Mesothelioma and Lung Cancer Due to Asbestos Exposure in Nebraska

Mesothelioma and lung cancer are serious diseases linked to asbestos exposure, and they continue to affect residents across Nebraska. While the state does not have natural asbestos deposits, historical industrial use has led to long-term health risks for many workers and communities. [1](L1)

Awareness, early detection, and prevention remain essential to addressing asbestos-related diseases in Nebraska.

Mesothelioma and Lung Cancer Prevalence in Nebraska

Mesothelioma is a rare but aggressive cancer primarily caused by asbestos exposure. Between 2017 and 2021, Nebraska recorded an age-adjusted incidence rate of 0.7 per 100,000 people, with 82 new cases reported during that period. [1](L2)

Lung cancer is another major asbestos-related illness affecting the state. From 2017 to 2021, Nebraska experienced an incidence rate of 52.2 per 100,000 people, totaling 6,255 cases. In 2023 alone, approximately 1,340 new lung cancer cases and 160 related deaths were reported. [1](L3)

Contributing Factors to Asbestos Exposure

Although Nebraska is located on the geologically inactive Great Plains and lacks natural asbestos deposits, asbestos exposure has still occurred due to its widespread historical use. Workers in power plants, manufacturing facilities, breweries, and military operations were often exposed through equipment, insulation, and construction materials. [1](L4)

Douglas, Lancaster, and Sarpy counties have reported the highest incidence of asbestos-related diseases in the state. While Nebraska has no asbestos-related EPA Superfund sites, 28 locations have been investigated by the EPA and the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry for asbestos concerns. [1](L5)

Asbestos exposure has been linked to pleural mesothelioma and lung cancer, including in non-smokers. Smoking remains a major cause of lung cancer, but combined exposure to smoking and asbestos significantly increases health risks. [1](L6)

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

LEAD ASBESTOS ATTORNEYS

Ryan G. Dickherber

John F. Theil

Occupations at Higher Risk of Asbestos Exposure in Nebraska

Nebraska's largely rural landscape and limited industrial base reduced overall asbestos exposure compared to other states. However, power plants and small manufacturing facilities still contributed to documented exposure cases. [1](L7)

Power Plant Workers

Power plant workers faced significant asbestos exposure through materials such as pipes, boilers, gaskets, and asbestos-insulated machinery. Facilities including Blue Hill City Light and Water, Whelan Energy Center, and Madison Utilities have been associated with these risks. [1](L9)

Industrial Workers

At Western Mineral Products in Omaha, industrial workers were exposed to asbestos while manufacturing insulation and concrete products using vermiculite contaminated with asbestos from Libby, Montana. [1](L11)

Insulation, Maintenance, and Construction Workers

Workers at Nebraska's former W.R. Grace vermiculite plant were exposed while processing contaminated materials used in insulation, construction, and gardening products. Maintenance and construction workers were also at risk during equipment servicing, installation, and later disturbance of asbestos-containing materials. [1](L13)

Manufacturing Workers

Many manufacturing facilities in Nebraska used asbestos during factory construction and equipment assembly. Companies producing a wide range of products, including Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company and Weaver Potato Chips in Lincoln, have had known cases of asbestos exposure at their facilities. [1](L15)

Asbestos Trust Funds in Nebraska

Asbestos trust funds are court-ordered compensation funds established by bankrupt companies to provide financial relief to individuals harmed by asbestos-containing products. These funds help cover medical expenses, lost income, and other damages. [1](L17)

W.R. Grace Asbestos Personal Injury Trust

The W.R. Grace Asbestos Personal Injury Trust was established in 2014 with $3 billion to compensate individuals diagnosed with asbestos-related illnesses. W.R. Grace processed asbestos-contaminated vermiculite, including at its Omaha, Nebraska facility, which led to widespread exposure among workers and nearby residents. [1](L18)