Key Takeaways
- Ambler, PA, was home to America’s first asbestos textile plant, which opened in 1896 — and manufacturers dumped an estimated 1.5 million cubic yards of asbestos waste across the town between 1930 and 1974.
- Asbestos plant workers faced the most severe exposure, processing raw fibers by hand with little to no safety equipment or training.
- The mesothelioma rate in Ambler’s ZIP code (19002) is 3.1 times higher than the statewide average, according to a Pennsylvania Department of Health cancer evaluation.
- Symptoms of asbestos-related diseases can take 10 to 50 years to appear — meaning residents and workers exposed decades ago may only now be receiving a diagnosis.
- If you or a loved one lived or worked in Montgomery County and have been diagnosed with mesothelioma or asbestos-related cancer, attorney David Halpern and The Halpern Law Firm can help. Call (800) 505-6000.
Numerous Montgomery County residents experienced asbestos exposure between 1930 and even into the 1990s, and many of these residents have begun experiencing adverse symptoms as a result. If you live in Montgomery County, PA, you should be aware of the risk.
Learning about Montgomery County asbestos cancer facts can help you stay aware of this large-scale problem and determine the best ways to move forward if you begin experiencing symptoms of asbestos-related illnesses.
Fact #1: Manufacturers Dumped 1.5 Million Cubic Yards of Asbestos-Containing Waste in Ambler Between 1930 and 1974
Asbestos has a significant history in Montgomery County. In 1896, America’s first asbestos textile plant opened in Ambler, PA, and began producing a range of asbestos-containing products. Unfortunately, by 1930, these manufacturers had begun dumping large quantities of asbestos-containing waste in piles around the city.
Researchers believe these manufacturers dumped around 1.5 million cubic yards of asbestos waste between 1930 and 1974. Debris from this waste blew into residential yards, and children often played on the dump piles. As a result, if you were an Ambler resident during these years, you most likely experienced asbestos exposure.
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Fact #2: Ambler Textile Plant Workers Experienced the Worst Asbestos Exposure
Asbestos exposure was high among Montgomery County residents in the 20th century, and workers in the asbestos manufacturing plants experienced the worst exposure. These workers processed raw asbestos by pulling the fibers apart, releasing toxic asbestos dust into the air. Unfortunately, most workers received no safety gear or training to help them avoid exposure.
Fact #3: The Mesothelioma Rate in Montgomery County is 3.1 Times Higher Than Expected
One of the most significant side effects of asbestos exposure is the development of mesothelioma, an often cancerous tumor lining the stomach, lungs, heart, or other organs. In 2011, a Cancer Evaluation from the Pennsylvania Department of Health reviewed mesothelioma cases in Montgomery County.
This evaluation found that the rate of mesothelioma cases in ZIP code 19002 (Ambler, PA) was 3.1 times higher than expected compared to statewide mesothelioma cases. This study points to the higher asbestos exposure rates in Montgomery County compared to other counties.
Fact #4: Symptoms of Asbestos Exposure Can Arise 10 to 50 Years Later
The most significant asbestos exposure rates in Montgomery County, PA, occurred between 1930 and 1974. However, symptoms of asbestos exposure sometimes take between 10 and 50 years to arise. As a result, if you or a loved one lived in Ambler, PA, during this period, your asbestos exposure symptoms may become apparent decades after the initial exposure.
Halpern Law Firm in Montgomery County, PA
The intense asbestos exposure in Ambler, PA, has led to numerous adverse side effects among workers and residents. If you or a family member has been affected by asbestos, attorney David Halpern can help.
At the Halpern Law Firm, we have extensive experience with Montgomery County asbestos related cancer cases and are committed to helping families claim adequate compensation to move forward. We have offices in Philadelphia, Scranton, Allentown and Johnstown.
Reach out today at (800) 505-6000 for a free consultation, or reach out through our contact form to learn more.
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