History of Asbestos in Utah
As a result of its geographical location, the State of Utah has been relatively immune to many of the industries commonly associated with asbestos exposure such as those found on the East Coast. However, the state is home to several industries responsible for causing asbestos exposure that lead to mesothelioma for too many victims.
A number of oil refineries either currently operate in the state or operated at some point in the 20th century. Refineries have historically made heavy use of asbestos to fire and heat proof their facilities, equipment and employee uniforms.
Numerous power plants are located in Utah and these were also known to widely use asbestos, especially before 1980, to fire proof and insulate wires, motors, electrical panels, and other equipment and facilities. Construction was another source of asbestos contamination. Much of the insulation used in the 20th century prior to 1980 either had asbestos as an ingredient or contained vermiculite contaminated with asbestos.
Naval bases, Air Force bases, and Army bases in the state also are known to have used asbestos in their buildings, vehicles, planes, and equipment.
Companies at Risk for Asbestos Exposure
The companies and buildings below are either known to have exposed people to asbestos or are suspected. Many are still in operation, although a number have closed down. This list is meant to be helpful but is not exhaustive.
- American Oil
- BP Amoco
- Brigham Young University
- Bullough Asbestos
- Chevron Chemical
- Chevron Oil
- Clearfield Naval Supply Depot
- Columbian Geneva Steel
- DuPont Chemical
- Fiberglas Engineering & Supply Co.
- Flying J Oil Refining
- Gadsby Power Plant
- Hill Air Force Base
- Holy Cross Hospital
- Hunter Power Plant
- Industrial Service and Engineering Co.
- Inland Refining
- Intermountain Power
- IPP Power Plant
- Kennecott Copper Mine
- OCF Corporation
- Odgen IRS Building
- Ogden Defense Depot
- Owens-Corning Fiberglas Corp.
- PacifiCorp
- Roosevelt Jr. High School
- Salk Lake City Refinery
- Salt Lake City J.C. Penny Building
- Skyline Insulation
- Standard Oil Refining
- Turpins
- U.S. Steel Corporation
- University of Utah
- Uranium Reduction Co.
- Utah Army Depot
- Utah Canning Plant
- Utah Oil Refinery
- Utah Power & Light
- Western Gypsum
Asbestos-related Deaths in Utah
An analysis of mesothelioma deaths in the state estimates that at least 247 people died from mesothelioma between 1979 and 2004. This number is not reliable because mesothelioma was often mistaken as lung cancer and wasn't required to be accurately listed on death certificates until 1999.
Where to Find Mesothelioma Help in Utah
Mesothelioma Treatment Centers
Since most of the state is rural, there are few mesothelioma treatment centers in Utah. Contact the Huntsmen Cancer Institute for an in-state option:
Huntsman Cancer Institute
University of Utah
2000 Circle of Hope
Salt Lake City, Utah 84112-5550
Phone: 801-581-4485
You may also find treatment in these nearby states:
Arizona Cancer Center
The University of Arizona
Address: 3838 North Campbell Avenue (clinic address)
Tucson, AZ 85719
Phone: 208-694-2873 or 866-278-1554
University of Colorado Cancer Center
Address: Box F-704
1665 North Ursula Street
Aurora, CO 80045
Phone: 720-848-0300 or 800-473-2288
Mesothelioma victims in Utah have won jury awards and settlements from asbestos companies and employers with the help of mesothelioma lawyers. If you have live in Utah and have been diagnosed with mesothelioma, or were exposed to asbestos while previously living or working in Utah, you should speak with a Utah mesothelioma lawyer to learn your legal options.
We have the resources to take your case through every step of the legal process and will not refer you elsewhere. Contact us today for a free, no obligation consultation. 866-632-7574.