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Mesothelioma & Lung Cancer Due to Asbestos Exposure in Alaska

Mesothelioma and Lung Cancer Prevalence in Alaska

Mesothelioma is a rare and aggressive cancer that develops in the thin lining of tissues covering internal organs. From 2017 to 2021, Alaska recorded an age-adjusted mesothelioma rate of 1.4 per 100,000 people, with 45 new cases reported statewide.

Lung cancer is another serious disease linked to asbestos exposure. In 2023, Alaska reported an estimated 450 new cases of lung and bronchus cancer and approximately 220 related deaths.

Between 2017 and 2021, the age-adjusted lung cancer rate in Alaska was 52.6 per 100,000 people, with 1,912 new cases diagnosed. As of 2024, the incidence rate remains nearly unchanged and closely mirrors the national average. Alaska ranks 20th in the United States for lung cancer incidence.

Asbestos exposure has played a significant role in Alaska's ongoing public health challenges related to mesothelioma and lung cancer.

Contributing Factors

Asbestos occurs naturally in many parts of Alaska, particularly in gravel used for construction. This has created widespread contamination risks, especially at construction and infrastructure sites.

Several industries historically relied on asbestos for its heat-resistant properties, including manufacturing, construction, and power generation. Power plants commonly used asbestos-containing insulation and equipment, placing workers at elevated risk.

Oil refineries, shipyards, and military installations also contributed to occupational exposure. Shipbuilding operations and the presence of military bases increased asbestos contact, particularly among veterans. Smoking has further compounded lung cancer rates within the state.

Was I exposed to asbestos in Alaska?

Select a city in alaska-asbestos-lawyers where you or a household member worked to see the jobsites in Alaska with known asbestos exposure.

Asbestos Exposure

Asbestos exposure has affected workers and families in every state, across countless industries, and often long after the original exposure occurred. Asbestos-related illness is not limited to any single region. Exposure has occurred in factories, power plants, oil refineries, shipyards, schools, hospitals, military bases, and residential buildings throughout the United States.

Workplace

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High-Risk Occupations for Asbestos Exposure in Alaska

Residents of Alaska have experienced asbestos exposure through both occupational and secondary means. Long-term exposure can result in life-threatening illnesses such as mesothelioma, lung cancer, and asbestosis.

Construction Workers

Naturally occurring asbestos is present in much of Alaska's soil and gravel. Historically, construction materials often contained asbestos, increasing exposure risks. Over time, stricter regulations have been introduced to address these hazards.

Power Plant Workers

During much of the 20th century, power plants used asbestos in machinery, tools, and protective equipment. Facilities such as the University of Alaska Power Plant and the Beluga Power Station exposed workers to asbestos fibers during routine operations.

Oil Refinery Workers

Although Alaska has had relatively few oil refineries, facilities like Tesoro Alaska Company and Arco Chemical Company used asbestos in various industrial processes. Studies have shown oil refinery workers experience higher rates of pleural mesothelioma.

Shipyard Workers

Alaska's extensive coastline supported numerous shipbuilding and repair facilities. Shipyards such as the Seward Marine Industrial Center and Seward Ship's Drydock frequently used asbestos-containing materials, placing workers at significant risk.

Navy Veterans

Navy personnel, including Marines and Coast Guard members, faced heavy asbestos exposure due to its widespread use aboard ships. Veterans stationed at facilities like Kodiak Naval Station and Fort Richardson were among those most affected.

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Cities in Alaska with Asbestos

There are 47 cities in Alaska that are covered by Asbestos Trust Funds

Landmark Alaska Asbestos Verdicts

Yoo Jin Management Company Ltd. vs. Workers

In 2021, a U.S. District Court ruled against Yoo Jin Management Company Ltd., Mush Inn Corp., and a property manager for violating the Clean Air Act during renovation work in Anchorage. Workers were exposed to asbestos while renovating a former commercial building.

The defendants pleaded guilty to failing to follow federal asbestos safety standards. Sentences included probation, financial penalties, and medical monitoring payments for affected workers.

EPA Fines in Juneau and Ketchikan

In 2006, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency fined multiple parties for asbestos violations during demolition projects in Juneau and Ketchikan. These cases involved failure to notify the EPA, lack of certified asbestos supervisors, and improper disposal of asbestos-containing materials.

The violations resulted in substantial fines and reinforced the importance of federal regulations designed to protect workers and the public from asbestos exposure.

Asbestos Exposure by State

Recognition Received