Rhode Island Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure Risks

Rhode Island is the smallest state in the United States, but unfortunately has a large amount of asbestos-related issues. Asbestos is mineral that causes a number of health problems like mesothelioma and asbestosis. In addition to an asbestos mine located in the northern part of the state, Rhode Island, like all other states in the United States, is home to numerous structures built with asbestos-contaminated materials.

At Risk Occupations and Locations in Rhode Island

During the industrial revolution, Rhode Island was highly involved with the manufacturing of textiles. Although textiles contained asbestos in some cases, Rhode Island's textile plants were mostly asbestos-free. Therefore, most of Rhode Island's manufacturing plant workers escaped the health problems caused by asbestos that others in the Northeastern United States experienced.

However, Rhode Island is home to a number of power plants. Although this state is small, power production companies are located in all areas of the state. Often asbestos was used in power plants, putting Rhode Island employees at risk. Asbestos was used as insulation for larger machines that operate at very high temperatures. While this decreased the risk of fire, as the machines experienced wear and tear, asbestos was released into the air, placing those working around the machinery at risk of exposure.

Asbestos also entered Rhode Island in the naval and cargo shipping industries. Asbestos was commonly used in these industries for shipbuilding because of its heat and chemical-resistant qualities. In addition, asbestos is lightweight, flexible, durable, and strong, making it a perfect, cost-effective building material for ships. Working in a port in Rhode Island put people at risk for developing asbestos-related diseases.

Ports and power plants are not the only dangerous locations in this state. Asbestos exposure in Rhode Island isn't limited to occupational exposure. Because asbestos was a cheap building material, it was also used in products such as insulation, drywall, tiling, roofing, and many other residential building materials. Many older homes built prior to 1980 contain asbestos, and while there is no immediate danger in many cases, as the house deteriorates over time, asbestos could be released into the air. Unfortunately, in addition to residential houses, commercial office buildings, churches, schools, and other structures in Rhode Island are also affected by the use of asbestos in building materials.

Asbestos Related Deaths in Rhode Island

At first glance, Rhode Island's statistics regarding asbestos-related deaths seems rather low. Fourteen people died from mesothelioma in 1999, and the state ranks 39th in the entire country for mesothelioma cases.

However, Rhode Island is a very small state, with a low population. Rhode Island ranks fourth overall in the country, with 17.74 mesothelioma deaths per million. Even worse, there are also many cases of asbestosis diagnosed in Rhode Island every day.

Legal Resources for Rhode Island Residents

Although Rhode Island has a low number of mesothelioma cases (in part due to the state's smaller population), this state has been key in asbestos legislation and in legal cases brought before the court. These cases have been both employer-related and residential building-related. For example, in Fleet National Bank, Trustee vs. 175 Post Road, LLC, two parties argued about the disclosure of asbestos in the sale of real estate. Another important case in this state occurred in 2001. In Edward and Barbara Perusse vs. AC and S, Inc., the Perusses filed a personal injury case against a major corporation.

Today, the Rhode Island Rules and Regulations for Asbestos Control regulates when and how asbestos can be used. All corporations using this substance, even in very small quantities, must abide by these laws. These include the requirement that employers must attend asbestos certification and licensure training courses, provide specific details as to the procedures for handling asbestos and submit detailed outlines of who asbestos will be used safely.

The Rhode Island Asbestos Act regulates all use of asbestos in the workplace and in public places. Some of the regulations set forth by this act include safe posting and labeling, sale of asbestos and products containing asbestos, and required health department inspections.

Patients with an asbestos-related illness and their loved ones who wish to pursue legal action may wish to utilize an attorney. Click Here to receive a packet with additional information on mesothelioma.

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