Asbestos in Kentucky
ranking in U.S. for mesothelioma & asbestosis deaths
Kentucky is a state known for its Bluegrass, its bourbon and its horse racing. It is also known for its coal mines, or former coal mines, and it is regarded as a somewhat rural state full of blue-collar jobs. Those are jobs considered higher risk occupations for asbestos exposure. So, too, is the job of coal miner. About 15 percent of U.S. mines are contaminated by asbestos, with exposure levels of at least 0.1 fiber per cubic centimeter (cc), the threshold level since 2005, according to the U.S. Mine Safety and Health Administration. The MSHA says that prior to 2005, exposure was 2 fibers per cc, about 20 times the threshold density. Court records show several Kentuckians filing asbestos-related lawsuits, some against in-state companies, others against national corporations. Ronald Dummitt won a $32 million verdict after he contracted mesothelioma cancer because of his service in the U.S. Navy. Finally, although Kentucky is home to a well-known Army base, Fort Campbell, built during the World War II era when asbestos products were prevalent, there is no evidence suggesting the base needs (or needed) asbestos abatement.
Treatment Centers in this State
Mesothelioma and Asbestosis Deaths, 1999-2008
- 41asbestosis deaths in Kentucky
- 278mesothelioma deaths in Kentucky
- 319total mesothelioma and asbestosis deaths
Occupational and Environmental Areas at Risk
Although there are no known naturally occurring asbestos deposits in Kentucky, mining and construction industries as well as metal works plants prompted tighter safety regulation of asbestos exposure. Newport, Kentucky, received more than 170,000 tons of asbestos over nearly five decades before shipments ended in the mid-1990s.
- Construction workers
- Plumbers
- Rail yard workers
- Miners
- Railroad Workers
- Sheet Metal workers
- Alcoa Aluminum
- Ashland Oil
- Florida Tile
- Illinois Central Railroad
- Louisville Chemical Plant
- Queen Products Company
- Armco Steel
- Dupont
- Fort Campbell
- Louisa Power (Big Sandy Power)
- Metal Works
- Reynolds Aluminum
Danville and Asbestos
The small city of Danville, Kentucky, has dealt with more than its share of asbestos issues. In early 2006, survey crews discovered asbestos in floor tile adhesive in a grocery store scheduled for demolition. That discovery required the city spend $10,000 to abate the store. Two years later, asbestos was found in the city hall boiler room. The city paid nearly $15,000 to have the asbestos removed.
Georgetown College and Asbestos
In January 2011, students living at Knight Hall at Georgetown College in Georgetown, Kentucky, returned to school to find a steam pipe leaking inside a hard ceiling. Dean of Students Todd Gambill later confirmed ceiling contained asbestos materials and arranged for abatement. The school did not order Knight Hall evacuated.
$32 Million Asbestos Verdict
Kentucky resident Ronald Dummitt gained a $32 million judgment against a valve manufacturer after he proved he was exposed to asbestos while serving 18 years in the U.S. Navy. Dummitt, from Grayson, Kentucky, served on seven Navy vessels from 1960 to 1977, eventually becoming a Master Chief Petty Officer. While in the service, Dummitt was a boiler tender and replaced parts on ship boilers. Many of the parts, including gaskets and lagging pads, contained asbestos.
Dummitt developed pleural mesothelioma and sued Crane Co., which made valves, and Elliott Turbomachinery Co., Inc., which manufactured de-aerating feed tanks. The jury in Dummitt's case awarded him $16 million for past pain and suffering and an additional $16 million for future pain and suffering. Crane was deemed to have 99 percent liability, Elliot Turbomachinery 1 percent.
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© 2012 The Mesothelioma Center |
Last Modified Thursday, February 16th, 2012 | Disclaimer | Privacy Policy |
The information provided by The Mesothelioma Center is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.
Sponsored by a law firm concentrating in asbestos litigation, The Peterson Firm, LLP with offices at 1350 Connecticut Ave, NW, Fifth Floor, Washington DC 20036.
