Oregon
Many people in Oregon have been exposed to the dangerous substance known as asbestos. The state has several large industries which utilize materials made from asbestos.
This toxic substance becomes dangerous when it breaks down, allowing the tiny fibers that make up asbestos to drift into the air. Once that happens, the fibers are frequently inhaled and ingested by people who do not even realize that they have been exposed.
Asbestos Exposure in Oregon
One of the major industries in Oregon is shipping. Ship yards and their related infrastructure are well known for having products made from asbestos on site. Other industries, such as chemical plants, fertilizer plants and oil refineries also tend to have large amounts of asbestos on the premises as well.
Many of the asbestos products are used as protection from the heat produced at these plants. Over time, some of these products begin to break apart and crumble. This leads to the asbestos fibers being released into the air, and then breathed in by employees. The fabrics also became attached to the clothing of workers, and were therefore spread to others inadvertently.
Removing Asbestos
Large plants or factories that contain copious amounts of asbestos materials may have to be shut down or even destroyed. The proper handling of asbestos is an absolute necessity to ensure that the toxic substance is not spread even further.
Only a certified professional is capable of properly handling and destroying asbestos. You should never try to touch or remove it on your own. Companies in Oregon such as Callin Environmental, LLC or Creekside Environmental Consulting, LLC are certified to deal with this issue. If you have asbestos at your home or office, contact a professional and have them remove it for you in a proper and safe manner.
Organizations such as Oregon OSHA are dedicated to helping with environmental issues such as the proper removal of asbestos. If you are not sure how to determine whether or not a company is qualified to remove asbestos, contact them for help and advice.
Asbestos related deaths in Oregon
The number of industries that work with asbestos materials have led to a high death toll from related diseases such as Mesothelioma. Mesothelioma is a form of lung cancer that is caused by breathing in asbestos fibers.
A study performed by The EWG Action Fund indicated that between the years 1979 and 1999, Oregon had 862 deaths from Mesothelioma. The study also listed the top three counties for fatalities due to this disease: Multnomah County, Clackamas County and Lane County.
Asbestos lawsuits in Oregon
Every state has produced high profile asbestos related lawsuits. Oregon has been no exception and those who were wrongfully exposed may be eligible for financial compensation.
What to do if you have been exposed to asbestos
Firstly, pursue medical treatment and clarification of your exact condition. The statute of limitations for negligence/personal injury in Oregon is two years. It is three years for wrongful death, and two years for personal injury involved in a wrongful death claim. Keep this in mind when you are considering seeking legal counsel after being exposed to asbestos.
If you have been in contact with any asbestos materials, there are actions you should take. To find out exactly what to do, contact us and request our packet on this subject. The information packet is provided as a free service - so even if you think you've been exposed, contact us today.
Last modified: December 28, 2010.
