History of Asbestos in Massachusetts
As one of the oldest states in the Union, Massachusetts has a long history in commerce and industry. The state's location along the Atlantic Ocean made it prime real estate for shipbuilding companies that produced both naval and commercial vessels.
During the years of heavy industrial asbestos use, the state was also home to steel foundries, gas refineries, and power plants—all known for their use of asbestos in processes, parts, equipment and facilities.
Massachusetts has two naturally occurring asbestos deposits near Pittsfield and Quabbin Reservoir. Perhaps worse are the thousands of tons of asbestos-contaminated vermiculite shipped to the Zonolite plant from the infamous W.R. Grace's Libby, Montana, mine.
Asbestos is a mineral found in deposits around the world and in numerous states around the country. It is made up of microscopic fibers that are resistant to heat, flame electricity and friction, are extremely durable, and can be used to produce insulation, fire proofing and numerous other industrial and construction products.
When raw asbestos or asbestos products are disturbed or wear, they release the microscopic fibers into the environment where they can be swallowed or breathed in and can cause disease such as asbestosis, lung cancer and mesothelioma as many as 50 years later.
Industries with Possible Asbestos Exposure
Because of the state's long and prosperous history in industry, the list of companies that produced asbestos products or that used asbestos on their premises, in processes or in equipment is extremely long. If you were employed in any of these industries in Massachusetts during the 20th century, and especially before 1980, be sure to discuss your possible asbestos exposure with your doctor. If you don't see your industry listed, but are concerned because you think you may have been exposed to asbestos, make talking with your physician a priority.
- Manufacturing—especially, but not limited to, textiles, paper, chemicals, tires, insulation, fire proofing materials, heat resistance materials, fertilizers and potting soils.
- U.S. Armed Forces—especially, but not limited to, if you worked on ships' plumbing, heating, engines or power generation or around these areas of the ship. Barracks, vehicles and planes also frequently contained asbestos. Bases and training facilities in the state have also been implicated.
- Power and gas companies—power plants, generators, power stations, installing and maintaining electrical lines or telephone equipment, lines and wires, among others.
- Shipbuilding—commercial and government, sailors and other ships' crew personnel, and others.
- Construction—nearly all trades, especially those in demolition or renovation.
- Railroad
- Steel foundries
These industries have been implicated among numerous others. Also, most public buildings, universities and schools built between 1850 and 1970 contained asbestos and it may have been released into the air during demolition or renovation.
Asbestos-related Deaths in Massachusetts
The Environmental Working Group reports that in the years between 1979 and 2001, 1372 asbestos related deaths occurred in the state. Of those, 613 were attributed to mesothelioma.
Where to Get Help
Massachusetts is home to two prominent and leading mesothelioma research and treatment organizations: Harvard Medical School and Massachusetts Institute of Technology, David H. Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research.
Dana-Farber/Harvard Cancer Center
Dana-Farber Cancer Institute
44 Binney Street,
Boston, Massachusetts 02115
617-632-2100
David H. Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research at MIT
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
77 Massachusetts Avenue, Room E17-110
Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139-4307
617-253-8511
Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center
55 Fruit Street
Boston, MA 02114
617-726-5130
Leading Mesothelioma Doctors in Massachusetts
Dr. Richard Kraiden
Pulmonary Pathologist
Massachusetts General Hospital
Boston, MA 02114
Dr. David Sugarbaker
Dana Farber Cancer Institute & Brighams & Womens Hospital
75 Francis St.
Boston, MA 02115
617-732-6824
Dr. Raphael Bueno
Brigham and Women's Hospital, Division of Thoracic Surgery
75 Francis Street
Boston, Massachusetts 02115
617-732-8148
Dr. Pasi Janne
Dana-Farber Cancer Institute
44 Binney Street
Dana 1234
Boston, MA 02115
617-632-6875
Dr. Jeanne M. Lukanich
Brigham and Women's Hospital
Division of Thoracic Surgery
75 Francis Street
Boston, Massachusetts 02215
617-732-6824
Dr. Arthur T. Skarin
Harvard Medical School, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute
44 Binney Street
Dana 1234
Boston, Massachusetts 02115
617-632-3468
Dr. Lambros Zellos
Brigham and Women's Hospital
75 Francis Street
Boston, Massachusetts 02215
617-732-6824
If you have been diagnosed with mesothelioma and need help paying your medical bills, contact a Massachusetts mesothelioma attorney. Simon, Eddins & Greenstone, LLP has worked with mesothelioma clients in Massachusetts and has experience with the state's asbestos and mesothelioma laws.
We helped a Massachusetts gentleman who developed mesothelioma after being exposed to asbestos products through his work in residential and commercial heating to be compensated $3, 458, 646.60 after attorney's fees and expenses.*
We can help you research who is responsible for your asbestos exposure and help you hold them accountable.
Contact us today for a free consultation with a mesothelioma lawyer.
*Actual outcome depends on the details of your case.