
With an estimated death toll of over 2,500 people, California is the state with the fifth highest rate of mesothelioma fatalities. Many workers in California’s powerhouses, power plants, construction sites and shipyards were exposed to asbestos. Most of these responsible California companies that manufactured installed or sold asbestos products had some knowledge of the deadly hazards of asbestos and the risks involved as early as 1920.
California’s population has grown over the years, thus creating an increased in demand for housing. This has led to the construction of new housing developments, where construction activity has exposed these serpentine deposits, leading to the release of asbestos particles into the air. If you have been exposed to asbestos, you should seek diagnosis from a doctor who is specialized in asbestos-related diseases. Most doctors focusing on asbestos disease today are trained in respiratory, oncology, thoracic surgery or occupational medicine, or other related fields.
Studies have shown that even though a large percent of asbestos-related cases are due to exposure at the workplace, family members of asbestos workers are also at risk of asbestos exposure. Family members can be at risk due to fibers brought home on the clothing of an asbestos worker. The Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATDSR) recommends the following steps to help reduce the risk of asbestos exposure symptoms at home:
In California alone, there are around 25 oil refineries, about 20 major shipyards and marine repair facilities, as well as 11 power plants and energy generation facilities. Mining and smelting operations are also located throughout the state. The San Diego Navy Base is one of the largest U.S. Navy Base in California. Asbestos insulation was known to be used in the shipbuilding and marine repair industry, particularly those of the U.S. Navy.
In California, slightly over half of asbestos-related fatalities were due to the rare asbestos cancer mesothelioma. California mesothelioma lawsuits have a history of ruling in favor of the victims of asbestos-related diseases. Verdicts in most of these cases brought on behalf of the victims by California mesothelioma lawyers are often awarded for damages to victims in excess of $1 million dollars.