Skip to Content
Menu

Mesothelioma in Ambler, Pennsylvania

Expert Fact Checked

This page was legally reviewed by Jennifer Lucarelli. For information on our content creation and review process read our editorial guidelines. If you notice an error or have comments or questions on our content please contact us.

Jennifer Lucarelli Lawyer and Legal Advisor

Ambler, Pennsylvania, was once known as the “town asbestos built.” Companies in the town made many asbestos products. These companies also dumped asbestos waste in piles around Ambler. This act harmed the environment. It also led Ambler residents to develop asbestos diseases like mesothelioma.


01. Asbestos Use in Ambler

History of Asbestos Use in Ambler, Pennsylvania

Asbestos manufacturing started in Ambler, Pennsylvania, in 1896. That year, the Keasbey & Mattison Company opened the first asbestos textile plant and began manufacturing insulation. The company’s insulation used magnesium carbonate and asbestos.

Ambler offered easy access to natural resources and a nearby railroad. This combination helped Keasbey & Mattison grow quickly and attracted other companies to the town. As the asbestos industry grew, more workers and residents were put at risk of dangerous asbestos exposure.

Keasbey & Mattison Manufactured Asbestos Products for Decades

The Keasbey & Mattison asbestos factory operated under different owners for nearly 100 years. By 1962, CertainTeed Corporation and Nicolet Industries owned the facility. This facility manufactured many asbestos products, including:

So, the workers at these facilities may have been exposed to asbestos on the job.

From the 1930s to roughly 1974, companies also piled asbestos waste near the town. Residents called the area the White Mountains of Ambler. This area covered 25 acres of land. Estimates put the total amount of debris at more than 1.5 million cubic yards of asbestos waste.

The White Mountains, also known as the Ambler Asbestos Piles, may have exposed thousands of people to asbestos. Any exposure can lead to asbestos-related diseases like mesothelioma, lung cancer and asbestosis. Anyone who develops an illness after exposure to Ambler’s asbestos may have legal options. An asbestos attorney can help.

02. Mesothelioma in Ambler

Health Impacts of Asbestos in Ambler, Pennsylvania

Ambler’s asbestos contamination put thousands at risk of exposure. Workers and their family members developed mesothelioma and other asbestos-related diseases.

Asbestos dust covered homes and vehicles close to the White Mountains in Ambler. The town had playgrounds near the asbestos piles. And children used to play on the asbestos piles.

Keasbey & Mattison’s actions exposed workers to asbestos fibers. In some cases, their family members also experienced secondhand asbestos exposure. And people who used the company’s products risked exposure. As a result, many people later developed mesothelioma because of the widespread asbestos use and dumping in Ambler.

People in Ambler continue to face elevated cases of asbestos-related diseases. Mesothelioma has a long latency period, meaning it takes a long time for symptoms to start. It can take 10 – 50 years before people have mesothelioma symptoms.

Mesothelioma Incidence in Ambler, Pennsylvania

Studies show mesothelioma incidence is higher in Ambler than the statewide average. In a Pennsylvania Department of Health study, researchers analyzed mesothelioma cases in Ambler from 1992 to 2008. They found the rates of mesothelioma in Ambler were:

  • 2.7 times higher than average for men
  • 4.5 times higher than average for women

Overall, the researchers found the incidence of mesothelioma was 3.1 times higher than expected in Ambler. The researchers also stated mesothelioma rates for neighboring towns were not elevated.

More recent data have also shown an elevated impact of mesothelioma and asbestos diseases in Ambler. For instance, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention data show Montgomery County ranked 12th in the nation for mesothelioma deaths between 1999 and 2020.

03. Mesothelioma Treatment in Ambler

Ambler, Pennsylvania Mesothelioma Treatment

Mesothelioma patients in Ambler can seek treatment at several nearby cancer centers. For example, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, has several mesothelioma cancer centers. Specialists at these centers work in multidisciplinary teams. These teams focus on personalized patient care and comfort. They may also provide patients access to mesothelioma clinical trials.

Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center

Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center

Philadelphia, PA 19107

Penn Presbyterian Medical Center

Penn Presbyterian Medical Center

Philadelphia, PA 19104

Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania

Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania

Philadelphia, PA 19104

The Wistar Institute Cancer Center

The Wistar Institute Cancer Center

Philadelphia, PA 19104

Temple Lung Center

Temple Lung Center

Philadelphia, PA 19140

Fox Chase Cancer Center

Fox Chase Cancer Center

Philadelphia, PA 19111

Helen F. Graham Cancer Center & Research Institute

Helen F. Graham Cancer Center & Research Institute

Newark, DE 19713

Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey

Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey

New Brunswick, NJ 08903

NYU Langone Medical Center

NYU Langone Medical Center

New York, NY 10016

Mount Sinai Medical Center

Mount Sinai Medical Center

New York, NY 10029

Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center

Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center

New York, NY 10032

NY-Presbyterian/Columbia University Medical Center

NY-Presbyterian/Columbia University Medical Center

New York, NY 10032

Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center at Johns Hopkins

Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center at Johns Hopkins

Baltimore, MD 21287

University of Maryland Marlene and Stewart Greenebaum Comprehensive Cancer Center

