Mesothelioma is a rare cancer, but it is one of the deadliest. With only 3,000 cases diagnosed annually, the vast majority of victims live little more than a year. Most mesothelioma victims are diagnosed in the late stage 4 stages when treatment options are limited.
Mesothelioma is caused by invisible shards of asbestos embedding themselves into the lungs and abdominal tissue. Over the years, the body cannot rid itself of the toxic fibers. They can cause mutations to form that lead to cancer in the lungs, lead to cancer in the abdomen, and very rarely in the heart or testicles.
Iowa and Asbestos Exposure
It is estimated from 1999 to 2015 that 432 Iowans died from mesothelioma. The state has a mesothelioma mortality rate of roughly nine people each year who die from mesothelioma.
Iowa is largely flatlands, so there are no known deposits of asbestos in this state. The most asbestos-related deaths in the state are in Linn and Polk counties. (mesothelioma.net)
Iowa Sites of Asbestos Exposure
Iowa does not contain any naturally-occurring asbestos deposits, but many industries in the state once heavily relied on asbestos in their operations:
Power Plants
Many power plant workers had to work with materials that contained asbestos on a regular basis. Asbestos’ heat and chemical resistance made it the perfect mineral for this industry. Wolf Creek Generating Station and Duane Arnold Energy Center were two power plants that used asbestos. If you worked at either of these power stations before the 1980s, you may have been heavily exposed to asbestos.
Agriculture
Iowa is #2 in the country for the production of agriculture. About 90% of its land is used for farming. Iowa has rich soil, and while there is no risk of natural asbestos, people who work in agriculture still can be exposed. Farm machinery may have asbestos-containing products, such as brake pads and gaskets. Agricultural suppliers such as the Iowa Farmer Tool Company put those in the industry at risk of asbestos exposure.
Manufacturing
Many heavy manufacturers used asbestos all over the country, but Fort Dodge in Iowa has a long history of gypsum manufacturing. Gypsum is mined and processed to be used in drywall and plaster, and these products often were combined with asbestos to make them fireproof and more durable. The heavy use of asbestos in these products put many workers at risk for developing mesothelioma.
Chemical Plants
Asbestos is durable against chemical reactions, and it is an important mineral for chemical plants. Irwin Chemical Company, as well as USI Chemical Company in this state, are known to have exposed chemical plant workers to asbestos.
Military
The US Naval Reserves has an aviation base in Ottumwa that is one of the hundreds of bases that heavily used asbestos-containing materials. Buildings on these bases, as well as on many vessels, all used asbestos-containing products in construction. Many military veterans were put at high risk of mesothelioma.
Asbestos Superfund Sites in Iowa
There are no shipyards in this state that pose any risk to workers or residents. But there are several sites on the EPA’s Superfund list, and some of them have asbestos issues.
E.I. DuPont de Nemours and Company
DuPont is one of the biggest chemical manufacturers today. DuPont operated for years in Lee County in Iowa. The facilities in Iowa were polluted with years of chemical waste. The water and soil around the area were contaminated with asbestos and dangerous metals. The site was put on the Superfund list in 1990. It continues to be cleaned up to this day.
John Deere
John Deere is a well-known builder of manufacturing equipment, including bulldozers and backhoes. It has a 1,500-acre property that is new Dubuque that has been in operation since 1948. Over time, there was a lot of contamination at the site, including asbestos and heavy metals. The site was put on the Superfund list in 1988. It has been extensively cleaned up, but it continues to be monitored today.
What Causes Mesothelioma?
Mesothelioma is deadly cancer affecting the lung and abdominal linings that is caused by asbestos exposure in industrial and manufacturing work, among others. Asbestos also can be brought home on workers’ clothing. Family members can be exposed to asbestos for years and eventually get an asbestos-related condition.
When asbestos was used in insulation, gaskets, brake lining, and many other products, the tiny shards of fibers could become airborne. They could easily breathe in or swallowed. The asbestos can lodge there for many years. Genetic mutations years later can lead to cancer. (Cancer.org)
Iowa Asbestos Exposure Laws
In Iowa, a contractor that does any work with asbestos must obtain a permit. People who work on asbestos projects must have an asbestos license. (Iowadivisionoflabor.gov)
Iowa Mesothelioma Attorneys
If you have been injured by asbestos exposure, you may want to consider speaking to one of the asbestos cancer attorneys below.
Vogelzang Law
401 North Michigan Ave., #350
Chicago IL 60611
(312) 466-1669
www.vogelzanglaw.com
Vogelzang Law has more than 20 years of experience bringing asbestos and other toxic tort cases to trial. Their mesothelioma attorneys near you have essential experience in the medical and legal complexities of cases involving asbestos exposure and mesothelioma. Vogelzang Law has obtained more than $200 million in mesothelioma settlements and payouts, and most asbestos lawsuits are concluded within a year.
Johnston & Martineau LLP
699 Walnut Street
Des Moines IA 50309
(515) 493-4878
www.desmoinesinjurylaw.com
This mesothelioma personal injury lawsuit law firm is built on offering the best service coupled with deep knowledge of asbestos exposure and mesothelioma diagnoses. These qualities have provided this firm with a proven history of success winning large settlements and verdicts in mesothelioma cancer cases.
Belin & McCormick Attorneys At Law
666 Walnut Street #2000
Des Moines IA 50309
(515) 283-4613
www.belinmccormick.com
Attorneys at this respected law firm have been involved with asbestos lawsuits since 19888. They have represented state, national and international claims, including asbestosis, lung cancer, and mesothelioma. Belin & McCormick can help you and your family obtain the justice you deserve.
Get Iowa Mesothelioma Legal Help Immediately
With over $30 billion available for Iowa 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
