Washington Asbestos Information

The State of Washington is home to many shipyards, lumber mills, pulp factories, aluminum mills, oil refineries, and chemical plants. These industries have been known to make use of asbestos-containing materials in the past. As a result, many Washington industrial workers have likely been exposed to carcinogenic asbestos fibers and are at risk for developing asbestosis or mesothelioma. If you know someone who has been diagnosed with asbestosis or mesothelioma in Washington, our asbestos attorneys can help.

Federal Investigation into Washington Asbestos Exposure

The federal government is conducting an investigation into the operations of one particular company that shipped asbestos-contaminated vermiculite to many locations throughout the United States. The W.R. Grace Company had a vermiculite mine in Libby, Montana. The vermiculite ore mined there was found to contain asbestos. The raw vermiculite, a silicate mineral that can be processed and used for insulation or a planting medium, was shipped to processing facilities in many states.

More than 37,000 tons of vermiculite ore from the Libby mine was shipped to 18 different locations in Seattle, Washington, between 1948 and 1993. Another 20,000 tons was shipped to Spokane. Smaller amounts were shipped periodically to Renton, Tacoma, Auburn, and Monroe, Washington. The worksites in these cities typically processed the vermiculite using a method called exfoliation, which releases asbestos fibers into the air. Once airborne, asbestos dust can be inhaled by unprotected workers or residents living nearby. The operations of the W.R. Grace Company and its affiliated facilities may be responsible for an untold number of asbestos-related diseases in Washington State.

Asbestos Exposure in Washington

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

Washington Counties Most Affected by Asbestos Deaths

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

• King County
• Kitsap County
• Pierce County
• Snohomish County
• Spokane County
• Clark County
• Benton County
• Yakima County
• Whatcom County
• Thurston County
• Cowlitz County
• Grays Harbor County
• Mason County
• Clallam County
• Island County
• Skagit County
• Lewis County
• Walla Walla County

Discuss Your Asbestos Case with Washington Personal Injury Attorney

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