History of Asbestos in New Hampshire
Asbestos has not been found in any natural deposits in the state, which is good because it means it wasn't directly mined there or didn't accidentally contaminate other mining operations or nearby areas as it has in many of the states with naturally occurring deposits.
However, the absence of deposits didn't make the state immune to the dangers of asbestos, such as mesothelioma, asbestosis and lung cancer. That's because it was an ingredient in many construction products, so much so in insulation that most buildings constructed until about 1980 were insulated with asbestos contaminated insulation.
Construction of New Hampshire homes and buildings wasn't the only place asbestos insulation was widely used. It also was used in Naval and commercial vessels, as well as a flame retardant, in plumbing, and in most ships' electrical systems and rooms. Thousands of New Hampshire residents and workers, along with many more across the world, were exposed to asbestos and became at risk for developing mesothelioma.
Companies at Risk for Asbestos Expsoure
These companies, buildings and workplaces, among many others, are believed to have had asbestos present in the environment.
- Air Traffic Control Center
- Ashuelot Paper Company, Inc.
- Bemis Brothers Bag Co.
- Brezner Canning Corp.
- Brown Paper Co.
- Claremont Paper Mill
- Compax, Inc.
- Davidson Rubber Company
- Dover Gas Plant
- Exeter Gas Plant
- Federal Building
- General Electric
- Granite State Insulation Co.
- Grenier Air Force Base
- Hampshire Chemical Corporation
- Hoague Sprague Corp.
- Industrial Pipe & Equipment Corp.
- Merrimack Power Plant
- Miller Insulation Co.
- Mount St. Mary's College
- Nashua Corp.
- Nashua Municipal Airport
- Newington Power Plant
- Northeast Construction
- Pease Air Force Base
- Portsmouth Air Force Base
- Portsmouth Naval Shipyard
- Public Service Co. of New Hampshire
- Schiller Power Station
- Seabrook Nuclear Power Station
- Standard Plumbing & Heating Supply, Inc.
- University of New Hampshire
- Warren Manufacturing Co.
Asbestos-related Deaths in New Hampshire
Between 1979 and 2001, it is estimated that between 231 and 314 New Hampshire residents died from asbestos related disease, with mesothelioma accounting for the highest number of deaths.
Where to Find Help
Mesothelioma Treatment Centers
The state is home to several cancer centers.
Norris Cotton Cancer Center
Mesothelioma Treatment Section
Marc Stuart Ernstoff, MD
1 Medical Center Dr.
Lebanon, New Hampshire 03756-0001
Phone: 603-653-9000
Payson Center for Cancer Care
Concord Hospital
250 Pleasant Street
Concord, NH 03301
Phone: 603-225-2711
For a free mesothelioma information packet, including caregiver, treatment and financial checklists and resources, plus much more, call us at 866-632-7574. You may elect to only receive the packet or you may wish to speak with a mesothelioma attorney for a free, no obligation consultation.