Asbestos In Your Area

Asbestos in the State of Pennsylvania

Asbestos Exposure in Pennsylvania

As a "rust belt" state, Pennsylvania's history of mining and manufacturing make it a prime location for asbestos victims. Asbestos exposure in Pennsylvania has caused quite a number of health problems, including asbestosis and mesothelioma - two very deadly diseases. Unfortunately, major manufacturers could have prevented many of the health concerns addressed by Pennsylvanians today with proper regulation of asbestos.

Instead, those who worked in Pennsylvania's mines, steel mills, power plants, and so forth are still dying today due to asbestos exposure. There were almost 50 major companies in Pennsylvania that used asbestos in their daily operations, and the widespread use of this substance also put anyone working in schools, office buildings, and other structures at risk. If you are worried about past asbestos exposure in Pennsylvania, it is important to see a doctor today and then contact a lawyer to talk about your experiences.

At-Risk Occupations and Locations in Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania is a diverse state with two major industrial urban hubs - Philadelphia and Pittsburgh - on each side and vast expanses of farmland linking the two. Both rural residents and those living in the cities of this state were potentially exposed to asbestos prior to the 1980s when the EPA began to more closely regulate its use. Pennsylvania was - and still is - home to a number of industries that once used asbestos regularly.

First and foremost, you can't talk about Pennsylvania's industrial roots without mentioning steel. They are home to the Pittsburgh Steelers, after all! Steel mills were popular in a number of Pennsylvania cities other than Pittsburgh including Clairton and Morristown. Steel's counterpart, oil, was also a major industry in this state, and oil refineries in Bradford, Marcus Hook, Philadelphia, Rouseville, and Warren all put employees at risk.

In addition to the steel and oil industries, one of Pennsylvania's major employers during the industrial revolution was the power industry. In fact, this state is home to a number of power plants still in operation today. Power plants in Berwick, Holtwood, Martin's Creek, New Castle, Peachbottom, Philadelphia, Reesedale, Santatoga, Shamokin, York, and a number of other locations made use of asbestos, putting employees at risk.

Pennsylvania is a landlocked state, but they are home to the Philadelphia Naval Shipyard. Like all military shipyards (as well as most civilian shipyards as well), this was a breeding ground for asbestos-related diseases. During World War II, Philadelphia's shipyard built over 50 new ships and repaired hundreds of others. Many of the materials used were made with asbestos, since this material is strong, flexible, durable, lightweight, and fire-resistant. In other words, asbestos is a perfect building material for ships, and it was also used in a number of Pennsylvania's other buildings. From churches to schools to commercial builders - no one is out of asbestos' reach in this state.

It is important to note that Pennsylvania was also one of the few states in the Unites States that had asbestos mines. Along the Maryland and New Jersey borders, a number of asbestos mines remained in operation for years after the companies owning them found out about the health risks associated with asbestos. Those working in these mines were some of the hardest hit in terms of respiratory illnesses.

Asbestos-related Deaths in Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania is one of the hardest-hit locations for asbestos-related death and non-fatal medical problems in the United States. According to statistics, this state is third in the nation for mesothelioma, and the mortality rate is 16.8 per million, making this the seventh-ranked state in the nation in terms of deaths from asbestos-related mesothelioma. In 1999 alone, there were 162 deaths from mesothelioma.

And that's not taking into account deaths from asbestosis, lung cancer, and other asbestos-related problems. Asbestosis accounted for almost 3,000 deaths in Pennsylvania between 1980 and 2000. Note that this rate comes during a time period after the EPA set in place regulations regarding the use of this substance. Asbestos naturally takes years or even decades to hurt the body, so exposure in an earlier part of your life could hurt you today.

Legal Resources for Pennsylvania Residents

Pennsylvania has been home to a number of high-profile asbestos cases, such as Georgine vs. Amchem Products in 1994. In addition, a group of companies known as the CCR negotiated a number of settlements in 1991. This situation paved the way for a class action settlement, providing money for all future claims.

There have been over 50 lawsuits regarding asbestos exposure in Pennsylvania in just the past two years, so you're in good company if you've also experienced major health issues due to this substance. It is important to file suit against those responsible for your medical problems. In Pennsylvania, you have two years in which to stake your claim. The statue of limitations gives residents two years from the point of discovery to talk to a lawyer and begin the lawsuit process, so don't delay in contacting an attorney if you've been diagnosed with an asbestos-related disease.

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