Ohio
Ohio has produced a significant number of asbestos exposures. The state has a large variety of work sites which were found to have asbestos on the premises. Since asbestos is made up of tiny fibers that can easily permeate the air, the issue of asbestos exposure has been a major problem for the industrial workers of Ohio.
Asbestos Exposure in Ohio
Exposure to asbestos has been an ongoing issue in Ohio. The state has many power plants and oil refineries, and both are common locations for this hazardous material. Asbestos was also discovered in the University Of Cincinnati, some major hotels and hospitals, as well as in Wright Patterson Air Force Base and the ship yard located in Cleveland on Lake Erie.
The large variety of industries that worked with asbestos materials has caused Ohio to be one of the leading states for lung diseases such as Mesothelioma. Mesothelioma is a form of cancer that is associated with asbestos.
Removing Asbestos
Many industries, work sites, buildings and homes have been identified for having asbestos on the premises. While this toxic material must be removed from these locations, the removal and disposal must be handled by a professional. Only a certified company should ever attempt to remove or handle this dangerous substance.
Ohio has a variety of companies that are qualified to do the removal. The Environmental Network has put together a list of companies with such qualifications. Again, only a state and federally licenses abatement company can remove asbestos under US and Ohio law.
Asbestos related deaths in Ohio
Ohio has had a large number of deaths because of a great deal of asbestos exposures. A study performed between 1980 and 2000 showed over 1,600 asbestos related deaths. The counties that were listed as the top three for risk of asbestos exposure are Cuyahoga , Hamilton and Lucas. Anyone who has lived in these counties should be checked for exposure immediately.
The state is ranked as having the fifth largest number of Mesothelioma related cases. Because of the high rate of this disease, the death rate is expected to increase.
Asbestos lawsuits in Ohio
Ohio has seen a large number of asbestos related lawsuits. However, after a law passed in 2004, residents of this state may only file a lawsuit after it has been determined that they have a disease related to asbestos exposure; simply having been exposed to asbestos will not qualify citizens to file a claim.
What to do if you have been exposed to Asbestos
The first thing for anyone who has been exposed to asbestos should do is seek medical treatment or consultation. If you have contracted a disease from exposure, and wish to seek legal counsel, keep in mind that Ohio's statute of limitations for both negligence/personal injury and wrongful death is two years.
Exposure to asbestos may cause serious health complications, and can even be fatal. Anyone who has been at risk, or knows someone else who has, can contact us to receive a free informative packet on the steps you should take if you've been exposed to asbestos.
Last modified: December 09 2009.
