Raleigh - Asbestos & Mesothelioma Resources

North Carolina has seen its own share of asbestos hazards. Aside from exposure to asbestos in the workplace, there are also natural deposits of asbestos throughout North Carolina. Understanding the risks of asbestos exposure in Raleigh will help you ensure that you are taking the necessary precautions to protect yourself, legally and medically.

Statistical Data

County	Asbestosis	Mesothelioma	Total
Chatham	1	6	7
Durham	10	8	18
Franklin	2	2	4
Granville	2	3	5
Harnett	1	7	8
Johnston	6	5	11
Nash	11	8	19
Wake	20	22	42
Total	53	61	114

** This information was gathered by the Environmental Working Group from statistics collected by the Centers for Disease Control between 1979 and 1999. The chart looks at Raleigh and the surrounding counties only. Totals for the entire state are much higher. Also, it is important to note is that prior to 1998, mesothelioma was not considered a separate cause of death, and therefore, totals may be lower than actually shown.

Historical Asbestos Exposure Sites

There are numerous historical asbestos exposure sites in North Carolina. Some of the most dangerous exposure sites are found in steel mills, power plants, and shipyards.

Steel mills and power plants used asbestos for the same reasons � to help protect against the high temperatures that occur during operations. Asbestos is easy to work with, inexpensive, resistant to heat, and does not conduct electricity. This made it an ideal material to use for insulation, gaskets, and even in protective gear. Unfortunately, as the asbestos aged or became damaged, it started to crumble, causing it to break off into the air where it is inhaled.

Marine industries like shipyards were also common exposure sites. Asbestos was used in shipbuilding until the 1980s, putting workers and crewmen at risk. Due to poor circulation and air quality in the ships, it was not uncommon for asbestos to be inhaled in the close quarters. Just like in power and manufacturing plants, asbestos was used in places where insulation against high temperatures was needed. In ships, it was also used in the floors and walls as soundproofing insulation.

There are also several exposure sites worth noting around Raleigh, North Carolina. These include:

Courthouse
North Carolina State College
Raleigh Chemical Plant

Existing Asbestos Exposure Hazards

Unfortunately, much of the asbestos originally installed and used in the historical exposure sites is still in place. This can cause an increased exposure risk as the asbestos starts to age and crumble. Because of this, many of the historical asbestos risks are still prominent.

Power plant, steel mills, and manufacturing industries are still high-risk areas where the original asbestos has yet to be replaced. While shipyards currently use little to no asbestos in manufacturing, old areas may still have asbestos-containing materials. Those renovating older ships are also at risk of asbestos exposure, as abatement methods can disturb the materials and release asbestos fibers into the air.

Another area of concern is the construction industry. Because demolition and remodeling can disturb existing asbestos insulation, workers are at risk when working in older buildings. Asbestos is not only found in insulation around wiring and pipes, but also in walls, floors, and ceilings.

Legal Issues

North Carolina has seen its share of asbestos-related law suits � approximately 50 in the past two years. Recently, Aqua-Chem has been one of the major defendants.

An important asbestos case, Raymond W. Williams vs. CSX Transportation, Inc., occurred in 2004. Williams had worked for the company as a railroad employee for nearly 40 years and was diagnosed with mesothelioma two years prior. Asbestos had been used in the construction materials, pipes, and boilers used by the company. The jury decided that CSX Transportation had been aware of the risks and had not taken actions to protect and warn employees. Williams received a $7.5 million verdict.

Treatment Centers

If you have been diagnosed with mesothelioma or another asbestos-related disease, it is important to seek medical treatment as soon as possible. Medical centers in North Carolina that have experience treating mesothelioma include:

Comprehensive Cancer Center at Wake Forest University
Medical Center Blvd.
Winston-Salem, NC 27157
(336) 716-2088

Duke Comprehensive Cancer Center
2424 Erwin Rd.
Hock Plaza Suite 601
Durham, NC 27705
(888) 275-3853

Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Department of General Surgery
Medical Center Blvd.
Winston-Salem, NC 27157
(336) 716-4276

Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center
450 West Dr.
Chapel Hill, NC 27599
(919) 966-4431

Mesothelioma News

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2009-01-07 14:37:02
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