Oregon Asbestos Information

The Pacific Northwest has an abundance of natural resources and a strong maritime tradition. While related industries form the backbone of the Oregon economy, there have been detrimental side effects for some blue-collar workers laboring in the factories and shipyards. Until recent years, many materials handled by workers were fabricated with asbestos. When asbestos-containing materials are processed, fibers are released into the air to be inhaled by unprotected workers. In the past, many companies did not take adequate measures to protect employees from airborne asbestos fibers.

Federal Investigation into Oregon Asbestos Exposure

The federal government is currently conducting an extensive investigation on one company that shipped vermiculite, a silicate mineral that can be processed and used for insulation or as a planting medium, to many states, including Oregon. The W.R. Grace/Zonolite Company operated a vermiculite mine in Libby, Montana. The ore mined in Libby was contaminated with asbestos. Between 1948 and 1993, more than 160,000 tons of asbestos-contaminated material was shipped to eight locations in Portland, Oregon. After its arrival, the vermiculite was processed using a procedure called exfoliation, during which asbestos fibers are released from the vermiculite into the environment. Breathing airborne asbestos fibers is the primary cause of asbestosis and mesothelioma. As a result, people who lived or worked near these vermiculite processing facilities during that time period have a much higher risk of developing asbestos-related illnesses than the population at large.

Asbestos Exposure in Oregon

Due to the concentration of industry, including jobs with a risk of asbestos exposure, in certain areas of Oregon, some counties have reported a higher proportion of asbestos-related deaths.

Oregon Counties Most Affected by Asbestos Deaths

The following counties in Oregon are among those counties with more deaths related to asbestos exposure:

• Multnomah County
• Clackamas County
• Lane County
• Washington County
• Marion County
• Jackson County
• Linn County
• Douglas County
• Columbia County
• Josephine County
• Deschutes County
• Polk County
• Klamath County
• Lincoln County
• Yamhill County
• Tillamook County
• Coos County
• Benton County
• Curry County
• Union County

If you previously worked in an industrial occupation and have been diagnosed with lung cancer, hire an asbestos lawyer for help. Whether you or your loved one has developed asbestosis, lung cancer, or mesothelioma from working around asbestos, please contact our Oregon asbestos attorneys to explore your legal options.