History of Asbestos in Idaho
Naturally occurring asbestos is present throughout much of the northern panhandle of Idaho. In the early 20th century, these deposits were mined extensively for the purposes of fabricating asbestos products. During this time, Idaho miners were subjected to an exorbitant amount of airborne asbestos. Oftentimes, this exposure led to asbestos-related illnesses such as mesothelioma.
Idaho's asbestos mines have been closed for several decades. Additionally, pockets of asbestos in the state are primarily located in the low-populated mountainous regions of Idaho. As such, the potential for exposure to naturally occurring asbestos over the past few decades has been relatively minimal in the state of Idaho.
Idaho also benefits from a largely agricultural economy. Agricultural products such as fertilizer and vermiculite have at times been contaminated with asbestos. Several Idaho industries have been identified as potential places for asbestos exposure. These include power plants, paper mills, chemical plants and any other manufacturing facilities that incorporate high heat into the production process. Facilities such as these frequently used asbestos products for the purposes of flame retardation.
Companies with Possible Asbestos Exposure
A number of Idaho facilities and worksites have been identified as potential locations for asbestos exposure. Buildings and structures that either handled asbestos products or incorporated asbestos products into the construction of their facilities include, but are not limited to:
- Amalgamated Sugar
- Bettis Atomic Power Lab
- Boise Cascade Fertilizer Plant
- Boise Cascade Paper Mill
- Capital High School, Boise
- College of Idaho
- FMC Corp.
- Idaho Electric Power & Water
- Idaho Falls Naval Training Facility
- Idaho Nuclear Corporation
- Intermountain Gas Company
- J.R. Simplot Processing
- Jaype Stud Mill & Plywood Plant
- Lamb Weston
- Laminated Wood Products
- Latter Day Saints Hospital
- Lewiston Grade School
- Monsanto Chemical Plant
- Mountain Home Air Force Base
- National Reactor Testing Station
- Pack River Lumber
- Phillips Petroleum
- Potlatch Paper Mill
- Saint Alphonsus Hospital
- Terminal Ice and Cold Storage
- University of Idaho
- Waters Asbestos Supply
- Westinghouse Electric
Asbestos-related Deaths in Idaho
Records related to mesothelioma deaths and death rates only go back a few decades. Between the years of 1979 and 2000, a retroactive study that looked at death certificates of U.S. citizens estimated that 96 to 156 people in Idaho died from mesothelioma during that 20-year time period.
In 1999, the U.S. government enacted more precise record-keeping practices related to mesothelioma. Between the years of 1999 and 2004, 68 Idaho residents died from mesothelioma. These numbers are expected to remain fairly constant over the next few years, despite the fact that the majority of asbestos products have been banned in America since the 1980s.
Where to Get Help
Idaho cancer treatment facilities include:
St. Luke's Mountain States Tumor Institute
St. Luke's Boise Medical Center
190 East Bannock Street
Boise, Idaho 83712-9987
Patient Information: 208-381-1200
Saint Alphonsus Regional Medical Center
1055 No. Curtis Road
Boise, Idaho 83706
Patient Information: 208-367-2121
Idaho Mesothelioma Attorneys
An Idaho mesothelioma attorney is the smart choice for those wishing to file a claim against previous employers or other parties located in Idaho. Mesothelioma attorneys will file claims on your behalf, work to collect evidence and, if necessary, argue your case in an Idaho courtroom.
Simon, Eddins & Greenstone, LLP, has an entire team of mesothelioma lawyers who understand Idaho state law. We have devoted considerable time to mesothelioma cases across the United States and have contributed to many successful mesothelioma case verdicts. In the past, many of our clients have received multi-million dollar settlements.
For a free, no obligation consultation, we invite you to contact our offices. An experienced mesothelioma attorney will work with you to evaluate your Idaho case. 888-632-7574.