Contributing Factors
Although New Hampshire does not have natural asbestos deposits, the mineral's extensive use across various industries placed many residents at risk. More than 50 job sites in the state historically used asbestos, including shipyards, power plants, manufacturing facilities, and schools.
The shipbuilding industry has been a particularly significant source of exposure. One shipyard operating for centuries was recently added to the EPA's Superfund list due to environmental hazards, including asbestos contamination.
While smoking is a well-known cause of lung cancer, asbestos exposure also plays a significant role in the development of the disease. The continued presence of asbestos-related illnesses highlights the lasting dangers associated with past exposure.
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Cities in New Hampshire with Asbestos
There are 79 cities in New Hampshire that are covered by Asbestos Trust Funds
High-Risk Occupations in New Hampshire
New Hampshire has a long history of industries where workers faced exposure to hazardous materials such as asbestos. Certain occupations carried a higher risk, often leading to serious conditions like mesothelioma and lung cancer.
Industrial Workers
Industrial workers faced elevated risks due to the widespread use of asbestos in manufacturing environments. The former Johns-Manville Corporation facility in Nashua produced asbestos-containing products, exposing workers to dangerous fibers. In 1997, the EPA completed a $20 million cleanup of the site, removing approximately 65,000 tons of asbestos waste.
Power Plant Workers
Power plant workers were also at high risk, as asbestos was commonly used for insulation and heat resistance. Maintenance and repair work often disturbed asbestos-containing materials, increasing the likelihood of inhalation.
Shipyard Workers and Navy Veterans
Shipyard workers, particularly those associated with the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard near the Maine border, experienced significant asbestos exposure during ship construction and repair. Many Navy veterans worked directly with asbestos-containing materials, increasing their risk of developing asbestos-related diseases.
New Hampshire Asbestos Lawsuits
New Hampshire's $6 Million Share in Johnson & Johnson Settlement
Johnson & Johnson reached a $700 million settlement to resolve claims involving deceptive marketing of its talcum powder products. The settlement included 43 states, including New Hampshire, which will receive $6 million to support consumer protection and public health initiatives.
The lawsuit alleged that the company misled consumers about the safety of talc-based products despite internal knowledge of potential asbestos contamination and associated health risks such as ovarian cancer and mesothelioma.
Other Notable Settlements
A U.S. Navy veteran from Milton was awarded $4.67 million in compensation for asbestos-related injuries. Another Navy veteran from Eaton Center received $4.37 million for similar claims. In Berlin, a ball mill operator was awarded $2.54 million after proving that occupational asbestos exposure caused significant health issues.