Brea, California

Brea, California, is a city of 40,377 residents located at the juncture of Los Angeles, Orange and San Bernardino counties. Ready access to four airports and six freeways, buses and passenger rail have made Brea a prime destination for work, shopping, entertainment and cultural activities. Residents enjoy a wide range of public artworks, thanks to a program begun in 1975 which continues today. Top city employers include the Brea Mall, Mercury Insurance Group and Bank of America.

Formerly known as Randolph, the City of Brea (the Spanish word for "tar") is named for the rich oil deposits which once seeped into the soil. Early settlers used the oil-saturated clods of earth for fuel and waterproof roofing material. In 1894, the Union Oil Company of California purchased 1,200 acres of land in Randolph for oil drilling, and other companies followed suit. Four years later, the Olinda Oil Well #1 struck oil, touching off a boom that lasted into the 1940s. Nearby citrus groves also prospered, and in 1911, as oil-related industries and businesses sprang up, Randolph was officially renamed Brea. Brea was later incorporated as a city in 1917, with a population of 732. By 1921, Brea had developed into a sizable community, with schools, churches, a power plant to provide street lighting, and public water works. Oil production declined after the 1940s, but through the mid-20th century, new businesses and residents continued to flock to the area. Industrial parks, housing developments, and freeways were constructed, and Brea continued to grow. The Brea Mall opened in 1977, with a mix of anchor and specialty stores, even an ice skating rink, and quickly became a magnet for retail and social activity. Brea has also developed its downtown area, and the "Birch Street" area includes a pedestrian mall, restaurants, shops and cinemas.

Brea's prominent oil industry, coupled with significant construction activity, makes asbestos exposure, and the risk of mesothelioma, an ongoing concern. Mesothelioma information including top doctors and cancer centers in and around Brea are listed at the bottom of this page. If you were diagnosed with mesothelioma in Brea, you may also benefit from seeking the advice of a mesothelioma lawyer.

Jobsites in Brea where Asbestos Exposure Occurred

A number of jobsites in Brea, CA have been identified as harboring asbestos containing materials. These sites, at one point in their history, were known to have exposed a variety of tradesmen to asbestos. We will be documenting in more detail how asbestos exposure occurred at these sites in the future on this web site.

Mesothelioma Cancer Centers Near Brea, CA

For your convenience we have compiled a list of mesothelioma cancer centers that are located within a 100 mile radius of Brea, CA. Please click on a cancer center link to obtain more information about the clinical programs offered, professional designations, areas of expertise and how to contact the center.

Mesothelioma Doctors Near Brea, CA

For your convenience we have compiled a list of mesothelioma doctors who are located within a 100 mile radius of Brea, CA. Please click on a doctor link to obtain more information about his/her background, areas of expertise, professional affiliations and office locations.