History of Asbestos in North Dakota
North Dakota has not been hit as hard by asbestos and mesothelioma as many other states, due in large part to the state's strong agricultural economy. While asbestos exposure has been linked to fertilizer production, based on the state's low number of mesothelioma deaths, it seems to have occurred at fairly low rates. It is important to remember, however, that any level of asbestos exposure can lead to mesothelioma.
Manufacturing and industry were a close couple with asbestos throughout much of the 20th century. On the East coast, industries such as shipping and metal led to many cases of mesothelioma. North Dakota was able to evade this with the state economy focusing primarily on farming and ranching.
The state is home to a couple of industries that may have led to the mesothelioma cases North Dakota has seen: oil, power generation, and the Air Force. All three of these industries used asbestos heavily for fire, heat and electricity protection, as well as electricity and construction insulation. Most buildings in the state constructed before 1980 contained asbestos contaminated insulation.
Companies with Potential Asbestos Exposure
Below is a partial list of companies, worksites, buildings and locations suspected to have caused asbestos exposure at some point in the past or to currently have asbestos on the premises.
ABM Missile Radar Sites
- American Crystal Sugar Co.
- Arsite
- Basin Electric Coop
- BP Amoco
- Building Sprinkler Co.
- Coyote Station Electric Plant
- Crippled Children's Hospital
- Dakota Hospital
- Dakota Public Service Power Plant
- Dickinson Plumbing & Heating
- Elgin High School
- First National Bank
- F-M Insulation
- Grand Forks Air Force Base
- Grand Forks Missile Sites
- Great Plains Gasification
- Greenberg Roofing & Sheet Metal
- Hazan Hospital
- J.F. Pritchard Co.
- Jamestown Plumbing, Heating, & Air Conditioning
- Larimore Stock
- M&L Industrial, Inc.
- Mandan Oil
- Mechanical Insulation & Construction Co.
- Minnkota Power Coop
- Minot Air Force Base
- Minot Radar Station
- Minuteman Missile Sites
- Montana Dakota Utilities
- North Dakota State Hospital
- North Dakota State University
- Northern Sugar Corp.
- Par Missile Sites
- Pillsbury Co.
- R&O Contractors
- Robinson Insulation Co.
- Ruttland Plumbing & Heating
- Safeguard Facilities
- Sargent Manor
- Signal Oil
- Singleton Sheetmetal
- Sornsin Co.
- St. Johns Hospital
- Standard Oil Co.
- Stanton Powerhouse
- State Industrial School
- Sunset Home
- Twining School
- United Power
- United Power Association
- Zonolite W.R. Grace
Asbestos-related Deaths in North Dakota
North Dakota has one of the lowest incidences of mesothelioma deaths in the United States, with an estimated 66 - 115 being reported before 1999. From 1999 to 2004, when more accurate reporting procedures were in place, an additional 38 deaths were attributed to mesothelioma.
Mesothelioma typically has a long latency period, meaning that decades may pass between being exposed to asbestos and developing mesothelioma symptoms. Because of this, mesothelioma cases stemming from before asbestos became highly regulated in the 1970s may still occur for at least another decade.
Where to Find Help
Treatment Centers
While North Dakota does have two cancer treatment centers, neither have a specialized mesothelioma staff. If you are looking for a physician with expertise in treating mesothelioma, we recommend you contact the Mayo Clinic in Minnesota.
Altru Cancer Center
1000 South Columbia Road, P.O. Box 6003
Grand Forks, North Dakota 58206
Phone: 701-780-5404
MedCenter One Health Systems Cancer Care Center
300 North 7th Street
Bismarck, North Dakota 58501
Phone: 701-323-5741
Mayo Clinic Cancer Center
Mayo Clinic Rochester
200 First Street, S.W.
Rochester, Minnesota 55905
Phone: 507-266-4997
If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with mesothelioma in North Dakota, you may be interested to learn that state laws protect the rights of those exposed to asbestos. Depending on the details of your case, you may have the right to receive financial compensation from the parties responsible for your asbestos exposure and resulting mesothelioma.
If you are interested in speaking with a North Dakota mesothelioma attorney, contact Simon, Eddins & Greenstone, LLP. They specialize in helping mesothelioma victims. 866-632-7574.