If you live in Johnstown, PA, you may have an elevated risk of asbestos exposure compared to other cities in the U.S. Asbestos exposure is common across the city, as numerous worksites, schools, hospitals, houses, and apartments contain asbestos materials.
Unfortunately, asbestos exposure can lead to a range of illnesses, including lung cancer. Here’s what we know about asbestos exposure in Johnstown, PA, and how lung cancer ties into asbestos exposure.
Dozens of Worksites Across Johnstown, PA, Have Asbestos Risks
Dozens of worksites across Johnstown, PA, have exposed workers to asbestos over the years. A few of the most prominent worksites include:
- US Steel
- Shelocta Power House
- Home City Power House
- Johnstown Stony Creek Railroad
- Bethlehem Steel
- Lorain Steel Company
- Cambria Iron Company
- Lee Hospital
- Pennsylvania Electric Company
- Franklin Works
- Crane Company
While Cambria County has lower asbestos exposure rates than some other Pennsylvania counties, exposure is still significant in the area. Cambria County sees around 14 asbestos-related deaths per year, with an estimated 279 deaths total since 1999.
Asbestos Exposure Can Increase Your Risk of Lung Cancer
According to the National Cancer Institute, asbestos exposure can increase your risk of developing lung cancer.
Asbestos exposure may increase the risk of asbestosis, a condition that can cause permanent lung damage and other pleural disorders. Common pleural diseases resulting from asbestos exposure include pleural plaques, pleural thickening, and pleural effusions.
While pleural plaques are not typically precursors for lung cancer, some evidence suggests that people with pleural disease caused by asbestos exposure have a higher risk of developing lung cancer down the line. As a result, if you have experienced asbestos exposure, your risk of lung cancer may be elevated.
Lung Cancer Is a Leading Cause of Asbestos-Related Deaths in Pennsylvania
Around 17,717 people have died in Pennsylvania due to asbestos-related illnesses since 1999. Of these 17,717 deaths, 13,028 are attributed to non-mesothelioma lung cancer. Meanwhile, 3,257 deaths occurred from mesothelioma, while 1,505 deaths resulted from asbestosis.
Since many people do not realize they have been exposed to asbestos, pinpointing the exact number of asbestos-related illnesses and deaths throughout Pennsylvania can be challenging.
Lung Cancer May Not Develop for 10 to 50 Years After Asbestos Exposure
If you lived or worked in Johnstown, PA, you may have experienced asbestos exposure daily from materials within your home or worksite, and the results of your prolonged asbestos exposure may not arise for several decades.
Asbestos exposure symptoms sometimes take between 10 and 50 years to develop. You may develop lung cancer or a range of other illnesses down the line. Patients may be experiencing an illness now due to asbestos exposure several decades ago.
If you believe you have experienced asbestos exposure in Johnstown, PA, attorney David Halpern may be able to help.
With offices in Johnstown, Allentown, Scranton, and Philadelphia, The Halpern Law Firm has over 30 years of experience handling asbestos cases for clients throughout Pennsylvania.
For more information contact The Halpern Law Firm team at (800) 505-6000.
