Asbestos Exposure in Virginia
There are several environmental and occupational sites in Virginia that contain a mineral known as asbestos. Also carcinogenic, prolonged exposure to the mineral has been known to cause disease, such as a type of cancer called mesothelioma. Out of all 50 states, Virginia is the 10th highest in deaths from an asbestos-related condition.
This toxic mineral was once used in many different building capacities due to it being fire-resistant, durable, and cost-effective. Some of these capacities include construction, mining, and insulation. The US Military also used asbestos in building military bases, equipment, ships and shipyards, aircraft, and more, making veterans and other industrial workers at high risk for asbestos exposure.
Amy C. has over twenty years combined experience in both the medical and legal field. She understands what asbestos’ cases mean on an emotional level and she has the skill set to help her clients navigate the legalities in a timely manner.
Diseases Related to Asbestos
The mineral forms as a bundle of fibers. When disturbed by demolition, renovation, or other methods, these fibers can become airborne, making them easier to ingest or inhale by workers or surrounding residents. Usually, when inhaled, the fibers get stuck in the lung tissue where they will irritate that area and surrounding tissues. After a latency period of about 20 or so years, mesothelioma or other asbestos-related illness could develop. Some related conditions include:
When asbestos fibers cause scarring or damage in the lung tissues.
Tumors that form and grow directly in the lungs.
Cancer that metastasizes (grows and develops) in the lining of the lungs (pleural), the abdomen (peritoneal), or heart (pericardial). Mesothelioma is the most common disease caused by prolonged asbestos exposure.
When prolonged exposure causes damage to the pleura, fluid can begin to build up and spill over into the chest cavity, creating pleural effusion.
Environmental Exposure in Virginia
Areas surrounding the Appalachian Mountains generally have large amounts of natural rock and soil deposits. Being a state that lies along these mountains, Virginia has large quantities of bedrock that have been known to contain asbestos. These types of rocks are locally known as greenstone due to their green or teal hues.
There are several soil types that form on greenstone, potentially contaminating that soil with harmful levels of the mineral. There are areas of greenstone-derived soil all around Virginia, but Greenstone is more prevalent in North Virginia, with proximity to Fairfax and surrounding counties. The Northern Virginia Soil and Water Conservation District has helpful maps available containing potential asbestos soil locations. Greenstone is more prevalent in North Virginia, with proximity to Fairfax and surrounding counties.
Top 20 Virginia counties with increased risk of environmental asbestos exposure (from highest to lowest) include:
- Newport News City
- Hampton City
- Virginia Beach City
- Fairfax County
- Chesapeake City
- Chesterfield County
- Portsmouth City
- York County
- Norfolk City
- Henrico County
- Suffolk City
- Gloucester County
- Isle of Wight County
- James City County
- Augusta County
- Prince William County
- Albemarle County
- Alexandria City
- Hanover County
- Arlington County
Virginia Occupational Asbestos Use
The carcinogen was mainly used in the industrial scene, making workers and veterans the primary groups at risk for contamination. Family members and friends of asbestos workers are also at risk. If a worker has the carcinogenic fibers on their person, they could transfer those fibers to loved ones through contact with skin, hair, or clothing. This is known as indirect or secondary exposure.
Since Virginia is on the ocean, it has a sizeable Navy presence. In fact, the Naval Station in Norfolk, Virginia contains the world’s largest naval base, housing 75 ships, and 134 aircraft, alongside 14 piers and 11 aircraft hangars. This base houses the largest concentration of US Navy forces, with air operations conducting an average of 275 flights per day, or once every six minutes.
U.S. veterans make up nearly 30 percent of all mesothelioma diagnoses, with the Navy being the largest consumer of asbestos-containing products. The mineral was utilized heavily for insulation and preventing fires on Navy ships and submarines. The Navy’s surgeon general published a report in 1939 connecting exposure with deadly lung conditions such as mesothelioma and lung cancer, but manufacturers continued supplying it to the military anyway.
