Maryland, a state known in its early days for producing tobacco, is now a modern hub of shipbuilding, automobile manufacturing, and machinery manufacturing. These and a number of other industries help make the state prosperous and productive; however, they are also notorious for toxic asbestos exposure.
This is the fifth largest state in terms of population density, and one person in 5000 dies from being exposed to asbestos, which many of the deaths coming in the Baltimore area.
Unfortunately, these aren’t the only ways in which people may experience harmful asbestos exposure in MD. Because of its durability and versatility, asbestos-related materials were also widely used outside of industrial purposes– particularly in many homes and public buildings.
If you or someone you love has been diagnosed with an asbestos-related illness, such as mesothelioma, lung cancer, or asbestosis, you may be entitled to a significant amount of financial compensation. To learn more about asbestos exposure in Maryland or to speak with an attorney about your right to compensation, contact our attorneys today.
Cities in Maryland with the Highest Risk for Asbestos Exposure
While all residents and workers in the state may be exposed to asbestos at one point in their lives, residents in the more industrial areas, like Baltimore, have a higher risk for exposure, particularly those who work (or have worked) in the following industries
- Shipbuilding
- Steel production
- Petroleum (oil)
- Tobacco
- Sugar refining
- Smelting and refining
- Heating and plumbing
- Building and construction
- Insulation
- Paint
Cities and towns in this state that have asbestos exposure problems are:
- Annapolis
- Cumberland
- Frederick
- Salisbury
- Hagerstown
- Silver Spring
- Townson
- Sparrows Point
- Baltimore
Shipbuilding and Asbestos Exposure in Maryland
The National Cancer Institute did a study of 4700 former workers at Curtis Bay Coast Guard Shipyard. They worked at the facility from 1950 until 1963. Shipyard workers were found to be at higher risk for asbestos diseases than the general population.
Any who has or still works at any power plants in Maryland is at elevated risk of asbestos related diseases. Also note that a study in Puerto Rico in 2007 found there were abnormalities in 13% of chest x-rays taken of workers from power plants. Power plants in this state that have been identified as sites containing asbestos are:
- Basco Power Electric
- Calvert Cliffs Nuclear Power Plant
- Glen Burnie Powerhouse
Asbestos containing material was popular in these facilities because the substance is highly resistant to heat and electrical current. A lot of the asbestos used was the crocidolite type, which is especially lethal.
Also, at the Curtis Bay Shipyard, asbestos was found in Fleet Hall, which is a barracks that was built with asbestos shingles. The salvage lot at the yard was a scrap metal yard for decades and was also used for dumping asbestos containing materials. It was designated as a Superfund site by the EPA in 2008, with asbestos contamination being one of the reasons it was named such.
Further, a burn pit at this salvage lot was functioning from the 19040s until 1963. Materials containing asbestos, as well as batteries and oil were dumped or incinerated.
Construction Sites with Asbestos Problems in Maryland
Supradur Manufacturing has been a large supplier of asbestos cement for many years. These products were most likely used in the stadium at the University of Maryland, which has been identified in recent years as having serious asbestos problems.
Baltimore and Mesothelioma
Baltimore has a notorious history of manufacturing industries that are well known for their use of asbestos. Some of the largest jobsites in Baltimore that contain asbestos are:
- Baltimore Marine Industries
- Bethlehem Steel Sparrows Plant Shipyard
- Crown Central Petroleum
- Curtis Bay Shipyard
- Key Highway Shipyard
- Titan Steel Corp.
Baltimore Mesothelioma Attorneys
Baltimore, the largest city in the state, has been the industrial hub of the area for quite some time. And, although many of the factories responsible for high levels of asbestos exposure are no longer in operation, former factory workers are still at risk for developing illnesses as a result of asbestos exposure they experienced years ago. There are several factories and manufacturing plants in Baltimore that have exposed thousands of workers to asbestos.
Some of the larger companies in the area with a history of asbestos exposure include:
- Baltimore Marine Industries, known for ship building steel production
- Bethlehem Shipbuilding, known for iron and steel production
- Crown Central Petroleum, a petroleum refinery
- Curtis Bay Coast Guard Yard, ship maintenance and repairs
- Key Highway Shipyard, formerly owned by Bethlehem Shipbuilding, this yard focused mainly on ship manufacturing and maintenance
If you or a loved one worked for a company where asbestos-related materials were heavily used and are now suffering the effects of exposure, you should consult a lawyer about your rights. It is important to remember that not all attorneys have the appropriate skills or resources it takes to successfully handle mesothelioma lawsuits. Working with an experienced asbestos attorney, particularly one that is familiar with the laws and history of asbestos exposure in Maryland, will ensure the best outcome in your case.
Mesothelioma Attorney in Maryland
Our mesothelioma lawyers are highly familiar with the laws governing asbestos exposure in Maryland and understand what it takes to win these cases. We have years of experience successfully handling asbestos claims on behalf of mesothelioma patients and their families, and always fight to recover the maximum amount of compensation possible.
Many companies continued to expose their workers to the dangers of asbestos even after learning of the risk for mesothelioma and other harmful effects. Our mesothelioma lawyers believe that these companies should be held accountable for their decisions and for the damage they have wreaked on so many workers, residents, and families.
Our mesothelioma lawyers in Maryland have helped families recover millions of dollars for damages such as:
- Past and present medical bills
- Financial hardship due to inability to work
- Emotional pain and suffering
- Decreased quality of life
- Loss of economic support and social companionship in cases involving death
Seek Help from a Maryland Mesothelioma Lawyer
If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with mesothelioma and you are living (or formerly lived) in Maryland, we may be able to help you obtain financial compensation. To learn more, contact us via email or by calling 1-800-352-0871.
