Resources: Survivor Stories | Clinical Trials | News | Blog
Call Us for More Information
800.615.2270

History of Asbestos Use in New Orleans - Hurricane Katrina

New Orleans, Louisiana, has a long, rich history. The city first was claimed by French explorers in the early 1700s, then ruled briefly by the Spanish and later came back under French rule. New Orleans – and Louisiana – became part of the United States in 1803 under the Louisiana Purchase.

Early in its existence, New Orleans became the most active port city for trade with the Caribbean. It served as a haven for freed slaves and Caribbean refugees, the start of a complex mixing of Caribbean and European cultures. By the mid-1800s, New Orleans was the fourth-largest U.S. city – and one of the wealthiest.

The city’s close proximity to water led to the natural and successful development of the Port of New Orleans. The port, located on the Mississippi River, is still one of the leading general cargo ports in the United States. Founded in 1718, the port has more than 6,000 ships pass through it each year and is responsible for more than 160,000 jobs.

Along with the port, the shipbuilding industry has a storied history in New Orleans. Shipbuilding was notorious for its heavy use of asbestos, a naturally occurring mineral which has been found to cause asbestosis and mesothelioma if inhaled or ingested. The material was relied on for its insulating and fireproofing qualities in ship construction.

Vermiculite in New Orleans

Asbestos use was not limited to shipbuilding. The Zonolite Company, owned by W.R. Grace and Company, was responsible for a large amount of the asbestos in New Orleans. The Louisiana facility, located on River Road in Jefferson Parish, operated from 1965 to 1989. It received the mineral vermiculite from Libby, Montana, and processed the raw ore for commercial use in insulation and related products. Unfortunately, much of the vermiculite shipped to Zonolite facilities was tainted with asbestos. Throughout the facility’s operation, approximately 148,000 tons of the vermiculite contained asbestos.

Asbestos Risks in the Wake of Hurricane Katrina

Asbestos was widely used throughout New Orleans and the United States until the mid-1970s, when the strict new government guidelines regulated its use. Prior to the 1970s, the toxic substance had innumerable applications. It remains present in the insulation of most houses built before the 1970s, as well as many manufacturing facilities and industrial structures.

The extensive use of asbestos throughout New Orleans has raised concerns about asbestos contamination during and after Hurricane Katrina. The destruction of buildings during the hurricane may have resulted in the release of asbestos fibers into the air. In the weeks and months after Hurricane Katrina, many structures had to be demolished because of flood damage that stemmed from a collapse of nearby levees. A number of these demolitions were performed without adhering to proper regulations or safety procedures. As cleanup efforts continue, asbestos exposure remains a risk to both residents and cleanup workers.

If you or a family member has been diagnosed with an asbestos-related condition and are interested in supporting asbestos awareness, please visit the asbestos awareness wristband page to receive a free wristband.

View Article Sources

mesothelioma-packet
Name:
Address:
City, State, Zip:
Country:
Phone Number:
Email:
Diagnosis:
Comments:
terms of use
Mesothelioma Books
Veterans Assistance
Find Top Doctors
Asbestos Awareness Wristbands
Mesothelioma News
rss news tag