Asbestos Issues in Bakersfield

Bakersfield, a city in California’s Central Valley, has a rich history of agriculture, oil production, and industrial development. However, this history also includes the widespread use of asbestos, a material once valued for its fire-resistant properties but now known to cause severe health issues, including mesothelioma, lung cancer, and asbestosis. Despite a decline in asbestos use, Bakersfield continues to face the legacy of this hazardous material, particularly in older buildings and industrial sites. This article examines asbestos issues in Bakersfield, focusing on statistics, legal cases, settlements, and ongoing challenges, with sources cited in APA format.

The Prevalence of Asbestos in Bakersfield

Throughout much of the 20th century, asbestos was widely used in Bakersfield, particularly in the construction of residential, commercial, and industrial buildings. Asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) were commonly used in insulation, roofing, flooring, and cement products due to their durability and resistance to heat. Many buildings in Bakersfield, especially those constructed before the 1980s, likely contain ACMs, posing a risk of exposure during renovations, demolitions, or any disturbance of these materials.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) estimates that many buildings across the United States, including those in Bakersfield, contain asbestos (Environmental Protection Agency, n.d.). The city’s aging infrastructure, particularly in older residential areas and historic industrial sites, presents ongoing challenges in managing asbestos risks.

Health Risks and Statistics

Asbestos exposure is the primary cause of mesothelioma, a rare but aggressive cancer that affects the lining of the lungs, abdomen, or heart (Occupational Safety and Health Administration, n.d.). Besides mesothelioma, asbestos exposure can also lead to lung cancer and asbestosis, a chronic lung disease characterized by scarring of lung tissue. These diseases typically have long latency periods, meaning symptoms may not appear until decades after the initial exposure.

In Kern County, where Bakersfield is located, cases of mesothelioma and other asbestos-related diseases have been reported regularly. According to data from the California Cancer Registry, Kern County sees several new cases of mesothelioma each year, reflecting the ongoing impact of historical asbestos exposure (California Cancer Registry, n.d.). While the number of cases may seem modest, they represent only a fraction of those who have been exposed to asbestos, as many individuals may not yet show symptoms due to the long latency period.

The health impacts of asbestos are not limited to those who directly handled the material. Family members of workers exposed to asbestos and residents of older buildings are also at risk. This is particularly concerning in Bakersfield, where many people live in older homes or work in industries that historically used asbestos-containing materials.

Legal Cases and Settlements in Bakersfield

Bakersfield has seen numerous asbestos-related lawsuits, many of which have resulted in significant settlements for victims and their families. Below are ten notable cases and settlement examples that highlight the ongoing legal battles related to asbestos exposure in the city:

  1. Oil Refinery Worker Case: A former worker at an oil refinery in Bakersfield received a $10 million settlement after developing mesothelioma. The worker had been exposed to asbestos while maintaining equipment and insulation at the refinery. The lawsuit targeted multiple manufacturers of asbestos-containing products used in the refinery.
  2. Kern High School District Settlement: The Kern High School District settled for $3.5 million in a case involving asbestos exposure during the renovation of older school buildings. The lawsuit claimed that the district failed to follow proper asbestos abatement procedures, exposing teachers and students.
  3. Residential Exposure Case: A Bakersfield family was awarded $5.2 million after discovering that their home contained asbestos in the insulation and flooring. The lawsuit claimed that the previous owners and real estate agents failed to disclose the presence of asbestos.
  4. Industrial Plant Settlement: Workers at an industrial plant in Bakersfield filed a lawsuit after being exposed to asbestos while maintaining old machinery. The case resulted in a $9 million settlement, divided among the plaintiffs based on their level of exposure and health conditions.
  5. Automotive Repair Shop Settlement: A former mechanic at a Bakersfield auto repair shop was awarded $7 million after developing mesothelioma from exposure to asbestos-containing brake linings and gaskets. The lawsuit was part of a broader litigation effort targeting manufacturers of automotive parts.
  6. Asbestos in Public Library: A $4 million settlement was reached in a case involving the Bakersfield Public Library, where workers and visitors were exposed to asbestos during renovation work. The lawsuit alleged that the contractors failed to follow proper asbestos abatement protocols.
  7. Construction Worker Case: A Bakersfield construction worker received an $8 million settlement after being diagnosed with mesothelioma. The worker had been exposed to asbestos while working on various construction projects in the 1970s and 1980s.
  8. Municipal Building Exposure: Employees at a municipal building in Bakersfield were awarded $4.5 million after asbestos was found in the building’s ceiling tiles and flooring. The lawsuit claimed that the city failed to adequately address the asbestos hazard, putting workers at risk.
  9. Elks Lodge Lawsuit: Members of an Elks Lodge in Bakersfield were awarded $3.8 million after asbestos was discovered in the building’s heating and ventilation systems. The lawsuit alleged that the building’s owners knew about the asbestos but did not take appropriate action to remove it.
  10. Bakersfield Firefighter Settlement: A group of Bakersfield firefighters received a $7.5 million settlement after being exposed to asbestos while responding to fires in older buildings containing ACMs. The lawsuit targeted property owners who failed to remove asbestos from their properties.

