Claymont, DE Refinery Explosion Investigation Stalled Due to Asbestos Concerns 

On June 5, 2009, the Philadelphia Inquirer reported the investigation into the May 18, 2009 explosion at the Sunoco Marcus Hook Refinery in Claymont, DE had been delayed because investigators were not permitted to enter the site until asbestos was removed from the area. The explosion and fire caused asbestos-containing materials to be released into the air at the facility.

According to the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), the 781-acre Sunoco complex ranks 39th by total production out of the nation's 150 operating refineries.

Inhalation of asbestos dusts can cause those exposed to develop serious illnesses such as mesothelioma, asbestos-related lung cancer or asbestosis.

Because of the long latency period (the time between exposure and when symptoms of an asbestos disease are first noticed) is several decades long, those exposed may not be diagnosed with an asbestos-related respiratory illness for 30 years, or longer.

If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with an asbestos illness, contact our lawyers today for a free review of your case. A Weitz & Luxenberg representative will contact you as soon as possible.