In Virginia, there were roughly 6,452 deaths linked to asbestos from 1999 to 2013, with about 1,154 cases involving mesothelioma. Discover more about Virginia’s federal regulations on asbestos exposure, potential exposure sources, and your rights.
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.
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:
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:
The carcinogen was mainly used in the industrial scene, making workers and veterans the primary groups at risk for contamination. Family members, friends, and those living with 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.
Multiple occupations have a higher risk of exposure than others. Jobs at high chance for exposure include:
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.
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.
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:
Virginia Cancer Treatment
Pennsylvania Cancer Treatment
North Carolina Cancer Treatment
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.
Jennifer Verta thrives as a digital content writer at Mesothelioma Hub. She has been producing content for clients since before she graduated from the University of Colorado at Denver with a Bachelor of Arts in Communication and a Minor in English Writing. Jen’s mission is to help promote awareness of mesothelioma to as many people as possible by providing only the most up-to-date and accurate content available. When she isn’t cranking the gears at work, Jen can be found snowboarding, hiking, catching live music, or socializing with friends.
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EWG. 2004. Asbestos: Think Again: Deaths Due to Asbestos Related Diseases by State. Retrieved on November 12, 2019, from https://www.ewg.org/research/maps/deaths-due-asbestos-related-diseases
Fairfax County Virginia. (2019). Northern Virginia Soil and Water Conservation District. Retrieved on November 12, 2019, from https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/soil-water-conservation/construction-safety-naturally-occurring-asbestos
FindLaw. (2019). Virginia Asbestos Regulations. Retrieved on November 12, 2019, from https://statelaws.findlaw.com/virginia-law/virginia-asbestos-regulations.html
Military. (2019). Naval Station Norfolk Base Guide. Retrieved on November 12, 2019, from https://www.military.com/base-guide/naval-station-norfolk
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National Cancer Institute. Asbestos. (2019). Finding a Cancer Center. Retrieved on November 13, 2019, from https://www.cancer.gov/research/nci-role/cancer-centers/find