Roanoke, Virginia

Bisected by the Roanoke River, the city of Roanoke is the tenth largest in Virginia with a population of about 97,000 people. Roanoke was originally called “Big Lick”, after a large outcropping of salt that attracted many animals to the river prior to development. In 1884, the community was renamed Roanoke and became a chartered independent city of Virginia. Today, Roanoke is the commercial and cultural hub of the surrounding Virginia area and southern West Virginia.

By the middle of the 19th century, Roanoke had become a stop on the Virginia and Tennessee Railroad which later merged with another railroad company to become the Norfolk and Western Railway. Norfolk & Western was headquartered in Roanoke and helped drive early economic development in the city; this marked the start of the area’s rapid growth. Manufacturing became the mainstay of local economy, with a special interest in the garment industry. In the early 20th century, companies such as American Viscose Corporation, Celanese Fibers Company, and West Virginia Pulp & Paper Company opened their doors. Roanoke’s economy has slowly shifted over the years into a healthcare and retail hub, with The Carilion Health System becoming one of Roanoke’s top employers. Other large employers include United Parcel Service, Advance Auto Parts, and Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield.

Roanoke’s longstanding manufacturing history places the city in a high risk category for asbestos exposure. Workers exposed to asbestos containing materials have the chance of developing mesothelioma, an asbestos related cancer. We provide information on mesothelioma treatment options near Roanoke at the bottom of this page. Additionally, mesothelioma lawyers may be able to give guidance if you were exposed to asbestos in Roanoke and then diagnosed with mesothelioma.

Jobsites in Roanoke where Asbestos Exposure Occurred

A number of jobsites in Roanoke, VA 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 Roanoke, VA

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