If you live and work in Massachusetts and have been there for years, there is a good chance you were exposed to asbestos. Long term exposure to asbestos can cause mesothelioma, lung cancer, and asbestosis. This is a deadly, aggressive cancer that is caused by breathing in or swallowing invisible fibers of asbestos. Over time, the body cannot get the asbestos out. So it lies dormant in the body for years, until scarring and possible mesothelioma develop.
Mesothelioma is one of the worst cancers with five-year survivability of 10% for pleural mesothelioma. Most workers who have mesothelioma today were exposed 10 to 40 years ago. Many victims do not get diagnosed until the later malignant mesothelioma stages when cancer is much harder to treat. (mesothelioma.com)
Massachusetts and Asbestos Exposure
It is estimated that 1,289 in this state died from mesothelioma from 1999 to 2015. Massachusetts has one of the highest rates of death to mesothelioma in the country with 12 people per million. It has four known sites of asbestos contamination, including two mines and two natural deposits. Plymouth County had a mesothelioma death rate of 19 people per million from 2000 to 2009, making it among the worst 50 states in the US. (NIH.gov)
Massachusetts and Sites of Asbestos Exposure
There are several industries in the state that contribute to the higher than normal mesothelioma death rate.
Mining
There are two active asbestos mines located around Pittsfield and the Harvard Forest area close to the Quabbin Reservoir. While the last active mine in the United States closed down in 2002, commercial mining operations such as this one can have long-term health effects decades after mine closure. One of the asbestos mines was operated by the WR Grace and Company, which made many asbestos products and was a polluter according to the EPA.
Manufacturing
Asbestos was frequently put in schools in the 1940s through the 1960s to prevent fire. It has affected many schools in Massachusetts. For example, Middleboro Junior High and High schools, Needham High School, and Dartmouth High School are small examples of Massachusetts schools where teachers and students have a risk of asbestos exposure.
Shipbuilding
Shipyard employees faced a high risk of asbestos exposure for decades. Asbestos was heavily used in the shipbuilding and repair trades. It was used in everything from boilers to sleeping areas. Massachusetts had several shipyards running for many years, such as Fore River Shipyard and Bethlehem Hingham Shipyard.
Military
Asbestos was used a lot in the military, especially when Naval vessels were built. US Naval Drydock in Charlestown and Bedford Air Force Base are two military facilities that are known to contain asbestos.
Asbestos Superfund Sites in Massachusetts
Massachusetts has had several sites added to the EPA’s Superfund list. A few sites are contaminated with asbestos. Also, five currently operating shipyards in the state still pose a risk of asbestos exposure.
Fore River Shipyard
This shipyard opened in 1884 and eventually produced more than 600 ships. The shipyard also was several other names before it was closed in 1986. It produced many ships during World War I and II. Many men and women who worked at the shipyard in this period were exposed to asbestos.
Charleston Navy Yard
This shipyard was established in the mid-1800s and was a major center for naval vessels for decades. Thousand of workers were employed around the clock to build warships, all of which used asbestos extensively.
Bethlehem Hingham Shipyard
At the height of World War II production, this shipyard could produce a new ship every 10 months. There were 30,000 workers here at that time and many were exposed to asbestos for decades.
What Causes Mesothelioma?
Mesothelioma is nearly always cancer that affects the lung and abdominal organ lining that is caused by asbestos exposure. It is breathed on or swallowed by workers who can contract mesothelioma or asbestos years later affecting the lung and abdominal linings that are caused by asbestos exposure in many types of blue-collar work. Asbestos also can be brought home on the clothing of workers. Family members can be exposed to asbestos for years and eventually be diagnosed with mesothelioma. There are several reported cases of second-hand asbestos exposure that led to mesothelioma in family members.
When asbestos was used in insulation, gaskets, brake lining, and many other products, the tiny shards of fibers can be 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)
Massachusetts Mesothelioma Attorneys
Many workers in Massachusett’s various industries have been exposed to asbestos over the years. If you have mesothelioma, talk to one of these mesothelioma attorneys:
Joel H. Schwartz, P.C.
1 Washington Mall #16
Boston MA 02108
(617) 600-0439
www.joelhschwartz.com
This skilled law firm has dealt with many mesothelioma lawsuits over 50 years. Their mesothelioma cancer attorneys have helped them to receive the much-needed compensation to which they were entitled. If you have mesothelioma, you could be entitled to medical costs in the past, present, and future, pain and suffering, and lost earnings.
Altman & Altman Attorneys at Law
10 Post Office Square
Boston MA 02109
(800) 481-6199
www.altmanllp.com
The attorneys at Altman & Altman know a mesothelioma diagnosis is a tough time for your family. This firm knows how to handle a mesothelioma lawsuit from start to finish and offer you the needed legal information to place your mind at ease. The attorneys here have negotiated tens of millions of dollars in jury awards and claims for clients.
Naumes Law Group
2 Granite Ave. #425
Milton MA 02186
(844) 826-8445
www.naumeslaw.com
Attorney Naumes has spent a good part of his career representing mesothelioma victims. If you are suffering from mesothelioma, contact him right away for the most individualized and responsive legal representation in Massachusetts.
Get Massachusetts Asbestos Legal Help Immediately
With over $30 billion available for Massachusetts 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
