Washington
Washington has natural deposits of asbestos. In particular, it features a form of asbestos known as chrysotile, which can be deadly. The presence of naturally occurring asbestos in any state can pose a threat to the residents. Fortunately, many of the Washington based deposits were never actually mined. In Washington, like many other states, the primary asbestos risk is within occupational and industrial exposures.
Asbestos Exposure in Washington
Washington has many oil refineries, manufacturing companies, power plants and ship yards. Each one of these industries used products made from asbestos on their premises. The products in questions were often in the form of gaskets which were used within the large machines at work sites, insulation materials and even the uniforms that the employees wore.
Washington also had several Aluminum Plants that utilized a variety of products that contained the toxic materials from chrysotile asbestos.
Asbestos is made up of tiny fibers, so anytime a product that contains asbestos is cracked or broken, these fibers can escape and release into the air we breathe. After this has happened, the fibers are likely to become attached to any surface or inhaled by unsuspecting victims. The fibers that become attached to items that are moved to another location (clothing, personal belongings, etc.) are inadvertently transported as well. They can become airborne again and inhaled by others at any time.
Removing Asbestos
It takes a certified professional to remove asbestos in a safe manner. No one should ever attempt to remove asbestos on their own; to do so could easily lead to exposure and inhalation of the toxic fibers.
In Washington, there is no regulation of asbestos on its own as a dangerous waste product. It must be mixed with another substance that is considered to be a dangerous waste product to receive this specialized regulation. The removal and disposal of asbestos is, however, regulated. In order to be allowed to remove asbestos, the procedure must first be approved by four environmental and health related agencies.
Qualified companies will work with the necessary agencies, handle your asbestos problems and have any harmful materials removed and disposed of.
Asbestos related deaths in Washington
Studies have been conducted to determine the negative effects of asbestos exposure. One such study ranged between 1979 and 1999, and listed the number of deaths from diseases such as mesothelioma (a cancerous of the lung and other organ’s lining) in every state.
The result for Washington was 1,776 fatalities over this twenty year span. The counties that had the most fatalities in the state were King County, Kitsap County and Pierce County.
Asbestos lawsuits in Washington
Many law firms specialize in asbestos and Mesothelioma cases. This specialization goes to show how common asbestos exposure was in America.
Even though the use of asbestos has been regulated, products made from this toxic material are still present in businesses and homes. Even today new claims are filed in many states, including Washington. If you have been exposed, these legal options may be available to you.
What to do if you have been exposed to asbestos
First off, seek medical consultation with the precise details of your exposure and other factors. You may file a lawsuit if you have developed a disease from exposure to asbestos, but you must be aware of how much time you have to file from the time that it would have been reasonable for you to realize you were afflicted. The statute of limitations in Washington is three years for negligence/personal injury, and for wrongful death.
Don't be caught of unaware of how to proceed if you have been exposed to asbestos. We provide a free information packet with all the information you need. Simply contact us and request your free copy today.
Last modified: December 09 2009.
