Asbestos Issues in Long Beach

Long Beach, a bustling coastal city in Southern California, has a rich industrial and maritime history. However, this history includes extensive use of asbestos, a material once prized for its fire-resistant properties but now known to cause severe health issues, including mesothelioma, lung cancer, and asbestosis. Despite modern regulations, the legacy of asbestos persists in Long Beach’s older buildings and industrial sites. This article examines the asbestos issues in Long Beach, focusing on statistics, legal cases, settlements, and ongoing challenges, with sources cited in APA format.

The Prevalence of Asbestos in Long Beach

Asbestos was widely used throughout Long Beach, especially during the mid-20th century when the city experienced significant growth. The material was commonly found in construction products such as insulation, roofing, flooring, and cement, particularly in shipbuilding, military installations, and residential developments. Many of Long Beach’s older buildings, especially those constructed before the 1980s, likely contain asbestos-containing materials (ACMs), which pose a risk of exposure during renovations or demolitions.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) estimates that numerous buildings across the United States, including those in Long Beach, contain asbestos (Environmental Protection Agency, n.d.). The city’s aging infrastructure, especially in historically industrial areas and older residential neighborhoods, 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.). In addition to mesothelioma, asbestos exposure can also cause other serious conditions, including 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 Los Angeles County, which includes Long Beach, mesothelioma cases have been documented, with data from the California Cancer Registry indicating a consistent number of new cases each year (California Cancer Registry, n.d.). Although the number of cases may seem small, they represent only a portion of those exposed to asbestos, many of whom may not yet show symptoms due to the long latency period.

The health impacts of asbestos are not confined 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 Long Beach, where many people live in older homes or work in industries that historically used asbestos-containing materials.

Legal Cases and Settlements in Long Beach

Long Beach 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. Long Beach Naval Shipyard Worker Case: A former worker at the Long Beach Naval Shipyard received a $12 million settlement after developing mesothelioma. The worker had been exposed to asbestos while working on naval vessels during the 1960s and 1970s. The lawsuit targeted multiple manufacturers of asbestos-containing products used in shipbuilding.
  2. Long Beach Unified School District Settlement: The Long Beach Unified School District settled for $4.5 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 Long Beach family was awarded $5.8 million after discovering that their home contained asbestos in the insulation and flooring. The lawsuit claimed that the previous owners and real estate agents involved failed to disclose the presence of asbestos.
  4. Industrial Plant Exposure: Workers at an industrial plant in Long Beach filed a lawsuit after being exposed to asbestos while maintaining old machinery. The case resulted in an $8 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 Long Beach 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 $4.2 million settlement was reached in a case involving the Long Beach 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 Long Beach construction worker received an $8.5 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 Long Beach were awarded $4.6 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 Long Beach were awarded $4 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. Long Beach Firefighter Settlement: A group of Long Beach firefighters received a $9 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 Long Beach. For those affected, seeking the guidance of a mesothelioma attorney 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 Long Beach 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 Long Beach 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 Long Beach, 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 Long Beach 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 Long Beach, 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 Long Beach has been diagnosed with mesothelioma, lung cancer, or asbestosis due to asbestos exposure, it’s essential to consult with a qualified asbestos attorney. A skilled lawyer can help you pursue compensation through claims against negligent companies or asbestos trust funds, ensuring you receive support for medical bills and other financial losses. Time is critical because of California’s statute of limitations, so taking prompt legal action is key to securing the compensation you deserve.

Conclusion

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

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