Mississippi Environmental Asbestos Exposure Risk

Asbestos Exposure in Mississippi

Asbestos is a bundle of six minerals that were once used in many industries because of their durability, cost-effectiveness, and resistance to electricity, fire, and chemical corrosion. Due to its proximity to the Gulf of Mexico, Mississippi has an abundance of oil refineries and shipyards, two industries that primarily use the mineral in their plants and factories. Today, Mississippi ranks 24th in the US for asbestos exposure, with approximately 100 deaths from asbestos-related conditions each year.

High-Risk Areas in Mississippi

A naturally occurring element, asbestos can be found in many environmental, occupational, and residential settings. As with most pollutants, some locations have higher-risk for exposure than others. These areas can be broken down into two categories: environmental and occupational.

 

Environmental Exposure to Asbestos

Within an individual’s environment, the substance can be found underground in soil or rock. Usually, the mineral is so far deep into the earth’s surface that exposure isn’t that much of a risk. It’s only when its fibers are disturbed and expelled into the environment that they become dangerous.

Hurricane Katrina was a giant catalyst for the disturbance of asbestos in Mississippi, as well as the neighboring state, Louisiana, the primary area affected. After the hurricane subsided, several homes and old structures were damaged, exposing residents and cleanup crews to the toxic dust. After the event, the EPA and other organizations made many evaluations and analyses of areas to try and determine the level of risk for exposure (such as take samples of sediment and soil, water, and air). Still, there’s always a risk for exposure around the Mississippi coast.

Fondren, a district in Mississippi, also contained contaminated structures. This area was slated for construction of a new Hilton hotel until complaints about asbestos in buildings scheduled for demolition to make room for the hotel began to surface. Investigators eventually found that contaminants were adequately removed from these structures, but not before demolition began, making it possible that the fibers were spread to other locations.
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Asbestos Laws

After researchers discovered that asbestos was harmful to health, organizations began to develop laws that regulate exposure to the mineral. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR), and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), are all governmental organizations that establish and regulate laws on asbestos as well as other toxic substances.

Legal Recourse for Patients

If you or a loved one was exposed to asbestos while on the job and developed mesothelioma or other related condition, you could be entitled to financial compensation from the employer or product’s company for negligence. Talk to an experienced mesothelioma attorney about the details surrounding your illness and exposure, and they can tell you if you have grounds for a legal case and how best to move forward.

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Cancer Treatment Centers Near Mississippi

It can be beneficial for patients to visit a cancer treatment center near their home. This will ensure they get care from experienced doctors who have treated patients with similar illnesses. Mississippi does not have any cancer treatment centers, so we’ve provided you with treatment centers bordering the state Mississippi include:

Alabama Cancer Treatment Center

O’Neal Comprehensive Cancer Center
Birmingham, Alabama
Main #: (205) 975 8222
Toll-Free: (800) 822 0933

Mesothelioma Hospital in Tennessee

St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital
Memphis, Tennessee
General Information: (901) 595-3300
Appointments and Referrals: 1-866-278-5833