History of Asbestos in Wyoming
Wyoming has the lowest population in the United States. Historically rural, the state's economy leaned heavily on agriculture and ranching. Eventually, oil was discovered in the state, but the largest influx of oil companies occurred after asbestos became highly regulated in the 1970s.
However, it is still possible that people working at oil refineries before or after regulation could have been exposed to asbestos and be a risk for developing mesothelioma. Before regulation, asbestos was commonly used in refineries, both in facilities and in equipment, even in employee uniforms. After regulation, much of the asbestos was removed, but could still be present in insulation and fireproofing and could put those nearby at risk.
In addition to oil, several other industries have likely exposed Wyoming citizens:
- Power plants: fireproofing, wiring, electrical panels and partitions, insulation and other applications.
- Construction: insulation, plumbing, floor tiles, ceiling tiles, drywall, plaster, wall boarding, siding, spackling and joint compounds, textured paints and coatings and many other products.
- Manufacturing and chemical plants: many products such as vinyl, insulation, adhesives, paints, electrical components and various chemicals and products contained asbestos and were used in manufacturing.
Companies with Possible Asbestos Exposure
The companies, organizations, facilities and locations mentioned below are suspected of causing asbestos exposure. This list is meant to be helpful but is not comprehensive.
- Allied Chemical
- Allied Soda Ash Plant
- Amoco
- Atlantic Gas
- Atlantic Richfield ARCO
- Cheyenne Municipal Airport, Bldg. 14
- Construction Specialties Co.
- Dave Johnson Power and Light
- El Paso Natural Gas Co.
- Empire State Oil Co.
- F.E. Warren Air Force Base
- FMC Corp.
- Frontier Oil
- Gillette Power Plant
- Holly Sugar Corp.
- Husky Oil. Co.
- Jim Bridger Power Pant
- Kemmerer Power Plant
- Mobile Oil Co.
- Mountain State Insulation
- Naughton Power Plant
- acificCorp
- Pan American Petroleum Corp.
- S&H Construction Co.
- Sheet Metal Products Co.
- Sinclair Refinery
- Socony Mobil Oil Co.
- Socony Vacuum Oil Company
- Stauffer Chemical Co.
- Texaco, Inc.
- Texas Company
- University of Wyoming
- Warren Air Force Base
- Westvaco
- Wycon Chemcial
- Wyodec Power Plant
Asbestos-related Deaths in Wyoming
In the 1980s and 1990s, between 35 and 44 deaths in Wyoming were attributed to mesothelioma. Between 1999 and 2004, an additional 44 mesothelioma deaths were recorded.
The actual number of deaths in the 80s and 90s is believed to be significantly higher, due in part to the fact that the disease was often confused with lung cancer and in part because regulations governing accurate reporting of mesothelioma deaths were not in place until 1999.
Nationally, it is expected that mesothelioma deaths will continue at a steady rate for several more years before beginning to decline.
Where to Find Help
Mesothelioma Treatment Centers
There are no cancer centers offering specialized mesothelioma treatment in Wyoming. However, Wyoming Medical Center may be able to offer radiation, chemotherapy and/or mesothelioma surgery.
Wyoming Medical Center
1233 East 2nd Street
Casper, WY 82601
Phone: 307-577-7201
There are numerous clinical trials of experimental therapies being offered at mesothelioma treatment centers around the country. Ask your doctor for more information about these options.
If you live in Wyoming and have been diagnosed with mesothelioma, or were exposed to asbestos while living or working in Wyoming and have since developed mesothelioma, you may have a right to file a lawsuit in the state against those responsible for your exposure. Contact us today using our quick form or call 866-632-7574.