Pennsylvania: The Fourth Most Fatal Asbestos Region in the Country

Pennsylvania has the fourth highest rate of asbestos-related deaths of all states in the nation, according to government figures recorded between 1979 and 2001.

At least 3,046 people in Pennsylvania died from asbestos exposure during this period. Broken down by city, Philadelphia and Pittsburgh are the urban centers most affected.

Pennsylvania also has five counties on the government’s list of the Top 100 counties recording deaths due to asbestos. They are: Philadelphia County (ranked No. 3), Delaware County (No. 13); Allegheny County (No. 16); Montgomery County (No. 17) and Lancaster County (No. 84).

Mesothelioma is the most serious form of asbestos cancers, affecting the lining of the lungs and often leading to death within months of being diagnosed. The disease has a 20- to 50-year latency period, which means that industrial workers exposed to asbestos in the 1960s and 1970s are just now being diagnosed positive.

Shipyard workers, construction workers, auto mechanics and military veterans are at the greatest risk for asbestos poisoning, as these are the occupations in which asbestos use has been most prevalent.

Government sources estimate that in the next decade more than 35,000 people nationwide will be diagnosed with mesothelioma, most often the result of industrial workplace exposure to asbestos.

That’s why victims diagnosed with mesothelioma and their families have strong cases in court against their former employers. If you have a mesothelioma injury, contact Weitz & Luxenberg for a complete free evaluation of your legal rights. Litigating asbestos-related health injuries is the firm’s strongest practice area.