Asbestos in Nevada

Asbestos Use in Nevada

Nevada has naturally occurring asbestos, but it has not been mined. Some industries used asbestos-containing materials in their activities. These include construction, transportation, power plants and the military. Exposure to asbestos can cause serious illnesses like mesothelioma and lung cancer.

Nevada Asbestos Statistics

Nevada is home to millions of people who work in a variety of industries. Some jobs, like construction work, may carry a higher risk of asbestos exposure than others. Residents may also encounter the dangerous mineral in the natural environment. No matter the details, statistics show asbestos is affecting Nevada residents.

Here are some mesothelioma statistics in Nevada from 1999 to 2020:

• There were approximately 465 mesothelioma cases.
• There were approximately 383 mesothelioma deaths and 73 asbestosis deaths.

Naturally occurring asbestos has been found in Southern Nevada, including in Clark County, around Las Vegas. However, the public health risks posed to the local community have been disputed.

Nevada has treatment options for residents affected by mesothelioma and other asbestos-related diseases. For instance, the Comprehensive Cancer Centers of Nevada has a robust treatment program for patients.

Patients may also have financial options to help cover medical bills. Workers may be able to file lawsuits to seek compensation from the asbestos companies at fault. Nevada mesothelioma law firms can help victims understand their legal options.

Occupational Asbestos Use in Nevada

Nevada is mostly known for the casinos and entertainment in Las Vegas and Reno. However, a number of other industries in the state have exposed workers and residents to asbestos.

Asbestos exposure can also occur in buildings constructed before 1980. Older homes and schools may contain asbestos floor tiles and roofing.

Experts say people should not renovate any older building without first hiring an asbestos inspector. Asbestos removal should be left to licensed, trained professionals.

Secondary asbestos exposure can also lead to mesothelioma. This can happen when workers accidentally bring asbestos home on their clothes or hair. Other people in the home may then be exposed to the asbestos fibers, putting them at risk of related illnesses.

Construction

Las Vegas has been built and rebuilt many times. Frequent construction over the decades has exposed many people to the dangers of asbestos. This is especially true for construction workers.

Some of the Las Vegas attractions and resorts known to contain asbestos in the past include:

• Caesar’s
• Harrah’s
• The Hilton Hotel
• The Stardust Hotel Casino
• The Tropicana

Transportation

With so many visitors to the state each year, transportation has long been an important industry. As a vacation destination, Las Vegas became a sort of transportation hub. The Los Angeles and Salt Lake Railroad Company once provided passenger transport to the city. Amtrak is now the only commercial passenger train in and out of Las Vegas. The Union Pacific Railroad Company still transports products to the city.

Asbestos was used in a number of applications, such as brakes, gaskets and insulation around the engines. People exposed to asbestos can develop mesothelioma and other related illnesses even decades later.

Power Plants

The bright lights of Las Vegas require a substantial amount of power. Of course, other Nevada cities have their own power requirements, too. Asbestos was used in many power plants to prevent fires and insulate electrical wires and conduits. Many people who worked at the power-generating facilities were exposed to the deadly material.

Locations with documented asbestos exposure risks include:

• Desert Peak Power Plant
• Empire Farms Power Plant
• Harry Allen Power Station
• The Nevada Power Company

Military

Many military installations nationwide have contained asbestos, and Nevada’s military bases are no exception. Even Area 51 has almost certainly seen its fair share of asbestos over the years, as have other military bases located in Nevada. These include Nellis Air Force Base, Stead Air Force Base and Laughlin Air Force Base. Veterans who served at these or other military installations in Nevada may have a higher risk of developing mesothelioma than the average person.

Questions About Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure in Nevada? Ask experienced mesothelioma advocate Jennifer Lucarelli Ask a Question

Asbestos Exposure in Nevada Cities

Asbestos exposure on the job is known to have occurred in several Nevada cities. Prolonged asbestos exposure can cause mesothelioma and other asbestos-related diseases. Click on a city below to see more details about commercial, military and residential jobsites where asbestos exposure occurred and to find available resources.

• Las Vegas
• Reno

Asbestos Risks at Other Nevada Jobsites

Workplace asbestos exposure is also a concern in other cities and towns in Nevada. Workers at these jobsites may be at risk of developing mesothelioma.