Mesothelioma is one of the rarest types of cancer, with only 3,000 cases diagnosed per year. Unfortunately, it is one of the deadliest and is caused almost always by exposure to asbestos. This aggressive cancer is caused by tiny shards of asbestos getting into the lungs and other organs. Over time the body is unable to rid itself of the toxic shards, and they can cause cancer to form in the lungs, abdomen, and around the heart.
Mesothelioma is one of the worst cancers that you can have. Its five-year survivability for pleural mesothelioma is only 10%. Most people who have mesothelioma were exposed to asbestos in their work decades ago. It is usually diagnosed in stage III or IV and is difficult to treat.
Colorado and Asbestos Exposure
It is estimated that Colorado is ranked #24 in the US for mesothelioma and asbestosis. In the most recent year, there were 421 mesothelioma deaths, 74 deaths, and a total of 495 deaths. (asbestos.com)
Industrial sites, including Conoco Oil Refinery, Oxnard Construction Company, and Hudson Energy Company relied greatly on asbestos products until 1980. Asbestos insulation was often used in these facilities; they used the durable, cheap fibers to protect against fires caused by overheating machinery. While asbestos helped to lower the risk of a fire, there also were many health risks associated with being around asbestos.
There also are natural deposits of asbestos in Colorado. If they are disturbed by mining them, they can cause asbestosis and mesothelioma in the miners. Such mines as the Calumet Mine, Hecla No. 2 Mine, and the CF&I Company Mine all worked on amphibole asbestos deposits, and mines such as the Dolores Co. Falcon Mine and Iron King Mine in the Tomicha District were home to naturally occurring tremolite asbestos. While none of these mines were mined for asbestos, the mineral could have been disturbed while mining other minerals.
Colorado Sites of Asbestos Exposure
Factories and plants in Colorado once had many asbestos hazards in their facilities. Some employers were handling the asbestos directly when they were manufacturing products such as roofing supplies. Other employees could have been exposed to asbestos while they were repairing high-heat machines that had asbestos has insulation.
Colorado’s large mining industry also puts workers at risk of being exposed to asbestos. It was common for miners to inhale asbestos as they mined for iron, limestone, gold, coal, and other natural resources. Asbestiform minerals, including ferrian winchite and asbestiform tremolite from vermiculite deposits from Colorado’s Salt Creek, also possed other health risks to miners.
Workers at many Colorado-based companies including Cental Corporation, Schmidt Incinerators, and Utilicorp may have higher risks of getting mesothelioma years after their employment.
Some other Colorado job sites that were known to have asbestos present were:
- Colorado Springs Public Utilities
- Drive Train Industries
- Hensel Phelps Construction Company
- Poole Construction Company
- Nixon Power Plant
Several asbestos types have been found in Colorado soil, such as the Caribou Mine and the Monarch Occurrence in Boulder
Other areas of the state where asbestos was found are:
- Cree Camp
- Sloan Diatremes
- Milliken Occurrence
- Sedalia Copper Mine
- Sloan Diatremes
- Snowy Mine Range
Estes Power Plant
Estes Power Plant in Larimer County transforms reclaimed river water into usable water. When the plant was built in 1950, asbestos was thought to be one of the most important insulators for the high-heat operations of the facility. Many construction materials and equipment on the site contained asbestos. Workers were possibly exposed wherever tiles, machinery, and walls were handled or repaired. The power generators at the plant could have been insulated with asbestos.
In 2011, the US Department of the Interior asked for bids from abatement firms to remove 1,800 square feet of plaster that was contaminated with asbestos, as well as 250 linear feet of chrysotile asbestos-laced duct wrap from the HVAC system. Asbestos spray also was commonly used on sheeting and stabilizers in the plant.
Western Minerals Company Plant
From 1867 to 1990, Western Minerals Company Plant in Denver was a processer of vermiculite ore for various industrial applications. Some of the vermiculate that was received at the plant was shipped by WR Grace’s Libby, Montana mine, where the ore had high levels of asbestos. It is estimated the Denver site produced 81,797 tons of vermiculite, and other processing plants in Greeley, Lamar, and Florence processed 3,900 tons of Libby vermiculite.
The EPA took soil tests and found asbestos is still in the soil at the Denver site, but much of the contaminated soil has been covered with parking lots and buildings. The EPA found that the site does not have any air contaminated with asbestos, but people who worked there to process vermiculite may have been exposed to asbestos.
What Causes Mesothelioma?
Mesothelioma is fatal cancer affecting the lung and abdominal linings that is caused by asbestos exposure in many types of blue-collar work. Asbestos also can be brought home on workers’ clothing. Family members can be exposed to asbestos for years and eventually be diagnosed with mesothelioma.
When asbestos was used in insulation, gaskets, brake lining, any many other products, the tiny shards of fibers are blown into the air. They can be easily breathed in or swallowed. The asbestos can lodge there for many years. Genetic mutations years later can lead to cancer. (Cancer.org)
Colorado Asbestos Exposure Laws
Generally, if you are taking asbestos out of your own home, it is not necessary to get a permit or notify the state. This is for your home only; you need to have a permit to remove asbestos from other homes. Proper asbestos abatement involves wetting the product and is most safely handled by an asbestos professional. You also need to follow state laws for disposing of the material safely.
If you are removing the material from any building that is not your own home, you must submit a notification to the state 10 working days before you intend to perform the renovation or demolition. (Colorado.gov)
Colorado Mesothelioma Attorneys
Have you been diagnosed with mesothelioma or asbestosis? It is important to talk to a Colorado mesothelioma attorney today to understand your legal options:
Killian, Davis, Richter & Mayle PC
202 North Seventh St.
Grand Junction CO 81501
(970) 241-0707
www.killianlaw.com
The lawyers at Killian, Davis, Richter & Mayle PC believe in treating others as you want to be treated. They accomplish this by working to provide mesothelioma clients with effective, compassionate legal representation. They are highly skilled trial lawyers who completely research and prepare mesothelioma cases for trial, and will get you the highest mesothelioma compensation possible.
Clapper Patti Schweizer & Mason
1127 Grant Ave, #6
Novato, CA 94945
(800) 440-4262
www.mesothelioma-attorney.com
The goal of this experienced mesothelioma law firm near you is to obtain as much compensation as possible for you as fast as the law allows. This experienced firm limits the number of asbestos cases it takes each year so each client gets the attention and time needed to build a strong case.
Eley Law Firm
(720) 759-3064
www.eleylawfirm.com
The Eley Law Firm is dedicated to helping clients whose lives have been affected by asbestos exposure and mesothelioma. With more than 30 years of experience in personal injury law in Colorado, the Eley Law Firm can help you get the compensation you deserve.
Get Colorado Mesothelioma Legal Help Immediately
With over $30 billion available for Colorado victims through the Asbestos Trust Funds, you could be entitled to financial compensations without ever filing a lawsuit. Mesothelioma & Lung Cancer victims qualify immediately. Complete the form or call us toll-free (800) 352-0871
