Pennsylvania Asbestos Information

The State of Pennsylvania is famous for coal mining, steel production, and manufacturing might. The city of Pittsburgh once produced a third of the world's steel. The Philadelphia area has produced a large variety of manufactured goods over the years. Bituminous coal is still mined in Western Pennsylvania, and the only anthracite coalmines in the United States can be found in the eastern part of the state. While these industries no longer dominate Pennsylvania's economy, their effects linger in older workers. Many individuals who worked in industrial occupations in the 60s, 70s, and early 80s were frequently exposed to asbestos at work. Despite knowing the potential consequences of asbestos exposure, some employers did not take adequate measures to protect workers. Decades later, Pennsylvanians continue to be diagnosed with asbestos-related diseases like mesothelioma, lung cancer, and asbestosis.

Federal Investigation into Pennsylvania Asbestos Exposure

The actions of one company that shipped asbestos-contaminated material to dozens of sites across the United States have recently become the subject of a federal investigation. The W.R. Grace Company shipped over 400,000 tons of raw vermiculite, a silicate mineral used for insulation and as a planting medium, to Pennsylvania between 1948 and 1993. The vermiculite ore was from a mine in Libby, Montana, that was contaminated with asbestos. Most of the raw vermiculite was processed at a Zonolite Company facility in New Castle, PA. The vermiculite ore was "exfoliated" there, a process that released trapped asbestos fibers. The microscopic asbestos dust permeated the processing facility and likely drifted into nearby communities. New Castle residents who worked in or lived near the Zonolite processing plant may have an increased risk for developing diseases caused by asbestos exposure.

Asbestos Exposure in Pennsylvania

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

Pennsylvania Counties Most Affected by Asbestos Deaths

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

• Philadelphia County
• Delaware County
• Allegheny County
• Montgomery County
• Bucks County
• Lancaster County
• Luzerne County
• Schuylkill County
• Berks County
• Chester County
• Westmoreland County
• York County
• Cambria County
• Erie County
• Lackawanna County
• Blair County
• Lehigh County

Speak with Skilled Pennsylvania Asbestos Litigation Lawyer

If you or a loved one previously worked in an industrial occupation and has developed asbestosis, lung cancer, or mesothelioma, please contact our Pennsylvania asbestos attorneys to explore your legal options.