Wilmington, Delaware

Wilmington is the largest city in the state of Delaware and is one of the major cities of the Delaware Valley metropolitan area. It is located at the confluence of the Christina River and Brandywine Creek, where the Christina River flows into the Delaware River. Thomas Willing, the first developer of the land, organized the area into a grid pattern similar to that of Philadelphia. In 1832, Wilmington officially became a city when a charter was granted by the State Legislature. Upon completion of the Philadelphia, Wilmington and Baltimore Railroad in 1837, the economy flourished and attracted a combination of businessmen and a skilled labor force which further developed the city.

The outbreak of the Civil War, and later both World Wars, stimulated Wilmington’s industries. Shipyards, steel foundries, machinery and chemical producers were all vital to the war efforts. Wilmington is home to The Hercules Powder Company, an explosives company acquired by DuPont that served the mining industry, gun owners and the military. Thanks to Wilmington’s strategic location, Hercules expanded and divided into five divisions: explosives, naval stores, nitrocellulose, chemical cotton and paper products. Postwar, Hercules diversified and began producing synthetic plastics, rocket fuels and propulsion systems. Wilmington also housed several shipyards such as the Bravo Shipyard, Pusey and Jones Shipyard, Sampson Naval Shipyard and Dravo Shipyard.

In the 1950s, Wilmington suffered a substantial population loss as the burgeoning number of automobiles and roadways increased the appeal of suburban living. As a result, the city engaged urban renewal projects in the 1960s and 1970s, along with the Financial Center Development Act of 1981, which attracted families and financial institutions alike.

Asbestos in the workplace has been a problem in Wilmington over the years. Wilmington has a large manufacturing and industrial base where asbestos exposure occurred regularly. If you or a loved one were exposed to asbestos in Wilmington, Delaware, you may be at risk to develop certain asbestos related diseases including mesothelioma (a terminal cancer). For those diagnosed, mesothelioma treatment options in and around Wilmington, Delaware are listed at the bottom of this page.

Large Jobsites in Wilmington where Asbestos Exposure Occurred

The Mesothelioma Cancer Alliance has compiled information obtained from a number of sources to identify the following large job sites in Wilmington where asbestos exposure was known to have occurred. These sites are listed below. Click on them to get more detailed information.

Other Jobsites in Wilmington where Asbestos Exposure Occurred

These additional jobsites in Wilmington, DE 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 Wilmington, DE

For your convenience we have compiled a list of mesothelioma cancer centers that are located within a 100 mile radius of Wilmington, DE. 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 Wilmington, DE

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