Massachusetts Asbestos-Related Deaths from 1999-2017

1,441
Mesothelioma Deaths
239
Asbestosis Deaths
1,680
Total Deaths

Asbestos Exposure in Massachusetts

Shipyards and Asbestos Exposure

Shipbuilding is a long-standing industry in Massachusetts. Shipyard workers are at risk of asbestos-related illnesses because asbestos was frequently used in shipbuilding and repair. Military and commercial shipbuilding has caused many individuals to be diagnosed with asbestos-related illnesses after decades of asbestos exposure.

The Boston Naval Shipyard operated for over 170 years using hundreds of components on ships that all contained asbestos. Asbestos was used in insulation and gaskets until the Navy began regulating the use of asbestos in its ships in the 1970s. The Boston Naval Shipyard was closed shortly after in 1974. Individuals who worked in shipyards or on ships were likely exposed to asbestos and may be at risk for developing deadly asbestos-related diseases, such as mesothelioma, asbestosis, and lung cancer.

Asbestos in Manufacturing

Workers in Massachusetts were also exposed to asbestos in chemical plants, textile mills, electric plants and other factories. These industries often used asbestos because of its heat resistant properties and resistance to chemicals.

Partial list of work sites in Massachusetts with known asbestos exposure
  • Algonquin Steam Plant
  • American Optical Manufacturing Plant
  • Bethlehem Steel Shipyard
  • Boston Naval Shipyard
  • Charlestown Navy Yard
  • Eastman Chemical Plant
  • Edison Steam Plant
  • General Dynamics Shipyard
  • General Electric Headquarters in Boston
  • Gillette Safety Razor Plant
  • International Paper Mill
  • Malden Textile Mill
  • Massachusetts State Hospital
  • Monsanto Chemical Plant
  • Norton Grinding Plant
  • Otis Air Force Base
  • Pilgrim Nuclear Power Plant
  • Proctor & Gamble Plant
  • Salem Harbor Steam Plant
  • Sprague Electric Capacitor Factory
  • Tyco Medical Products Plant
  • Veteran’s Administration Hospital in Brockton
  • W.R. Grace Chemical Plant in Acton
  • W.R. Grace Chemical Plant in Cambridge

Statute of Limitations to File Mesothelioma Claim in Massachusetts

There is a limited amount of time to file a lawsuit for mesothelioma that varies for each state called the statute of limitations. This means if you do not file within the time limit, you will never be able to pursue legal action or obtain compensation. It’s important that you take legal action within this time frame so you do not miss out on receiving the compensation you may deserve. Contact us here to learn more about how we can help.

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What is mesothelioma?

Mesothelioma is a deadly and rare form of malignant cancer that is caused by asbestos exposure. The most common forms of mesothelioma are: pleural and peritoneal. Pleural mesothelioma is a cancer that affects the lining of the lungs and peritoneal mesothelioma is a cancer that affects the lining of the abdominal cavity.

Victims with pleural mesothelioma may have respiratory symptoms, such as coughing, shortness of breath, chest pain, and fatigue. Victims with peritoneal mesothelioma may have abdominal swelling, stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, and weight loss.

The latency period for mesothelioma is very long. The average latency period is about 30 years, but can be shorter than 15 years or longer than 40 years. This means individuals with mesothelioma may take decades to present symptoms from the time they were exposed to asbestos.

What is asbestosis?

Asbestosis is a chronic lung disease caused by asbestos exposure. When asbestos is inhaled the fibers irritate and scar the lining of the lungs, making it difficult to breathe. The lungs become stiff and cannot expand and contract normally. Symptoms of asbestosis are shortness of breath, chest pain, and a dry, persistent cough. Like mesothelioma, the latency period for asbestosis is very long. Symptoms may not present for 10 to 40 years after asbestos exposure.

Military Asbestos Exposure

It is extremely important to know that our attorneys do not sue the military. We seek accountability from the asbestos companies that sold dangerous asbestos products to the military.

Members of all branches of the military may have been exposed to asbestos before it became more restricted in the 1970s. The U.S. military used asbestos products in many areas because of its low cost, durability, and heat resistant properties. The common use of these asbestos products put many U.S. veterans at risk of developing asbestos related diseases, such as mesothelioma, asbestosis, and lung cancer. Below is a list of the military branches and common asbestos exposure sites:

  • Navy – shipyards, boiler rooms, submarines
  • Army – barracks, shipyards, construction
  • Marine Corps – armored vehicles, barracks, ships, aircraft
  • Coast Guard – inside ships, ships, boiler rooms
  • Air Force- bases, airplanes, jets, aircraft maintenance