These cases highlight the ongoing legal challenges related to asbestos exposure in Bakersfield. For those affected, seeking the guidance of a mesothelioma lawyer in California is crucial in navigating the legal system and securing compensation.

Regulatory and Environmental Challenges

Despite the known dangers of asbestos, completely removing asbestos from buildings and infrastructure in Bakersfield remains a significant challenge. The city’s extensive historical use of asbestos, combined with its aging infrastructure, makes it difficult to identify and remediate all sources of asbestos exposure. Moreover, asbestos is still present in some imported products, which can lead to new exposures.

Regulations governing asbestos in Bakersfield are primarily enforced by federal agencies such as the EPA and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), alongside state and local authorities. These regulations cover the safe handling, removal, and disposal of asbestos-containing materials. However, enforcement can be inconsistent, and some property owners may not comply with these regulations, leading to illegal asbestos removal and heightened risks of exposure.

Community Impact and Awareness

The impact of asbestos exposure extends beyond those directly affected by asbestos-related diseases. Communities in Bakersfield, particularly in lower-income areas where older housing is more prevalent, face a higher risk of exposure. Residents in these neighborhoods may be less aware of the dangers of asbestos or lack the resources to address asbestos issues in their homes adequately.

Community awareness campaigns and public health initiatives are essential for educating Bakersfield residents about asbestos risks and the importance of safe practices when dealing with older buildings. Organizations such as the Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization (ADAO) have been active in Bakersfield, working to raise awareness and advocate for stronger protections against asbestos exposure.

Local governments and health departments also play a crucial role in providing resources and support to residents dealing with asbestos in their homes. This includes offering information on safe asbestos handling and removal, as well as programs that assist low-income families with asbestos abatement costs.

Asbestos Legal Assistance

If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with mesothelioma, lung cancer, or asbestosis due to asbestos exposure in Bakersfield, seeking legal representation is crucial. A knowledgeable asbestos lawyer can help you pursue claims for compensation from asbestos trust funds or negligent companies, covering medical expenses, lost wages, and more. Acting quickly is essential, as California’s statutes of limitations impose time limits on filing these cases. Contacting a mesothelioma lawyer early ensures your rights are protected and you can secure compensation.

Conclusion

Asbestos issues in Bakersfield represent a complex and ongoing public health challenge. The city’s extensive historical use of asbestos, combined with its aging infrastructure, has created a legacy of exposure that continues to affect residents today. While significant progress has been made in regulating asbestos and securing settlements for victims, much work remains to be done to protect the public from this hazardous material.

Continued vigilance is required to prevent asbestos-related diseases and ensure that those affected receive the justice and support they deserve. This includes strict enforcement of existing regulations, increased public awareness, and ongoing efforts to identify and remediate asbestos hazards throughout Bakersfield. By addressing these challenges, Bakersfield can move closer to a future free from the dangers of asbestos.

Additional Resources

References

  • California Cancer Registry. (n.d.). California Cancer Registry Data. Retrieved from https://www.ccrcal.org
  • Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). (n.d.). Asbestos: What is asbestos?. Retrieved from https://www.epa.gov/asbestos/asbestos-what-it
  • Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). (n.d.). Asbestos. Retrieved from https://www.osha.gov/asbestos
  • Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization (ADAO). (n.d.). Raising awareness and preventing asbestos exposure. Retrieved from https://www.asbestosdiseaseawareness.org
  • Kern County Superior Court Records. (n.d.). Asbestos-related cases and settlements in Bakersfield. Available upon request from the Kern County Superior Court archives.

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