North Dakota

Asbestos is not commonly or naturally found in North Dakota. However, there are several locations in the state which were deemed hazardous due to the presence of asbestos. One of the primary causes was the use of vermiculite products.

Vermiculite is a material that is frequently used in building materials such as insulation. According to The Environmental Protection Agency, vermiculite is often found in the same area as asbestos, so the two materials tend to become mixed together. Therefore anytime vermiculite is used as a construction material, the finished product is at risk for harboring asbestos.

Asbestos Exposure in North Dakota

There are a few specific work sites in North Dakota that were recognized as having high levels of asbestos on their premises. The gas and power companies were major industries on this list, but the primary offender was the Former Robinson Insulation Company Plant located in Minot.

The Former Robinson Insulation Company Plant processed vermiculite which had been mined in Montana. The vermiculite from these mines was heavily laced with asbestos. The North Dakota plant manufactured insulation from these materials from 1945 until 1983.

Anyone who worked at the Former Robinson Insulation Company Plant was put at great risk of exposure to asbestos. Nearby homes meant that private residents were put in danger as well. Between the years of 1967 and 1983, it is estimated that this plant processed more than 16,000 tons of vermiculite!

So what happened?

Since the danger was discovered, the plant was closed down. The homes and buildings that had been closest to the plant were torn down. The Environmental Protection Agency got involved with the cleanup of the area around the factory and the soil itself. Their project was finally completed in 2002, and today the area is considered to be safe.

Removing Asbestos

Many homes and businesses in North Dakota oceanmay have insulation which contains vermiculite, and possibly asbestos. As long as the insulation is undisturbed and in an area that people and animals do not enter, it is most likely safe. However if you need to have asbestos removed, do not attempt to do it yourself.

Asbestos is comprised of tiny fibers which are easily inhaled. For this reason only a certified professional should ever work on the removal of asbestos. Look online at sites such as thebluebook.com to find a list of qualified companies if you need to have any asbestos discarded.

Asbestos related deaths in North Dakota

Even with the dangers the insulation factory posed, North Dakota does not have a high death rate from asbestos. The EWG Action Fund studied the number of asbestos-related deaths in every state from 1979 to 1999. During that time, North Dakota had just under 100 deaths listed. The three counties with the highest death rates were Cass County, Burleigh County and Morton County.

Asbestos lawsuits in North Dakota

Many law firms specialize in lawsuits based on exposure to asbestos. Since the cleanup of the insulation plant, and the public recognition of the dangers of asbestos, North Dakota has had very few related lawsuits. The industries of this state have stopped using vermiculite or other asbestos related products, making for safer work environments.

What to do if you have been exposed to Asbestos

First off, seek medical treatment.

You may also wish to secure legal counsel. Search online for a law firm to represent you in your case. North Dakota's statute of limitations for both negligence/personal injury and wrongful death is two years. They also have a 3 year statue of limitations for reporting exposure to asbestos. Once you know that you have been exposed, it is advisable to seek out legal counsel right away.

If you have been at risk of inhaling asbestos, or know anyone who has, contact us immediately to request our free information packet on dealing with asbestos exposure.