History of Asbestos in Illinois
Located in the middle of the North American Continent, thousands of miles away from any ocean, Illinois has several natural resources that made the state vulnerable to asbestos in the 20th century.
The state borders Lake Michigan and since all the great lakes (Superior, Heron, Ontario, Erie and Michigan) are connected, Illinois had access to what is essentially a fresh water ocean—and the ability to ship throughout the northern Midwest and Canada. As such, shipbuilding is a key component in the state's economic and asbestos history, as is manufacturing.
Asbestos was heavily used in the shipbuilding industry. The mineral is composed of microscopic fibers that can be woven into fabric or used for insulation. Additionally, asbestos is heat and flame resistant and very durable. Because of these benefits, it was applied as insulation and fireproofing in most ships built during the era.
Illinois also has several oil fields and all of the major oil companies are represented. Because fire was naturally a very serious concern for oil fields and refineries, significant fire safety precautions were taken that included the use of asbestos in buildings, equipment and even worker clothing. While alternatives to the deadly substance were available, they were not as cost effective and so thousands of people were exposed to asbestos and left with the risk of developing mesothelioma and other asbestos diseases so that companies could turn a higher profit.
Companies with Possible Asbestos Exposure
The list of Illinois companies and organizations that are believed to have exposed workers and the public to asbestos is extensive and includes such prominent companies as these, among others:
- Owens Illinois, Inc.
- Sears & Roebuck
- Caterpillar Tractor
- John Deere Factory
- Johnson & Johnson plant
- Scott Air Force Base
- Wonderbread
- Chrysler
- Kraft Foods
- Mobile Oil Refinery
- Acme Steel Company
- General Foods
- Nabisco
- Reynolds Metal Company
- Sherwin Williams
Many others have been implicated in exposing workers to asbestos. These include hospitals, schools, power plants, and oil refineries. If you lived in Illinois or elsewhere and know that you worked directly with asbestos products or in a facility where asbestos dust may have been present, it is essential that you contact your physician as soon as possible for a mesothelioma screening.
Asbestos-related Deaths in Illinois
Several organizations, including the Center for Disease control, monitor death certificates for cause of death and they have compiled some statistics on mesothelioma. The Environmental Working Group published a report indicating that asbestos related deaths in Illinois in the years 1979 – 2001 totaled 1713. Mesothelioma was responsible for the majority of those deaths: a tragic 1291 cases.
Where to Get Help
If you or a loved one has recently been diagnosed with mesothelioma, you may be overwhelmed. Many decisions, such as where to seek treatment, finding a doctor, and how to pay for your medical bills are likely on your mind. As mesothelioma attorneys helping clients in Illinois, we've become familiar with a number of resources in the state that you may find helpful:
Mesothelioma Treatment Centers in Illinois:
Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center of Northwestern University
Olson 8250
710 North Fairbanks Court
Chicago, Illinois 60611
Patient Information: (312) 908-5250
University of Chicago Cancer Research Center
Duchossois Center for Advanced Medicine
5758 S. Maryland Avenue
Chicago, Illinois 60637-1426
Patient Information: 888-824-0200 or 773-834-7206
Midwestern Regional Medical Center
2520 Elisha Avenue
Zion, Illinois 60099
800-322-9183
Rush University Medical Center
1653 W. Congress Parkway,
Chicago, Illinois 60612
312-942-5000
Leading Mesothelioma Doctors in Illinois
Dr. Hedy Lee Kindler
The University of Chicago Medical Center
5841 S. Maryland
MC 2115
Chicago, Illinois 60637
Phone: 773-702-0360
If you are seeking an Illinois mesothelioma attorney, the lawyers at Simon, Eddins & Greenstone, LLP have a history of working with mesothelioma cases in the state. We are trial attorneys and have a nationwide presence in asbestos litigation including the training, experience and resources to take your case through every step of the process.
In Illinois, one of our mesothelioma attorneys will personally handle your case—you will not be referred elsewhere. If you're not sure if you have the basis for a lawsuit or have other questions about your asbestos exposure or mesothelioma, contact us for a free, no obligation consultation. We know your time is precious and we'll do everything we can to make the process easy on you and your family. 866-632-7574.