Biddeford, Maine

Biddeford is a city located on Saco Bay, on the Maine coastline. Biddeford's population is almost 21,000, making it the 6th-largest city in the state. Occupying an area of 30 square miles, Biddeford offers a diverse landscape, with a historic urban center, unspoiled coastline (including a division of the Rachel Carson National Wildlife Refuge), and rural farmlands. Wood Island Light, a functioning lighthouse and Maine's second oldest, sits at the mouth of the Saco River. Principal industries include healthcare, finance, manufacturing and tourism. WestPoint Home is the last of the Biddeford textile mills, as others have been converted for shops, housing, and artists' studios.

Settled in 1616, Biddeford was first incorporated in 1653 as part of what is now its sister city, Saco. The Saco River's two waterfalls and access to Saco Bay made for early industrialization. The first sawmill was built in 1653; granite quarries and brickyards followed. In the early 19th century, the Perkins Shipyard was a key employer, but major growth would come with the textile mills. Massive mill complexes belonging to companies such as Laconia Company (est. 1845) and Pepperell Company (est. 1850, and a forerunner of WestPoint Home) dominated the downtown area, at times employing as many as 12,000 people. Although the mills weathered the Great Depression, and the Saco-Lowell Shops and others produced war goods through World War II, the textile industry in Biddeford gradually faded as companies moved manufacturing to the South. The last log drive on the Saco River took place in 1943. In recent years, the economy has turned towards technology and service-based industries and the empty mills are being repurposed. Biddeford is developing new institutions, such as Southern Maine Medical Center and the University of New England.

Biddeford's substantial history of manufacturing, along with redevelopment of historic buildings, make asbestos exposure and the risk of mesothelioma an issue. Mesothelioma information including top doctors and cancer centers in and around Biddeford are listed at the bottom of this page. If you were exposed to asbestos in Biddeford, you may benefit from seeking the advice of an asbestos attorney.

Jobsites in Biddeford where Asbestos Exposure Occurred

A number of jobsites in Biddeford, ME 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 Biddeford, ME

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

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