Related Topics ► Other TopicsWyoming (WY) Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure
Wyoming is the tenth largest state in America, but it has the lowest population. The state also features a couple of naturally occurring asbestos veins that run through the state, which are located in sparsely populated areas. They have also never been mined for commercial purposes. There are, however, a lot of industries that imported asbestos and asbestos-containing materials (ACM).
Asbestos is found naturally as a long thin fiber. This makes it incredibly easy to work with and add to other products. The ancient cultures wove it into a fabric to use as cleaning rags and even shrouds for cremations. Asbestos is fire-resistant, dampens sound, doesn't conduct electricity and does not react readily with chemicals. It is cheap and was used extensively as insulation in homes, machines, and around pipes. Throughout several decades, asbestos was used in thousands of industrial, commercial, and domestic products.
At-Risk Occupations and Locations in Wyoming
People who worked in oil refineries were likely to have been exposed to varying levels of asbestos fibers. Not only were pipes wrapped with asbestos, ACMs were also used in many of the machines. When the machines were in operation, the asbestos would eventually fray and send particles into the air. Refining also involves heat. Often the workers in these areas were issued suits for protection. Ironically, the suits were often made with asbestos. Once the outer fabric of the suit wore through, asbestos fibers were easily released into the air. Many of the outfits included a helmet and hood. When asbestos fibers found their way inside the suit, the worker wearing the gear would breathe in asbestos particles. There are oil refineries all over the state in towns such as Sinclair, Riverton, Casper, and Cheyenne.
Two other industries in the state have also been spotlighted as potential sources of asbestos exposure, including power and chemical plants. Power plants can be found in Glenrock, Bridger, Wheatland, Kemmerer, and Rock Springs. There are also a few chemical plants in Green River. Both of these employers are fairly notorious for having exposed their employees to asbestos.
One current profession that still has the potential for asbestos exposure is the construction industry. Large amounts of asbestos were used in numerous building materials. When a contractor or developer wants to tear down or renovate an old building or home, not only do they have to be concerned about the potential of asbestos insulation, they also need to worry about asbestos in ceiling tiles, floor tiles, wall board, roofing products, and even some adhesives, among others. The Environmental Protection Agency has set up guidelines for asbestos inspections and abatements prior to any construction or destruction.
Asbestos-Related Deaths in Wyoming
There were 67 asbestos-related deaths in Wyoming between 1979 and 1999. The only other state to have fewer deaths was Alaska at 48 in the same time period. Experts expect the number of asbestos-related medical cases to keep going up over the next few years.
A total of 32 deaths occurred from asbestosis during the same twenty-year time period. Asbestosis is a scarring of the lungs that will eventually lead to severe shortness of breath and even death. The people who suffer from this disease also have a higher potential for developing lung cancer and mesothelioma. Asbestosis is treatable if it is caught before the scarring progresses to far, although it cannot be cured.
Mesothelioma is much rarer and is a very aggressive form of cancer. In most states, the number of deaths from mesothelioma can outstrip those from asbestos by as much as three to one, but, in Wyoming, they run neck and neck.
Legal Resources for Wyoming Residents
There are not many court cases regarding asbestos in Wyoming. A case filed in February of 2008 involves the estate of a man who died of mesothelioma. The estate has included about 69 corporations in its suit and seeks damages as compensation for the death of the decedent.
If you think that you may have reason to file this kind of suit in Wyoming, one of the first things you need to know is that the statute of limitations for this kind of case is four years. This time frame begins when the asbestos-related damage is discovered, or should have been discovered. Make sure to take the time to find a good experienced lawyer, as these cases are best handled by an experienced mesothelioma attorney.
State Index
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2008-11-20 15:50:02
The Oneida County Office Building in Utica, New York has recently tested negative for airborne asbestos. Apparently though, that isn't good enough for the union, which represents county employees. Uni ...Read More
- Asbestos Tests Show New Jersey Sports Field Poses No Risk
2008-11-20 15:36:54
Asbestos was discovered last month at a public area in Lyndhurst, New Jersey, which prompted concerns that there may be exposure risks for locals. Now, however, those fears have been allayed, as tests ...Read More - EPA and Vermont Working Together to Solve Asbestos Mine Problem
2008-11-20 15:19:39
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