New Jersey Asbestos Information

New Jersey is a densely populated, heavily industrial state. Many residents work in chemicals, pharmaceuticals, electronics, machinery, and similar manufacturing industries. The plant workers at such industrial jobsites may have been exposed to asbestos without even realizing it. Furthermore, many New Jersey residents have been employed as construction workers, plumbers, electricians, and in other trades that have been linked to asbestos exposure. Many years later, some of these hard working people have become seriously ill from the effects of inhaling airborne asbestos fibers. Some people have been diagnosed with deadly diseases like mesothelioma, lung cancer, or asbestosis.

The federal government is currently conducting an investigation into the actions of one company that is accused of contaminating dozens of communities across the nation with asbestos. The Zonolite/W.R. Grace Company operated a vermiculite mine in Libby, Montana. Vermiculite is a silicate mineral that can be processed and used in a variety of applications, most commonly for insulation or as a planting medium. It has been discovered that the vermiculite ore mined in Libby was contaminated with asbestos. W.R Grace Company often shipped the vermiculite ore to locations in other states for processing, packaging, and distribution. At such facilities, the raw vermiculite was "exfoliated," a process that released trapped asbestos fibers into the air. Copious amounts of asbestos dust were present at these sites, and airborne asbestos fibers dispersed into nearby communities. Between 1948 and 1993, over 330,000 tons of contaminated vermiculite was shipped to two sites in Trenton, New Jersey. Hundreds of tons were also sent to Edgewater, Newark, and Camden. People that worked in or lived near the vermiculite processing sites may be at an increased risk for developing asbestosis, lung cancer, or mesothelioma.

Asbestos Exposure in New Jersey

Due to the concentration of industry in certain areas of New Jersey, some counties have reported a higher number of asbestos-related deaths.

New Jersey Counties Most Affected by Asbestos Deaths

• Camden County
• Somerset County
• Middlesex County
• Bergen County
• Gloucester County
• Ocean County
• Burlington County
• Union County
• Hudson County
• Monmouth County
• Essex County
• Passaic County
• Atlantic County

If you previously worked in an industrial occupation and have been diagnosed with lung cancer, our New Jersey asbestos lawyers can help.

Locate an Asbestos Attorney near You

If your loved one has developed an asbestos-related disease, please contact an asbestos attorney to explore your legal options. Use LawyerShop to locate an asbestos lawyer in your area.