Virginia Jobs at Risk
Multiple occupations have a higher risk of exposure than others. Jobs at high chance for exposure include:
- Auto Mechanics
- Construction workers
- Demolition crews
- First Responders
- Insulation installers
- Machinery repair technicians
- Ship workers
Legal Options for Virginia Victims
If you’ve been exposed to the mineral while on the job or during your time in the military, your employer could be held responsible. If that’s the case, you may be entitled to compensation to help offset the cost of medical bills, treatment, and lost wages. There is a statute of limitations or time limit to file a claim that differs from state to state, so don’t let too much time pass if you receive a diagnosis confirming an asbestos-illness.
Talk with an experienced attorney to ensure that your case is handled efficiently and correctly. If you complete our free case evaluation, you’ll be able to get feedback on your situation and determine whether filing a claim is the best option for you.
Mesothelioma Hub has up-to-date and accurate information ready for you. Learn more about your diagnosis.
Asbestos Regulations in Virginia
Numerous organizations take action toward protecting their residents and reducing the chances of asbestos exposure by banning the use of it. However, state regulations against the mineral can differ.
Virginia follows federal requirements for exposure in general industry (brake repair, custodial, the manufacture of asbestos products), and for exposure of employees during asbestos abatement activities (repair, demolition, and removal).
EPA – The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) tried to take the mineral off the market by passing bans on production, development, and distribution of asbestos-products in 1989 and again in 2019.
NESHAP – The National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants, or NESHAP, is a set of regulations put in place by the government to help protect people and surrounding environments against exposure. The NESHAP policy requires business owners and operators to be licensed and certified to work with the carcinogenic mineral while providing at least 10 working days’ notice before beginning any demolition or construction projects that may disturb the asbestos fibers.
Virginia state regulations against the toxin are far more strict than the federal requirements. The state also charges certification and notification fees while regulating asbestos transportation and disposal. In fact, the state actually has its very own workplace safety and health regulatory program, which protects private and public job sites.
The VOSH Program – The Virginia Occupational Safety and Health (VOSH) program is an entity responsible for issuing project permits and enforcing job safety and health rules the mineral is present at job sites. The VOSH can also enforce NESHAP rules, and regulate the state’s asbestos licensing program.
OSHA – Construction safety is managed by the Virginia Department of Labor and Industry, which distributes the Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s (OSHA) regulations for areas containing naturally occurring asbestos. All worksites are currently bound by OSHA’s General Duty Clause, which mandates employers to provide a workplace free of hazards that can cause death or harm. It also regulates permissible exposure limits (PELs) for airborne asbestos.
Virginia Department of Health (VDH) – The VDH’s mission is to protect the health and promote the well-being of all Virginia residents. The VDH provides several resources to anyone who needs it, providing extensive information about the dangers of exposure to the mineral.
Cancer Treatment Centers Near Virginia
Finding a local cancer treatment center can be immensely helpful for mesothelioma or lung cancer patients, as their medical professionals have extensive experience with cancer patients and subsequent treatment.
Cancer treatment centers in or around Virginia include:
- Massey Cancer Center
General Information: (804) 828 0450
New Patients: (804) 828 5116
- University of Virginia Cancer Center
Main #: (434) 924 3627
Toll free: 1 (800) 223 9173
- Abramson Cancer Center
Main #: (215) 615 5858
- UPMC Hillman Cancer Center
Main #: (412) 647 2811
- Fox Chase Cancer Center
Cancer Information Line: 1 (888) 369 2427
- The Wistar Institute Cancer Center
Main #: (215) 898 3700
- Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center | Thomas Jefferson University
Main #: (215) 898 3700
- Duke Cancer Institute
Durham, North Carolina
Consultation and Referral Service: 1 (888) 275 3853
- Wake Forest Baptist Comprehensive Cancer Center
Winston, North Carolina
Main #: (336) 716 7971
Appointments: (336) 716 9253
- UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center
Chapel Hill, North Carolina
Main #: (919) 966 3036
Information or Appointments: 1 (866) 869 1856
Mesothelioma is often the result of corporate negligence. Reach out to a mesothelioma expert and learn where you may have been exposed.
If you’re worried you’ve been exposed to asbestos while on the job or through other means, you don’t have to go through it alone. Talk to a doctor immediately about your situation so that you can receive a proper diagnosis. The earlier illness can get detected, the more treatment options a patient could have available to them.
Do you suspect someone you know was exposed to asbestos on the job? Learn more about how asbestos can affect you.