Asbestos Issues in Fresno

Fresno, a major city in California’s Central Valley, faces ongoing public health challenges related to asbestos exposure. Asbestos, once widely used in construction and various industrial applications, is known for its fire-resistant properties but has been linked to severe health issues, including mesothelioma, lung cancer, and asbestosis. Although the use of asbestos has declined, its legacy remains in Fresno’s older buildings and industrial sites. This article examines the asbestos issues in Fresno, focusing on statistics, legal cases, settlements, and ongoing challenges, with sources cited in APA format.

The Prevalence of Asbestos in Fresno

Throughout much of the 20th century, asbestos was extensively used in Fresno, 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 heat resistance. Many buildings in Fresno, especially those constructed before the 1980s, still contain ACMs, posing a risk of exposure during renovations, demolitions, or any disturbance of these materials.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) estimates that numerous buildings across the United States, including those in Fresno, contain asbestos (Environmental Protection Agency, n.d.). Fresno’s aging infrastructure, particularly in its 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.

Fresno County has reported cases of mesothelioma, with data from the California Cancer Registry indicating that the county consistently sees new cases each year (California Cancer Registry, n.d.). While the number of cases may appear small, they represent only a portion of the population exposed to asbestos, as many 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 Fresno, where many people live in older homes or work in industries that historically used asbestos-containing materials.

Legal Cases and Settlements in Fresno

Fresno has seen numerous asbestos-related lawsuits, many resulting 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. Fresno County Maintenance Worker Case: A former Fresno County maintenance worker received a $7 million settlement after developing mesothelioma from asbestos exposure while maintaining public buildings. The lawsuit targeted manufacturers of asbestos-containing products used in these buildings.
  2. Fresno Unified School District Settlement: The Fresno Unified School District settled for $4 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 Fresno family was awarded $5.5 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 Fresno 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 Fresno auto repair shop was awarded $6.5 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 $3.8 million settlement was reached in a case involving the Fresno 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 Fresno 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 Fresno 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 Fresno were awarded $4.2 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. Fresno Firefighter Settlement: A group of Fresno 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 Fresno. 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 Fresno 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 Fresno 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 Fresno, 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 Fresno 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 Fresno, 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 in Fresno has been diagnosed with mesothelioma, lung cancer, or asbestosis due to asbestos exposure, seeking legal guidance is crucial. An experienced asbestos attorney can assist you in filing claims for compensation from asbestos trust funds or lawsuits against responsible companies, helping cover medical expenses, lost wages, and more. California’s statute of limitations on asbestos claims is time-sensitive, so reaching out to a lawyer promptly will help ensure your rights are protected and compensation secured.

Conclusion

Asbestos issues in Fresno 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 Fresno. By addressing these challenges, Fresno 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
  • Fresno County Superior Court Records. (n.d.). Asbestos-related cases and settlements in Fresno. Available upon request from the Fresno County Superior Court archives.

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CALL US TODAY (800) 352-0871 Karst & Von Oiste, LLP is a national law firm who advocates for clients in courthouses around the country. Our practice serves the needs of clients suffering from life-threatening Mesothelioma and lung cancer diagnosis among other environmental issues with a specialty in mesothelioma lawsuits and claims after death.