Oregon’s coastline was an ideal location for many shipyards, lumber mills, and paper mills. Many worksites are responsible for exposing many workers to asbestos.
Like many other states in the U.S., Oregon also has naturally occurring asbestos and mines.
Asbestos was commercially produced at mines near Mount Vernon, Raspberry Creek, and the L.E.J. Asbestos Mine.
Mining operations rarely used safety equipment and failed to implement safety precautions required today when handling toxic materials.
Jobsites with Known Exposure
Many shipyards along Oregon’s coast exposed many workers and military personnel to asbestos. During World War II asbestos use was mandated by the U.S. Navy because of its ability to insulate and fireproof materials on ships. Anyone who worked or stationed at these shipyards may have been exposed to asbestos.
Metalwork facilities were also a source of exposure to asbestos. In 1984, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality designated the Martin-Marietta Aluminum plant as hazardous. The facility was later declared a Superfund site. Much of the waste from the site was sent to a landfill on the property, which was contaminated with asbestos insulation.
Other Known Asbestos Sites
- Albina Shipyard
- Astoria Voyage Repair Station
- Boise Cascade Paper Mill
- Burns Air Force Station
- Cascade General Shipyard
- Chiloquin Lumber & Box Company
- Dyer Shipyard
- Georgia Pacific Corporation
- Kaiser Shipyard
- Northwest Marine Ironworks
- Portland Shipyard
- South Portland Shipyard
- Southern Pacific Railroad
- Swan Island Shipyard
- Tongue Point Naval Shipyard
- Weyerhaeuser Lumber
- Willamette Iron and Steel Yard
Reach Out to an Oregon Asbestos Exposure Attorney
If asbestos exposure left you or a loved one facing serious health complications like mesothelioma, asbestosis, or lung cancer, it is important to understand that you have legal rights. A dedicated legal professional could help you pursue the compensation you deserve for your losses. To get started, contact an Oregon asbestos exposure lawyer today.
