Asbestos use was heavy in the Iowa power plants: were you exposed at work?

“I was exposed to asbestos at my job. They had some steam panels that were insulated in asbestos, and at that time we didn’t know anything about asbestos causing [mesothelioma]…but I guess we do now.”

A factory worker from Iowa diagnosed with mesothelioma (YouTube).

Somewhere among the miles of corn fields, Iowa residents such as you or your parents are fighting a painful and debilitating disease known as mesothelioma. Many have died from other asbestos-related disease such as asbestosis. While, the heartland of America still stands strong, several Iowans fall because of the once widely used substance called asbestos.

The tragedy is that big asbestos companies knew about the hazards of their product, but refused to let anyone else know. Documents have been uncovered proving that most of the companies in charge of mining, manufacturing, distributing, and selling asbestos had known all along that it caused fatal diseases. Releasing this information could cause drops in profits, and so the information was kept secret until the late 1970’s (EWG 1).

Weitz & Luxenberg stands by Iowa in your fight against asbestos-related diseases. We can help those such as yourself, who have been stricken with mesothelioma or other illnesses caused by asbestos exposure, seek compensation. Many people from all over the country have filed lawsuits against the asbestos companies responsible for their illness, and have received financial compensation that cover medical bills, travel expenses, pain and suffering, and monetary stability.

The statistics about asbestos exposure in Iowa

457 people have died in Iowa from asbestos between the years 1979 and 2001 (EWG 2). The Environmental Working Group who reported this number claimed that it “likely represents less than 20 percent of total asbestos mortality during that time.”

Large clusters of asbestos-related deaths occur in the Des Moines area. Polk County experienced the highest number of deaths by county with an estimated 108 between 1979 and 2001.

Locations in Iowa where you may have been exposed to asbestos

Duane Arnold Energy Center – Established in 1970, the Duane Arnold Energy Center is Iowa’s only nuclear power plant (FPL.com). Nuclear power plants in general have been known to use asbestos because the mineral’s insulating properties can maximize the machines’ efficiency. If you worked in a nuclear power plant, you may have been exposed to the asbestos that caused your present illness.

Coal-fueled power plants – In 2009, 72.2 percent of Iowa’s electricity came from coal-fueled power plants (NMA.org). Power plants which use coal often contained asbestos. The asbestos in these power plants had a tendency to break loose or become disturbed over time (PubMed).

Cancer treatment in Iowa

The John Stoddard Cancer Center is a cancer specific treatment center located in Des Moines. The exact address is:

John Stoddard Cancer Center

221 Pleasant St # 450

Des Moines, IA 50309-1434

(515) 241-4141

Call the number to set up an appointment. Also find other centers of excellence in the field of cancer research at WeitzLux.com.

How Weitz & Luxenberg can help you

Weitz & Luxenberg is available to help the residents of Iowa pursue just compensation for their illnesses. The legal processes can be difficult to navigate, and the attorney representing the asbestos companies are very experienced in invalidating the claims of people such as yourself. With Weitz & Luxenberg on your side, you relinquish the burden of legal issues to us. We will help gather the evidence needed to prove your case.

To get started, simply fill out the form on this page. We will contact you within 24 hours of receiving the submitted form.

Sources

EWG 1: http://www.ewg.org/sites/asbestos/facts/fact3.php

EWG 2: http://www.ewg.org/sites/asbestos/maps/government_data.php?stab=IA

FPL.com: http://www.fpl.com/environment/nuclear/about_duane_arnold.shtml

NMA.org: http://www.nma.org/pdf/americas_power_states/ia.pdf

PubMed: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15238330