dust clouds.

Once the worn insulation was removed, reapplication of asbestos insulation was necessary so that the pipes, boilers and turbines could effectively contain steam and other high temperature materials.  During insulation reapplication, in order to prepare cement, dry asbestos cement mix was continuously used, creating large clouds of asbestos dust.  Most workers were completely unaware of the dangers of exposure to the asbestos dust, and performed their work without masks or protective gear.

Having represented workers from the Boston Edison power stations for 30 years, attorneys at Thornton & Naumes, LLP have gathered a vast amount of information concerning the type and variety of asbestos-containing products at Boston Edison power stations.   Our clients understand the importance of securing legal representation as soon as possible after a diagnosis of mesothelioma or lung cancer.   If you or a loved one were once employed at a Boston Edison power station and have been diagnosed with mesothelioma or lung cancer, we urge you to contact us regarding your legal rights.