Asbestos in North Dakota
ranking in U.S. for mesothelioma & asbestosis deaths
North Dakota maintains a low death rate from asbestos-related diseases compared to other states. A large part of that low ranking is that the state is the third least-populated state in the nation, with much of its economy based on agriculture. Typically, in states that have a high risk of asbestos exposure, mining, manufacturing or industrial sectors are often large economic drivers and sectors. However, residents in the state still face an increased risk of asbestos exposure even if the threat is not clearly apparent.
Much of the asbestos exposure risk in North Dakota comes from natural disasters, product imports from Montana and relatively unknown environmental dangers, in addition to hazardous jobsites within the state. Statistically, the threat of the toxic substance may be as close to residents as within the four walls of their North Dakota homes. Because of its widespread use in previous decades, asbestos can still be found in homes or buildings across the state as the substance was used in construction materials or consumer products.
Asbestos lawsuits are not common in North Dakota despite known instances of asbestos exposure. Because asbestos-related diseases frequently take decades to show symptoms, the long-term effects of previous exposure may not become apparent for years to come. Therefore, the landscape of asbestos issues possibly may change in the future. Continued observation of asbestos risk factors is required to ensure that the proper treatment resources and environmental policies are place to meet the needs of the public.
Treatment Centers in North Dakota
Roger Maris Cancer Centerview more
Mesothelioma and Asbestosis Deaths, 1999-2008
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70mesothelioma deaths in North Dakota
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14asbestosis deaths in North Dakota
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84total mesothelioma and asbestosis deaths
Occupations and Environmental Areas at Risk
No one single occupation in North Dakota is seen as above the rest in terms of asbestos exposure. Instead, a combination of occupations are ones to watch. The following occupations are considered to be hazardous with respect to asbestos exposure:
- Insulators
- Construction Workers
- Industrial Plant Workers
- Emergency Workers
Jobsites with Known Asbestos Exposure
Most asbestos exposure cases stem from occupational exposure, which refers to an employee's interaction with asbestos in the workplace. Despite North Dakota's relatively low number of mesothelioma diagnoses, some places within the state still face a serious threat. Certain jobsites have had confirmed cases of asbestos exposure where the full extent of harm is still not yet known.
Robinson Insulation Plant
Located in Minot, North Dakota, the former Robinson Insulation Plant was a jobsite where employees were exposed to hazardous levels of asbestos. During the years of 1967 and 1983, the plant housed over 16,000 tons of asbestos-containing vermiculite. The surrounding areas of the plant consisted of industrial, residential and commercial sites.
According to the Agency for Toxic Substances & Disease Registry, environmental samples from the Robinson Insulation Plant showed that some of the asbestos came from a mine in Libby, Montana. The site was eventually purchased by the city and the buildings were demolished. All former employees of the plant are recommended to undergo medical testing to find potentially health issue, if they have not already done so.
Minot and Widespread Flooding
In the summer of 2011, the First District Health Unit, along with the EPA, warned homeowners in the city of Minot and surrounding areas that asbestos exposure was a serious threat. Homes that were destroyed from recent floods possibly contained asbestos. By some accounts, the floods of 2011 were the worst floods in the state's history. More than 11,000 residents were evacuated and more than 4,000 homes were damaged. The underlying environmental threat existed within the materials in the homes. Some homes likely contained asbestos in either the foundation of the structure, or in various products throughout the home. Zonolite insulation, a branded form of vermiculite-containing asbestos material, was of major concern by local health organizations. This attic insulation was likely used in thousands of homes in the state during previous decades, where they likely still exist today.
Importing Asbestos from Libby
One of North Dakota's most notable cases of asbestos exposure stems from Libby, Montana, where a large portion of the population contracted asbestos-related diseases. Vermiculite-tainted asbestos that was mined from Libby was shipped to many other states, including to four cities in the state. According to the Environmental Working Group, North Dakota received 25,993 tons of asbestos between 1948 and 1993. More than 317 different shipments of vermiculite, a mineral that closely resembles asbestos, was sent to North Dakota during this time period. The vast majority of asbestos and vermiculite was sent to two cities within the state, Stanton and Minot.
Erionite in North Dakota
One hidden threat to North Dakotans is a toxic substance that is unknown to many but exposed to countless numbers of residents. Erionite is a naturally occurring mineral that closely resembles the chemical structure of asbestos. It is located in at least a dozen states in the nation. Its similarity to asbestos can be very misleading. Early data show that erionite may be as much 800 times more likely to cause mesothelioma than asbestos, which poses a potential threat.
In North Dakota, erionite is frequently used as gravel for roadways. Like asbestos, the mineral doesn't become toxic until the fibers are disturbed, at which point they become airborne. For residents who drive on these roads on a regular basis, they are doing the precise action that puts them in danger. They are driving over these toxic roadways, causing the harmful fibers to be disturbed and eventually inhaled. At this point, the deadly fibers can get lodged into the lungs of unknowing motorists, students and commuters.
In North Dakota, erionite is frequently used as gravel for roadways. Like asbestos, the mineral doesn't become toxic until the fibers are disturbed, at which point they become airborne. For residents who drive on these roads on a regular basis, they are doing the precise action that puts them in danger. They are driving over these toxic roadways, causing the harmful fibers to be disturbed and eventually inhaled. At this point, the deadly fibers can get lodged into the lungs of unknowing motorists, students and commuters.
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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.
