Asbestos in Idaho
Idaho Asbestos
Often used as a fireproof insulator, asbestos has been mined in the United States since the late 19th century. When America grew and industrialized, so did the demand for asbestos. Asbestos was used in the construction of buildings, factories and even homes. Asbestos exposure can extend beyond the walls of buildings and factories through the cars we drive as a lot of the brakes and brake pads contained asbestos.
Asbestos fibers are small and cheap. This is why many opt to use asbestos fibers in their products due to the low costs. Asbestos is often used in the manufacturing of other products. Idaho has a few industries across its state that did or still does contain asbestos products.
Jobs with Asbestos Exposure
The mining industry has had a long presence in Idaho for quite some time. Most of these mines are located in the northern part of Idaho. If you worked in the mining industry, you have a higher risk of developing mesothelioma due to the asbestos you were exposed to during your employment.
Idaho does not have the numerous asbestos-using industries that most other states have, but what industries they have do still expose employees to asbestos. This still leaves employees of those industries at risk for developing mesothelioma or other asbestos-related diseases.
Asbestos Deaths in Idaho
Inhalation of these asbestos fibers can cause mesothelioma or asbestosis. Mesothelioma is a rare type of lung cancer and is directly caused by exposure to asbestos. Unlike lung cancer, mesothelioma is the cancer of the lung linings rather than inside the lungs. Exposure can be primary or secondary—you or a loved one were exposed through a loved one who may have worked in an industry that was heavily using asbestos products.
Over 170 deaths occurred in Idaho from asbestos exposure since 1979. Asbestosis and mesothelioma are the two most commonly diagnosed diseases caused by asbestos. About 96 of those deaths were from mesothelioma. Since mesothelioma is a cancer, it can spread to other parts and organs of the body. This is perhaps why mesothelioma is considered deadlier than asbestosis.
