Mesothelioma is an aggressive type of cancer that happens in the thing layer of tissue that covers most of your internal organs. The most commonly affected organs by mesothelioma cancer are the lungs and abdominal organs, but it also can affect the heart and testicles in very rare cases.
Mesothelioma is rare, with only 3,000 cases diagnosed per year, but it among the deadliest cancers. Most people diagnosed with the disease live a year or less. The cancer is almost always caused by asbestos exposure. (Mayoclinic.org). Asbestos was once often used in many industrial, manufacturing, and military facilities. Workers breathed in or swallowed the dangerous fibers, and years later, some contracted mesothelioma.
Delaware and Asbestos Exposure
Delaware has only one natural source of asbestos, so most of the hazards in this state are related to manufacturing and construction. Many asbestos-reliant job sites were spread across Delaware, endangering many workers to toxic fibers that cause asbestosis and mesothelioma. Also, many historic buildings in Delaware contain asbestos in roof tiles, floor tiles, and adhesives.
Delaware is ranked #37 in the US for mesothelioma and asbestosis deaths. In the last 15 years, there have been 150 mesothelioma deaths, 65 asbestosis deaths, and 215 total deaths.
The only naturally occurring asbestos deposit in the state is in New Castle County in a formation called the Mount Cuba Serpentine body. It covers an area of up to 1.5 miles. It is laced with asbestos among deposits of talc and magnesite.
Industrial sources of exposure to asbestos in this state include chemical plants, energy stations, and factories. There was a vermiculite processing factory in Delmar that worked with asbestos-containing products for a few years. Also, construction firms often used asbestos materials until 1980. Many asbestos-containing materials still are in historic buildings around the state. (asbestos.com)
Delaware Sites of Asbestos Exposure
Several chemical plants in Delaware exposed employees to asbestos in their daily work. Chemical plant operators and machinery repair workers frequently handled asbestos-containing materials in boiler rooms, workspaces, and production lines.
Construction workers who did renovation work in older historic buildings in Delaware may also have been heavily exposed to asbestos. Many houses, churches and other buildings in Delaware were built well before 1980, and anyone who did renovation work on these structures could have been exposed to asbestos.
Delaware has long been home to many chemical companies that produce many goods, such as chlorine, polyethylene resins, engine oil additives, and thermoplastics. The plants that made these products frequently relied on asbestos insulation for their machines. Safety suits that were used to protect employees from chemicals may have contained asbestos fibers. Some of the chemical plants in this state where asbestos exposure might have occurred include:
- Allied Chemical
- Croda, Inc.
- DuPont Chemical
- Helix Associates, Inc.
- Atlas Chemical Industries
- Dow Chemical
- General Chemical Company
- Metachem
Evraz Claymont Steel Holdings is another manufacturing site that may have used asbestos and put employees at risk of mesothelioma. Like chemical plants, steel plants frequently used asbestos to insulate their equipment.
DuPont Chemical
DuPont Chemical is one of the biggest chemical companies in the world. It heavily contributed to asbestos exposure in this state. The company built its DuPont Building in Wilmington in 1905 as well as a nylon plant in Seaford in 1939. The nylon plant had 1,300 workers at its peak. Many workers in these buildings and operations may have been exposed to asbestos.
Delaware Asbestos Exposure Laws
Delaware has enacted the Division of Air Quality’s Asbestos Abatement Program to protect the public health. The abatement program oversees the removal, transport, and disposal of asbestos in Delaware. Before any materials containing asbestos can be removed during the renovation or removal of a structure containing asbestos, owners are generally required to have an inspection by a licensed asbestos inspector.
Also, owners or contractors have to notify the state at least 10 days before they intend to disturb any asbestos-containing materials. Further, asbestos-containing materials must be taken away only in approved waste haulers and dumped in approved facilities. (Delaware.gov)
What Causes Mesothelioma?
Mesothelioma can occur when the DNA in cells is damaged by asbestos exposure. Changes in the DNA can cause certain cells to grow out of control, which can become cancer.
Asbestos exposure is almost always the cause of pleural mesothelioma; approximately eight out of 10 people with mesothelioma were exposed to asbestos. When invisible asbestos fibers are breathed in, they get stuck in tiny air passages and the pleura, where scarring and inflammation can set in. This can damage the DNA of the cells and cause mesothelioma. If the fibers are swallowed, they can lodge in the abdominal lining and cause peritoneal mesothelioma. (Cancer.org)
Delaware Mesothelioma Attorneys
If you have developed mesothelioma from asbestos exposure, talk to one of the skilled mesothelioma attorneys below:
Jacobs & Crumplar, P.A.
750 Shipyard Drive #200
Wilmington DE 19801
(302) 600-1935
www.jcdelaw.com
This law firm possesses many years of experience handling complicated asbestos lawsuits. This firm focuses on major asbestos claims, including mesothelioma and lung cancer. It commits the firm’s full resources to every mesothelioma lawsuit settlement claim it takes on.
Napoli Shkolnik PLLC
919 North Market St., Suite 1801
Wilmington DE 19801
(844) 860 0949
www.napolilaw.com
At this mesothelioma law firm, its experienced personal injury attorneys know how difficult this type of diagnosis is. Most people whose lives have been touched by mesothelioma have serious financial and emotional issues to confront. If you developed mesothelioma because of the negligence of an employer, you have a right to be compensated.
Weitz & Luxenberg
220 Lake Drive East #210
Cherry Hill NJ 08002
(855) 977-9411
www.weitzlux.com
This law firm handles mesothelioma cases in New Jersey, Delaware, and Pennsylvania. If you or a loved one has been injured by asbestos and it was caused by the negligence of an employer or other entity, talk to Weitz & Luxenberg today to see if you are eligible for compensation.
Get Delaware Mesothelioma Legal Help Immediately
With over $30 billion available for Delaware 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
