In addition to several military bases, Washington has many industries well known for asbestos exposure like shipbuilding, paper mills, oil refining, power production, aluminum processing, and timber processing. These industries require heat-resistant materials. Because of its fireproofing and insulating properties, asbestos was shipped into the state by tens of thousands of tons.
Between 1999 and 2017, more than 1,500 people passed away from asbestosis or mesothelioma in Washington. All these deaths were related to occupational exposure. Washington ranks among the top 10 states for highest asbestos disease death rates.
Seattle and Spokane both received shipments of asbestos from the infamous vermiculite mine infested with asbestos in Libby, Montana. From 1948 to 1993, over 63,000 tons were shipped from Montana to Washington.
Environmental Risk
Asbestos is found naturally occurring in the mountainous areas of the northeast region of the state in the Okanogan Highlands and Cascades and around
Swift Creek and the Sumas River.
Because of naturally occurring asbestos, mines were developed. Mines were located in Lyman and Alta Lake. Mining in Washington started as early as 1891.
Job Sites with Known Asbestos Exposure:
- Crown Zellerbach Paper Mill
- Chevron Chemical Plant
- Alcoa Aluminum Plant
- Kaiser Aluminum
- ARCO Oil Refinery
- Dow Chemical Plant
- FFTF Nuclear Power Plant
- UNOCAL Chemical Plant
- INTALCO Aluminum
- Reynolds Metals Aluminum Plant
- Chevron Cracking Plant
- Fairchild Air Force Base
- Bremerton Puget Sound Naval Shipyard
- Lockheed Shipbuilding & Construction
- Duwamish Shipyard, INC.
- Tacoma Dry Dock Shipyard
- Columbia Aluminum
- Intalco Aluminum
- Hanford Nuclear Site
- Centralia Washington Public Power Plant
Contact a Washington Asbestos Exposure Attorney
If you or a loved one suffered mesothelioma or other health complications after being exposed to asbestos, it is crucial to understand that you have legal options. A Washington asbestos exposure lawyer could help you pursue the compensation that you and your family deserve. Call our office today to learn more.
