Asbestos was a commonly used product in Arizona and the rest of the United States. Asbestos was used in thousands of construction and industrial products because it was inexpensive, readily available, and extremely durable and fire and heat resistant. However, if asbestos is inhaled or ingested, the thin fibers that make up this mineral can cause mesothelioma, asbestosis and lung cancer.
Prior to asbestos usage tapering off in the 1980s, Arizona had a large asbestos industry especially in and around such areas as Phoenix, Tuscan, Scottsdale and Yuma. According to the U.S. Geological Survey, Arizona has over 100 naturally occurring asbestos sites, the vast majority of which are chrysotile asbestos –the type of asbestos that accounts for over 90% of the asbestos used in the United States.
Arizona had operating asbestos mines in the 1950s and 1960s. Arizona housed power plants and smelting operations which also used large amounts of asbestos in their operations. Additionally, Arizona was the home of one of W.R. Grace’s vermiculite packing plants, called Solomon’s Mines, reputed to be contaminated with asbestos form amphiboles.
Between the 1980s and the early 2000s, nearly 500 cases of mesothelioma have been reported among Arizona residents. Mesothelioma has a long latency period of 30 to 50 years from time of initial exposure to development of the disease. Many in Arizona are concerned that more asbestos-related disease will develop among workers and/or their families either previously exposed or still being exposed through activities that disturb in-place asbestos products. Although asbestos use is now highly restricted and regulated, exposure is still possible to anyone involved in repair, renovation or demolition of buildings or products that contain asbestos.
If you live in Arizona and have been diagnosed with mesothelioma, contact the lawyers at Clapper, Patti, Schweizer and Mason today. One of our experienced mesothelioma lawyers will travel to meet with you, and after your initial interview, begin compiling information about your case to help you get financial compensation for your injury.