What you need to know about asbestos exposure in Oregon

Along with you, hundreds of other hardworking Americans have received a diagnosis of an asbestos-related illness in Oregon. This is because the state has an extensive history of asbestos exposure. The Environmental Working Group (EWG) reveals that between 1948 and 1993, the state received the country’s tenth largest shipment of asbestos-contaminated vermiculite from Libby, Montana.

Oregon also ranks number 15 in the amount of asbestos-related fatalities reported in the US. According to the EWG there have been an estimated 1,128 total number of deaths from asbestos exposure in Oregon. Up to 721 of them are due to mesothelioma, an extremely deadly asbestos cancer, and 430 are from asbestosis, an asbestos-induced respiratory disease.

Weitz & Luxenberg is aware of the widespread use of asbestos in many Oregon workplaces, and the harm that it has caused hardworking Americans like you or your family member. For over two decades we have taken on numerous asbestos litigation cases, and throughout this time we have obtained a total of $3 billion in various settlements and verdicts involving clients just like you. Please continue to read more about asbestos exposure in Oregon so that we can help you hold the company who got you sick accountable.

Sources of exposure in Oregon include:

The Sea and Maritime Industry: Workers in Oregon’s sea and maritime industry faced some of the largest risks to asbestos exposure. Due to the state’s location on the Pacific Rim, its economy was largely connected to these industries. As such, cases of asbestos-related illness in Oregon have been reported primarily among maritime workers, especially in the city of Portland, a major port on the Pacific Coast for commercial freight and shipping. Asbestos was used throughout Navy and commercial ships sailing to and from Oregon to minimize the chance of fire. Pipes and fittings in the engine room and throughout the ships were coated with hazardous carcinogen in order to help control the heat.This was especially dangerous below decks, due to large concentration of asbestos used in confined spaces. As sailors spent a large amount of their time there, many of them ended inhaling or ingesting dangerous amounts of asbestos fibers. Shipyards in Oregon where asbestos use was reported include the following:

Tongue Point Naval Station, Astoria, Oregon
Astoria Voyage Repair Station, Astoria, Oregon
Portland Ship Repair, Portland, Oregon
Northwest Marine Ironworks, Portland, Oregon
Dyer Shipyard, Portland, Oregon

Chemical Plants: Manychemical plants in Oregon used asbestos for protection against heat and flame. Additionally, these plants used blue (crocidolite) or brown (amocite) asbestos as they are more heat resistant than the more common white asbestos (Chrysotile). Unfortunately these two types of asbestos are also much deadlier. Crocidolite and amosite fibers are much more rigid and needle-like than Chrysotile fibers, so when inhaled or ingested they can burrow right through lung tissue. Some chemical plants in Oregon are:

Borden Plant, Springfield, Oregon
Chipman Chemical Plant, Portland, Oregon
Chevron Chemical Fertilizer Plant, Deer Island, Oregon

Paper Mills: Oregon, with its dense forests, is also known for its lumber and corresponding paper industry. The state operated many paper mills which used asbestos products in different parts of the paper production process. These mills include:

Western Kraft Pulp and Paper Mill, Albany, Oregon
Saint Helens Pulp & Paper, Saint Helens, Oregon
Oregon Pulp & Paper, Salem, Oregon
Boise Cascade Paper Mill, Salem, Oregon
Weyerhauser Paper Mill, Springfield, Oregon
Spaulding Paper Company, Newburgh, Oregon

The Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) also lists the Supreme Perlite Company in Portland, Oregon as a source of possible asbestos contamination.

Hold the people who made you sick in Oregon accountable

Weitz & Luxenberg believes it is inexcusable that these companies in Oregon exposed individuals like you to asbestos, and as one of the nation’s leading personal injury law firms we can help to make sure you get just compensation for your illness. This compensation can help cover medical bills, and other related expenses. It can also help to guarantee financial stability for you and your family.

Our firm has a team of skilled attorneys with a wealth of knowledge concerning asbestos-related illnesses. Please contact us by filling out the confidential form on this page. After sending the form, a representative from our firm will be in touch to provide you with a free legal consultation.

Sources:

http://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/asbestos/sites/national_map/fact_sheets/portlandor2.html

http://www.ewg.org/sites/asbestos/tables/deathdetails_state.php

http://www.ewg.org/sites/asbestos/maps/shipment_data.php?tableview=1&stab=OH