Mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer that begins in the lining of various organs of the body. The most common form is pleural mesothelioma that is diagnosed in 80% of cases, which grows in the lining of the lungs and chest cavity. Peritoneal mesothelioma comprises 20% of cases and affects the tissue surrounding the abdominal organs. (Cancer.net)
The three major types of mesothelioma are epithelioid, sarcomatoid, and biphasic. Epithelioid is the most responsive to chemotherapy, but the disease generally has a poor prognosis. The five-year survivability rate is between 5-10%. Mesothelioma is diagnosed in approximately 3,000 people per year.
Almost all types of mesothelioma are caused by occupational asbestos exposure. When asbestos-containing products are disturbed or handled, invisible shards of the carcinogen go airborne and can be inhaled or swallowed. Over the years, asbestos particles stuck in the body can cause inflammation and scarring, which may lead to mesothelioma.
Idaho and Asbestos Exposure
Most asbestos exposure in Idaho occurs on the job. However, there are several asbestos deposits scattered across Idaho, such as the former Kamiah deposit. This was the only asbestos-producing mine in the state that was home to dangerous anthophyllite and tremolite asbestos.
Idaho Sites of Asbestos Exposure
Idaho companies used asbestos in their daily operations to protect against heat, fire, and chemical reactions. Workers in the state were frequently exposed through insulation in buildings, machinery, and even in protective clothing.
Mining
The US Geological Survey has identified several Idaho sites where asbestos occurs naturally. Most of the dangerous deposits are in the Idaho panhandle. In addition to the Kamiah Mine, Idaho has the Blacktail asbestos prospect, the Teakean prospect, the Olson asbestos prospect, and several others that are unnamed.
Asbestos deposits in Idaho are in various host rocks, such as talc, iron oxide and magnesite. When these minerals have been mined over the years, asbestos fibers may have been released into the air. Asbestos also can become airborne from natural weathering.
Agriculture
Idaho is best known for its potato crops, but there are other important crops in the state. Some farms have been known to expose workers to asbestos by using agricultural fillers and other materials that contain asbestos.
Some of the companies that exposed workers to this danger were Utah-Idaho Sugar Company, Carnation Milk Products Company, and Amalgamated Sugar Company. Asbestos was common in agricultural machines, food transportation trucks, and food processing facilities.
Power Plants
The Idaho National Laboratory was a research facility for nuclear energy. Because of the electricity and heat produced by a nuclear reactor, immense amounts of asbestos were used at this facility. Other power plants in Idaho that have had asbestos problems are AEC Atomic Plant, US Atomic Energy Corporation, and Westinghouse Idaho Nuclear Company.
Steel
While Idaho is not a major steel producer, there are some small steel companies in the state that exposed workers to asbestos. These include Western Steel, Bunker Hill Smelter, and Gate City Steel.
Lumber and Paper
Because of its large forests, Idaho has long been a major contributor to the country’s lumber and paper needs. The Potlatch Corporation’s large forest is just one site in the state that exposed workers and visitors to asbestos. Other sites include Boise Cascade Paper Mill and the Pulp Mill Warehouse.
ARRCOM
This is a one-acre plot of land that is three miles from Rathdrum, Idaho. It was a waste oil recycling facility that was in operation from 1960 until 1980.
The big concern here for the EPA was oil sludge and solvents used during recycling, but there also is asbestos waste at the site. Workers and cleanup specialists were exposed to asbestos in oil containers and machinery at the site.
Idaho Job Sites with Asbestos Exposure
Some of the companies and sites with asbestos problems in Idaho include:
- Boise Cascade Corporation
- Fluor Corporation
- Northwest Roads Company
- Plateau Supplies Company
- Monsanto Company
- Union Pacific Railroad Company
- Western Equipment Company
- Westvaco Mineral Production
- Southern Industries Piping
Idaho Asbestos Exposure Laws
The EPA and the Idaho Department of Environmental Quality regulate the abatement and disposal of materials containing asbestos from any building that involves demolition, renovation, construction, repair, and general maintenance.
EPA works with the state government to certify and license asbestos abatement contractors, audits asbestos-abatement projects, and enforces state and federal laws for the removal and disposal of materials containing asbestos. (DEQ.Idaho.gov)
One site that has been overseen by the Department of Environmental Quality is the Priest River landfill in Boise. It was polluted for decades with asbestos, metals, and chemicals. It is now being converted into a waterfront park by the Department. The removal of the asbestos began in 2010.
Idaho Mesothelioma Attorneys
If you have been diagnosed with mesothelioma in Idaho, please contact one of the attorneys below to see if you have a case:
Browning Law Personal Injury
1615 Grandview Drive
Idaho Falls, Idaho, 83402
(208) 542-2700
www.browninglaw.net
The mission at Browning Law is to help people who have been injured due to the negligence of other parties such as a personal injury mesothelioma lawsuit. If you were exposed to asbestos in Idaho and have mesothelioma, this law firm may help you obtain mesothelioma compensation, such as past and future medical care, pain and suffering, and lost wages.
Lowe Law Group
1655 West Fairview Avenue, Suite 112
Boise, Idaho, 83702
(208) 904-4224
www.lowelawgroup.com
Lowe Law Group is highly experienced in toxic tort litigation, such as asbestos claims lawsuits after death. Their attorneys have recovered millions of dollars for Idaho mesothelioma victims over the years. Lowe Law Group will aggressively represent your rights and hold the companies that exposed you to danger needlessly accountable for their actions.
Request Idaho Mesothelioma Legal Help
With over $30 billion available for victims through asbestos bankruptcy trust funds, you are entitled to financial compensations without ever filing an asbestos, lung cancer or mesothelioma lawsuit. You need legal representation to get started. Mesothelioma & lung cancer victims qualify immediately. Complete the form or call us toll-free (800) 352-0871 immediately.
