History of Asbestos in Missouri
Homes, schools, hospitals, and manufacturing plants are among the buildings that were commonly insulated and fireproofed with asbestos in the 1800s and 1900s. In Missouri, many of these buildings are still being occupied and present a danger to their occupants. They also present a risk to crews involved in renovation or demolition as well as to firefighters.
The state was home to a W.R. Grace Zonolite plant. Zonolite is the company's insulation manufacturing division. During the 20th century, it received hundreds of thousands of tons of asbestos contaminated vermiculite from the infamous W.R. Grace vermiculite mine in Libby, Montana.
Those that worked at the mine or lived in the community it surrounded, anyone involved in the transport of the vermiculite to the Missouri Zonolite plant, anyone that worked or frequented the Zonolite plant, and anyone that was exposed to the insulation they manufactured could have been exposed to asbestos and be at risk for mesothelioma.
Industries at Risk of Asbestos Exposure
Because use of asbestos was so widespread throughout the 20th century, many people in Missouri could have been exposed. Though asbestos is the overwhelming and primary cause of mesothelioma, not everyone exposed to asbestos will develop the aggressive and deadly cancer.
These industries are commonly associated with asbestos use and the companies listed, among many others, are known to have had asbestos present in the workplace. If you worked in one of them, or are concerned that you were exposed to asbestos, discuss your concerns with your physician. If you are unsure, a Missouri mesothelioma attorney can help you investigate further.
- Automotive: Mack Truck, Chrysler, Ford Motor Company
- Electricity and power: American Cyanamid Power Plant, Calloway Nuclear Power Plant
- Metals and ores: St. Joseph Lead mine, Noranda Aluminum, Weges Sheet Metal, Mesker Bros. Iron Co.
- Chemicals: Hercules Powder Co., Thurston Chemical, CCC Chemical and Fertilizer
- Asbestos: Kelley Asbestos Products Co., Standard Asbestos Manufacturing and Insulating Co., W.R. Grace Zonolite
- Military: Grand View Air Force Base, Lake City Army Ammunition Plant
- Oil: Standard Oil, Shell Oil Co., Mobil Oil, American Oil Refinery
Asbestos-related Deaths in Missouri
As many as 640 deaths in Missouri between 1979 and 2001 are attributed to mesothelioma. Because mesothelioma was often recorded as "lung cancer" on death certificates, an exact number is not available and could be significantly higher.
Where to Find Help
Missouri Mesothelioma Treatment Centers
Siteman Cancer Center
Washington University School of Medicine
660 South Euclid Avenue
St. Louis, Missouri 63110
314-362-8020
View their mesothelioma services page.
Ellis Fischel Cancer Center
University of Missouri
115 Business Loop 70 W.
Columbia, MO 65203
573-882-2100
St. Louis University Cancer Center
3655 Vista Avenue
St. Loius, MO 63110
314-577-6057
The Center for Cancer Care and Research
12855 North Forty Drive
Suite 200
St. Louis, MO 63141
314-628-1210
VA Medical Center-Togus
Mesothelioma Treatment Section
L. Herbert Maurer, MD
1 VA Center
Togus, Missouri O4330
877-421-8263 or 207-623-8411
Veterans Affairs Medical Center-Columbia (Truman Memorial)
Mesothelioma Treatment Section
Michael C. Perry, MD
800 Hospital Drive
Columbia, Missouri 65201
8am - 4:15 pm 573-814-6000
Evenings and weekends: 573-814-6000
Missouri Mesothelioma Lawyer
If you have been diagnosed with mesothelioma, and were exposed to asbestos while working in Missouri and/or you live in Missouri now, we highly recommend you speak with a Missouri mesothelioma lawyer as soon as possible.
The law limits how long you have to file a lawsuit. You may not have considered suing those responsible for your exposure, but you may be entitled to significant financial compensation* that can help you with medical bills and ensure your family has financial security after you're gone.
Call today for a free, no obligation consultation with a mesothelioma trial lawyer at Simon, Eddins & Greenstone, LLP. 866-632-7574.
We have helped other mesothelioma victims in Missouri hold those responsible for their loss accountable:
$2,223,051.62, after attorney's fees and expenses, received by a gentleman who developed mesothelioma after being exposed to asbestos products through his work as a lather/drywaller in Missouri.
*Actual outcome depends on the details of your case.