Asbestos In Your Area

Asbestos Exposure in Wyoming

Wyoming is the tenth largest state in America, but it has the lowest population. It also has a couple of naturally occurring asbestos veins that run through the state. They are located in really sparsely populated areas, and, so, don't pose too much of a risk. They have also never been mined for commercial purposes. There are, however, a lot of industries that imported asbestos and Asbestos Containing Materials (ACM).

Asbestos is found naturally as a long thin fiber. This makes it incredibly easy to work with and add to other products. The ancient Greeks would actually weave it into a fabric to use as cleaning rags and even shrouds for cremations. Asbestos is fireproof, dampens sound, doesn't conduct electricity and doesn't react to chemicals. It is cheap and was used extensively as insulation in machines and around pipes in everything from old buildings to ship.

At-Risk Occupations and Locations in Wyoming

People who worked in oil refineries were likely to have been exposed to varying levels of asbestos fibers. Not only were pipes wrapped with asbestos, ACMs were also stuffed into a lot of the machines. When the machines ran, the asbestos would eventually fray and send particles into the air. Refining also involves heat. Often the workers in these areas were issued suits to wear to help protect them. The suits these guys and girls received to wear were usually made with asbestos. Once the outer fabric of the suit wore through, asbestos fibers would be released into the air. Many of the outfits included a helmet and hood. When the asbestos fibers found there way into the air inside the suit, the worker wearing the gear would spend their entire time breathing asbestos particles. There are oil refineries all over the state in towns like Sinclair, Riverton, Casper and Cheyenne.

Two other industries in the state have also been spotlighted as potential sources of asbestos exposure. There are power plants in Glenrock, Bridger, Wheatland, Kemmerer, and Rock Springs. There are also a few chemical plants in Green River. Both of these types of employers are becoming fairly notorious for having exposed their employees to asbestos. It's unfortunate that many of the items that were meant to protect employees ended up being just as great a risk.

One current profession that still has the potential for asbestos exposure is in the construction industry. A lot of asbestos was used in so many building materials. So, when a contractor or developer wants to tear down or renovate an old building or home, not only do they have to be concerned about the potential of asbestos insulation, they also need to worry about asbestos in the ceiling tiles, floor tiles, wall board and even some adhesives. The EPA has set up guidelines for asbestos inspections and abatements prior to any construction or destruction.

Asbestos-Related Deaths in Wyoming

There were 67 asbestos related deaths in Wyoming between 1979 and 1999. The only other state to have fewer deaths was Alaska at 48 in the same time period. However, experts expect the number of asbestos related medical cases to keep going up over the next few years. However, by the late 1970's and the early 1980's the risk of being exposed to asbestos had dropped off sharply. The dangers of asbestos had finally come to light. Since damage from asbestos can take many years to come to light, therefore, the medical cases should reach a peak by 2015 and then drop off sharply.

Asbestosis is a scarring of the lungs that will eventually lead to severe shortness of breath and even death. The people who suffer from this disease also have a higher potential for developing lung cancer or mesothelioma. Asbestosis is treatable if it is caught before the scarring becomes too bad. It can't be cured, though. There were 32 deaths from asbestosis during the same twenty year time period.

Mesothelioma, on the hand, is much rarer and very deadly. In most states, the number of deaths from mesothelioma can outstrip those from asbestos by as much as three to one, but, in Wyoming, they run neck and neck. Asbestos is a carcinogen that mostly affects the lignin that covers and protects most of the vital organs in the body. Once a tumor develops it can quickly spread cancer all through the body.

Legal Resources for Wyoming Residents

There aren't a lot of court cases regarding asbestos in Wyoming, either, but there are cases. A case filed in February of 2008 involves the estate of a man who died of mesothelioma. The estate has included about 69 corporations in its suit and seeks damages as compensation for the death of the decedent.

If you think that you may have reason to file this kind of suit in Wyoming, one of the first things you need to know is that the statute of limitations for this kind of case is four years. This time frame begins when the asbestos related damage is discovered, or should have been discovered. Make sure to take the time to find a good experienced lawyer, as these cases can be confusing and take some time to come to an end.

Show Your Support

Get Your Own Asbestos      Awareness Wristband
Attention Veterans
Related News