Asbestos is an ongoing problem in Boston.

While the EPA has stepped up its efforts, it is far from perfect in its goal of removing asbestos from older buildings. In May of 2022 a massive pile of asbestos soil was dumped by the Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) near a public housing community in Chelsea, Massachusetts, for example. Chelsea is just across the mystic river from Boston. This not-so-long-ago event left residents unknowingly exposed.

Massachusetts, in general, is ranked the 13th state in the nation for asbestos- and Mesothelioma-related deaths. With a death toll of 1680 from 1970 to 2022, 1441 have so far lost their lives to mesothelioma. That number is staggering. And due to the historic nature of the city of Boston, asbestos could very literally be everywhere.   

Asbestos and Mesothelioma 

What is Asbestos?

Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that was mined in the U.S. beginning in the late 1800s. It was popular because of its strength, durability, ability to withstand heat and inexpensiveness. Asbestos was commonly added to construction materials, including insulation, floor and ceiling tiles and roofing shingles, and these deadly fibers continue to be used in the automotive industry and in cement. The federal government has yet to totally outlaw asbestos use, even though it has been banned in many other countries.

Dangers of Asbestos Exposure

If left alone, there is little danger from asbestos. Asbestos in cement, for example, will only cause problems if the material is cut, damaged, or crumbles with age. Asbestos in insulation becomes dangerous only when the insulation is exposed. Once freed, tiny particles get released into the air. This is what’s referred to as “friable asbestos,” and in this form, people often breathe in the fibers without knowing it.

Once inside the body, asbestos attaches itself to the lungs permanently, causing irritation. Eventually, a person directly exposed, or their family members who have been exposed secondhand, can develop life-threatening illnesses, and these illnesses may not appear for decades.

There is no safe level of asbestos for humans. Breathing in asbestos particles is always dangerous. And, although the public became aware of the dangers in the 1970s and it began to be heavily regulated the following decade, many older structures still contain the mineral. Improper demoing or renovating of aging buildings continues to expose construction teams, and those who previously worked with asbestos continue to get sick. 

Boston Mesothelioma Resources 

Given its historic nature, asbestos is bound to be common in Boston. Luckily the state of Massachusetts has come a long way in regulating and managing the removal of this toxic material. 

With a vast array of resources at its disposal, the city of Boston provides numerous services to help eliminate asbestos waste. From debris clean up to federal and state informational sites, including EPA.gov, OSHA.gov, and Mass.gov, there is a wealth of resources available to ensure Bostonians and the many visitors who flock to the city each year remain safe. Knowledge about the harmful effects of asbestos and how to remove it properly is just one click away. 

Massachusetts Department of Labor efforts to address asbestos exposure

In 2021, the Massachusetts Department of Labor (DLS) also revised its asbestos regulations, requiring stricter license policies and hiring requirements in the removal of asbestos waste. Tightening up removal measures makes it more likely that complications can be avoided. 

Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection

The Massachusetts Department for Environmental Protection (MassDEP), which is similar to the EPA but on a state level, has strict guidelines regarding who can dispose of asbestos and the procedures for doing so. According to the organization, asbestos requires not only proper storage in airtight containers, but these containers must be labeled with warnings prior to being shipped or dropped off at a MassDEP approved landfill.

Industries in Boston with High Exposure Risk 

With Boston having one of the highest death rates in the country from asbestos-related illnesses, it would be helpful to understand the underlying causes. Some industries that are at the highest risk of exposure include shipyards, power plants, textile factories, schools and military bases. 

The Boston Naval Yard can be a source of hazardous asbestos exposure.

Many specific areas in Boston have also been linked to asbestos illnesses including the Boston Naval Yard, Pilgrim Nuclear Plant, and the Tyco Health Group Textile Mill. Individuals employed in these industries or who are serving our country are likely to have been exposed to asbestos and could later develop mesothelioma, asbestosis, and various cancers such as thyroid, kidney, and ovarian cancer. And not only are employees at risk, but they can bring the microscopic fibers home, endangering loved ones secondhand.

Asbestos was carried by workers into homes in Boston, exposing spouses and kids.

A ‘indestructible’ material used for its high heat resistance, fibers were added to clothing, tapestries, floor tiles, and construction materials and more. Since the material could be heated, workers would breathe in asbestos particles, causing chest tightness, lung scarring, wheezing and coughing. Over time, this exposure has led to mesothelioma, a very aggressive form of cancer that affects the lungs and sometimes the colon. The current survival rate of this disease is only around 10% and life expectancy is around 4 to 18 months after diagnosis. 

AsbestosClaims.Law

AsbestosClaims.law is your comprehensive resource for all things asbestos. We hope this information is helpful.

If you have any additional questions or concerns related to asbestos, check out our website and YouTube page for videos, infographics and answers to your questions about asbestos, including health and safety, asbestos testing, removing asbestos from your home and building, and legal information about compensation for asbestos injuries.

If you believe that your home was contaminated with asbestos, or you believe that you were exposed to asbestos, or have been diagnosed with an asbestos illness, you could be entitled to significant compensation—money you could use to cover the costs of asbestos removal services, pay for medical treatment, and preemptively protect your physical well-being. 

All without filing a lawsuit.

If you’d like help with filing a claim, please get in touch by email at [email protected], or call or text us at (833) 4-ASBESTOS (427-2378) or (206) 455-9190. We’ll listen to your story and explain your options. And we never charge for anything unless you receive money in your pocket.