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Fort Worth - Asbestos & Mesothelioma Resources

Texas is the No. 5 state in the U.S. for mesothelioma cases, and many of these come from Fort Worth and the surrounding area. With so many cases of asbestosis and mesothelioma, coupled with the industrial history of the state, it is likely the current numbers will continue to rise. Asbestos exposure sites in Fort Worth, and throughout the state of Texas, are varied and cross a multitude of industries. As a result of exposure at asbestos-contaminated locations, many have contracted asbestos-related diseases.

Statistical Data

County	Asbestosis	Mesothelioma	Total
Dallas	52	114	166
Denton	2	7	9
Ellis	0	7	7
Johnson	4	6	10
Parker	1	4	5
Tarrant	25	81	106
Wise	0	0	0
Total	84	219	303

** This information is based on data that the Environmental Working Group collected from the Centers for Disease Control from 1979 through 1999. Mesothelioma was not considered a separate cause of death until 1998, which may cause figures to appear lower than reality. The numbers also do not consider non-mesothelioma deaths that were caused due to asbestos exposure, such as asbestos-induced lung cancer and gastrointestinal cancer.

Historical Asbestos Exposure Sites

Nearly anyone who has worked in the oil, power, or chemical industries is at a risk of asbestos exposure. Of particular interest in the Fort Worth area is the Carswell Air Force Base, a former U.S. Air Force Base that closed in 1994. The Air Force has an established history of asbestos use, and after its closure, Carswell also dealt with issues concerning leftover radiation.

Existing Asbestos Exposure Hazards

Fort Worth has several different sources of asbestos exposure hazards, many of which are related to the petroleum industry. Asbestos was often used in oil plants as a way to help cut down on the risk of fire and heat exposure. During the industrial revolution, it seemed like the perfect material for the job - resistant to heat, lightweight, durable, and cheap. It was used all throughout oil plants and could be found in insulation along pipes and wires, as well as in the protective clothing and uniforms that employees wore. The wear and tear of these items from regular use caused asbestos fibers to be released into the air, creating a health hazard. Like petroleum plants, the power and chemical industries in Texas also likely used asbestos for insulation purposes.

Fort Worth has other asbestos exposure risks. Because of its border along the Gulf Coast, it is not unusual for many Texas residents to have worked in shipyards, where asbestos was commonly used during ship construction. Asbestos was also used in homes as insulation, so those workers who were responsible for the initial installation, as well as remodeling and demolition, may have been exposed. Older homes should be regularly inspected for asbestos, as the extreme weather conditions in Texas can cause the asbestos to deteriorate or become exposed.

On top of these factors, asbestos is also occurs naturally in mines in Texas. Normally not a risk for the average population, asbestos deposits can be dangerous for anyone that has worked in the mining industry or who lives near commercial mines.

Legal Issues

Asbestos-related lawsuits are not new to Texas. For example, the ruling in the case of Pustejovsky vs. Rapid-American Corp. set the precedence for the state and the country. This case allowed asbestos victims to sue multiple times for asbestos injuries because it was determined that asbestos exposure could lead to other health problems later in life. This ruling allows victims who sued for asbestos exposure at one point to sue a second time, if they have additional medical problems that present themselves thereafter. If you have experienced illness or someone in your family has died as a result of asbestos exposure, you should contact a mesothelioma lawyer to learn more about your legal options.

Treatment Centers

Department Of Clinical Investigation
University of Texas, MD Anderson Cancer Center
1515 Holcombe Blvd., P.O. Box 39
Houston, Texas 77030
(713) 792-7959

Lone Star Oncology
11044 Research Blvd., Suite D400
Austin, Tx 78759
(512) 343-2103

S. R. Burzynski Clinic
9432 Old Katy, Suite 200
Houston, TX 77055
(713) 335-5697

Baylor Health Care
Dallas , Tx
1-800-4BAYLOR

San Antonio Cancer Institute
San Antonio , Tx
(210) 616-5798

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