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Mesothelioma & Lung Cancer Due to Asbestos Exposure in Utah (UT)

Mesothelioma and Lung Cancer Prevalence in Utah

The ingestion or inhalation of microscopic asbestos fibers can cause deadly diseases such as mesothelioma. These fibers become embedded in the mesothelial layers of internal organs, including the lungs, stomach, and intestines, where they can eventually develop into cancerous tumors.

According to CDC statistics, the age-adjusted rate of mesothelioma in Utah between 2017 and 2021 was 0.8 per 100,000 people, with 114 new cases reported. Workplace exposure to asbestos has been one of the primary causes of mesothelioma in the state.

Workplace exposure to asbestos has been a leading cause of mesothelioma in Utah, particularly in industries that historically relied on asbestos-containing materials.

Lung cancer is another serious disease associated with asbestos exposure. In 2023, an estimated 800 new lung cancer cases were reported in Utah, and approximately 460 people died from the disease in the same year.

Between 2017 and 2021, the age-adjusted rate of lung cancer in Utah was 24.9 per 100,000 people, with 3,563 new cases reported during that period. As of 2024, the new lung cancer rate in the state is 25.2 per 100,000 people, significantly lower than the national average of 53.6.

Was I exposed to asbestos in Utah?

Select a city in utah-asbestos-lawyers where you or a household member worked to see the jobsites in Utah 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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Contributing Factors

Asbestos-related illnesses in Utah can be traced to both naturally occurring asbestos and industrial job sites. Asbestos deposits are found in areas such as the Wasatch Mountains, Avintaquin Canyon, and Baer Canyon, where they were historically distributed to industries for insulation and fire prevention.

Industries such as petroleum, chemicals, and mining heavily relied on asbestos due to its heat resistance and durability. Workers handling these materials were at risk of inhaling harmful fibers, which increased their chances of developing mesothelioma and lung cancer.

The oil industry used asbestos extensively in storage tanks and pipes, particularly at facilities like the Standard Oil refinery in Salt Lake City. Chemical plants, including DuPont, Stauffer Chemical, and Chevron Chemical, also relied on asbestos products. Mining and metal smelting operations further contributed to widespread exposure.

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Cities in Utah with Asbestos

There are 102 cities in Utah that are covered by Asbestos Trust Funds

High-Risk Occupations in Utah

Workers in Utah's mining and power generation industries have historically faced a heightened risk of asbestos exposure. Several occupations were especially vulnerable due to prolonged and repeated contact with asbestos-containing materials.

Oil Refinery Workers

Oil refinery workers were exposed to asbestos through its use in pipes, storage tanks, and fire-resistant equipment. Facilities operated by companies such as Standard Oil, Amoco, Chevron Corporation, and Utah Oil Refining Company were major sources of exposure.

Chemical Plant Workers

Chemical plant workers faced significant risks due to the widespread use of asbestos in filters and protective materials. Companies such as DuPont, Stauffer Chemical, Chevron Chemical, and National Lead & Chemical exposed employees to hazardous asbestos fibers.

Steelworkers and Miners

Steelworkers, particularly those employed at the Sharon Steel Corporation in Midvale, encountered high levels of asbestos exposure while processing base metals. Mining operations, including Kennecott Utah Copper and Bingham Consolidated Mining, also exposed workers to both naturally occurring asbestos and asbestos used in machinery.

Notable Asbestos Lawsuits in Utah

Although asbestos litigation is less common in Utah than in some other states, several significant cases highlight the legal consequences of asbestos exposure and corporate negligence.

Vickie Warren v. Georgia-Pacific (2010)

In 2010, a Salt Lake City jury awarded $5.2 million to Vickie Warren, who developed mesothelioma after using asbestos-containing joint compound. Georgia-Pacific and Hamilton Materials were found liable for manufacturing the product, while Union Carbide supplied the asbestos.

Larry Boynton Secondary Exposure Case (2021)

In 2021, the Utah Supreme Court ruled that companies could be held liable for illnesses caused by secondary asbestos exposure. The case involved Larry Boynton, whose wife developed mesothelioma after being exposed to asbestos fibers carried home on his work clothing.

Asbestos Exposure by State

Recognition Received