Mesothelioma is a terrible cancer of the lung and abdominal lining caused by asbestos exposure. The most common type of the disease is pleural mesothelioma that forms in the lining of the lungs. (Cancer.org)
Occupational asbestos exposure is the usual cause of malignant mesothelioma. It is diagnosed in about 2,500 to 3,000 people per year. While asbestos use is much less prevalent today, thousands of workers who were exposed to the carcinogen decades ago still could be diagnosed with the disease.
Mesothelioma is preventable, but it was used as cheap fire insulation by many companies in Virginia for years, and these actions endangered workers’ lives. Today, Virginia workers are still being diagnosed with mesothelioma from exposure to asbestos from decades ago.
Virginia and Asbestos Exposure
Most asbestos exposure occurs at work in Virginia. Virginians who are not in heavy industrial and manufacturing occupations typically have a low risk of asbestos exposure.
However, there are naturally occurring deposits of asbestos in Virginia in the Blue Ridge Mountains, which runs from the Maryland border near Fairfax County and Washington, DC.
It was common for industrial and manufacturing companies in Virginia to use asbestos for heat and fire protection for decades because it was light and affordable. Thousands of workers in a variety of occupations risked serious health problems from working around asbestos. (asbestos.com)
Virginia Sites of Asbestos Exposure
Asbestos was used as affordable heat, fire, and chemical reaction protection in Virginia in mining, chemical plants, power plants, shipbuilding, and more. (mesothelioma.com)
Mining
Asbestos is a naturally-occurring mineral in Virginia. In past decades, some of the deposits were mined and exposed workers to asbestos hazards. Also, asbestos could be present in other Virginia mines, including coal and talc. Many miners and workers in processing facilities were exposed to asbestos and products that contained asbestos.
Chemical Plants
Many chemical facilities used asbestos in chemical processing because of its high resistance to heat and corrosion. Workers in these plants were often exposed to asbestos, which greatly enhanced their risk of getting mesothelioma or asbestosis. Some of the chemical companies in Virginia with asbestos problems are Dow Chemical, DuPont, Olin Mathieson Chemical, and Allied Chemical Corporation.
Power Plants
Asbestos is an outstanding insulator against electrical currents. It has been used in many power plants in Virginia. One study suggested that 13% of power plant workers had abnormalities related to asbestos on their X-rays. These workers are at higher risk of getting mesothelioma later in life.
Some of the worst power companies in terms of asbestos exposure are Potomac Electric Power Company, Virginia Electrical and Power Company, and Dan River Power and Manufacturing Company.
There was an incident in 2011 at Surry Power Station in Isle of Wight County that exposed a dozen contractors to airborne asbestos fibers. Contract employees hired by the power station were required to repair the old nuclear facility after a tornado forced the shutdown of two reactors.
Before any repair work could begin, the contractors were told that the job did not involve asbestos.
But when some pipes were removed from one of the turbine buildings, they were found to contain asbestos. The plant’s owner was Dominion Virginia Power and did not have air sampling equipment there, so the extent of the asbestos exposure is unknown.
Military
Military veterans have a greater chance of getting mesothelioma because of the high use of asbestos in the Navy, Coast Guard, Army, and Marines. Sewells Point Naval Complex and the Naval Amphibious Base have had cases of mesothelioma.
Virginia Sites of Asbestos Exposure
Some of the companies and sites where workers were exposed to asbestos in Virginia were:
- Exxon Mobile
- Garlock Sealing Technologies
- North Anna Powerhouse
- John Crane
- Crown Cork & Seal
- Little Creek Amphibious Base
- Proscience Analytical Services
- Surry Nuclear Power Plant
- E Luke Green Company, Inc.
Virginia Asbestos Exposure Laws
The Virginia Department of Quality and Department of Labor and Industry is involved in the state’s asbestos abatement procedures. Workers trained in state asbestos abatement procedures must be certified by the Virginia Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation through training courses. (DPOR.Virginia.gov)
The purpose of the asbestos abatement program in Virginia is to ensure that asbestos fibers are not released accidentally and that such dangerous materials are disposed of properly.
Virginia Mesothelioma Attorneys
Many workers in the industrial, manufacturing and mining sectors of the Virginia economy were exposed to asbestos and eventually developed mesothelioma. If this happened to you, please contact one of the attorneys below:
Chasen Boscolo Attorneys at Law
6402 Arlington Boulevard, #600
Falls Church, Virginia, 22042
(703) 538-2774
www.chasenboscolo.com
Were you diagnosed with mesothelioma in Virginia? You may have been exposed to asbestos in your work by a negligent company. The attorneys at Chasen Boscolo are skilled and experienced in these types of mesothelioma lawsuits. They may be able to get you compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
Michie Hamlett Attorneys at Law
310 4th St. NE
Charlottesville, Virginia, 22902
(434) 951-7200
www.michiehamlett.com
Any medical condition that is caused by a negligent employer can cause great emotional distress, medical bills, lost wages, and a diminished quality of life. That is why you should talk to the asbestos exposure attorneys at Michie Hamlett today so they can help you qualify for much-needed mesothelioma compensation.
Patten, Wornom, Hatten & Diamonstein
12350 Jefferson Avenue, Suite 300
Newport News, Virginia, 23602
(800) 951-7200
www.pwhd.com
This Newport News, Virginia, law firm first began representing asbestos exposure clients in 1954. Their asbestos attorneys have been successful holding negligent asbestos manufacturers accountable for their dangerous actions, and as a result, have collected millions of dollars in verdicts and settlements for clients.
Request Virginia 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.