University of Maryland Marlene and Stewart Greenebaum Comprehensive Cancer Center

Baltimore, MD 21201

Albert Einstein Cancer Center

Albert Einstein Cancer Center

Bronx, NY 10461

04. Mesothelioma Doctors in Ambler

Ambler, Pennsylvania Mesothelioma Doctors

Doctors who specialize in mesothelioma treatment are located close to Ambler. They work one-on-one with patients and their families to develop personalized care plans. Mesothelioma doctors near Ambler may suggest a variety of treatments based on individuals’ unique cases. These treatments include chemotherapy, immunotherapy and surgery.

Photo of Joel D. Cooper, M.D.

Joel D. Cooper, M.D.

Thoracic Surgeon
Philadelphia, PA
Bio

Photo of Sunil Singhal, M.D.

Sunil Singhal, M.D.

Director of the Thoracic Surgery Research Laboratory
Philadelphia, PA
Bio

Photo of Steven M. Albelda, M.D.

Steven M. Albelda, M.D.

Vice Chief and Director of Lung Research, Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine
Philadelphia, PA
Bio

Photo of Larry R. Kaiser, M.D.

Larry R. Kaiser, M.D.

Thoracic Surgeon and President & CEO of Temple University Heath System
Philadelphia, PA
Bio

Photo of Cherie P. Erkmen, M.D.

Cherie P. Erkmen, M.D.

Thoracic Surgeon and Director of Lung Cancer Screening Program
Philadelphia, PA
Bio

Photo of Charles R. Mulligan, Jr., M.D.

Charles R. Mulligan, Jr., M.D.

Chief of Thoracic Surgery
Newark, DE
Bio

Photo of Gregory A. Masters, M.D.

Gregory A. Masters, M.D.

Medical Oncologist
Newark, DE
Bio

Photo of Bruce G. Haffty, M.D.

Bruce G. Haffty, M.D.

Chief of Staff and Chair of Radiation Oncology
New Brunswick, NJ
Bio

Photo of H. Richard Alexander, Jr., M.D.

H. Richard Alexander, Jr., M.D.

Chief Surgical Officer
New Brunswick, NJ
Bio

Photo of Robert J. Cerfolio, M.D.

Robert J. Cerfolio, M.D.

Thoracic Surgeon & Director of Clinical Thoracic Surgery and Director of NYU Langone Lung...
New York, NY
Bio

Photo of Harvey Pass, M.D.

Harvey Pass, M.D.

Director of General Thoracic Surgery and Chief of Thoracic Oncology
New York, NY
Bio

Photo of Stephen C. Rush, M.D.

Stephen C. Rush, M.D.

Radiation Oncologist
New York, NY
Bio

Photo of Daniel H. Sterman, M.D.

Daniel H. Sterman, M.D.

Director of Multidisciplinary Pulmonary Oncology Program
New York, NY
Bio

Photo of Raja M. Flores, M.D.

Raja M. Flores, M.D.

Chairman of the Department of Thoracic Surgery
New York, NY
Bio

Photo of Andrea S. Wolf, M.D.

Andrea S. Wolf, M.D.

Thoracic Surgeon
New York, NY
Bio

Photo of Emanuela Taioli, M.D.

Emanuela Taioli, M.D.

Director of the Institute for Translational Epidemiology and the Center for the Study of...
New York, NY
Bio

Photo of John A. Chabot, M.D.

John A. Chabot, M.D.

Chief of the Division of GI & Endocrine Surgery and Executive Director of the Pancreas...
New York, NY
Bio

Photo of Julie Renee Brahmer, M.D.

Julie Renee Brahmer, M.D.

Medical Oncologist and Director of the Thoracic Oncology Program
Baltimore, MD
Bio

Photo of Patrick Forde, M.D.

Patrick Forde, M.D.

Director of the Thoracic Cancer Clinical Research Program
Baltimore, MD
Bio

Photo of Stephen C. Yang, M.D.

Stephen C. Yang, M.D.

Thoracic Surgeon
Baltimore, MD
Bio

Photo of Joseph S. Friedberg, M.D.

Joseph S. Friedberg, M.D.

Co-Director, Temple Health Mesothelioma and Pleural Disease Program
Philadelphia, PA
Bio

Photo of Petr F. Hausner, M.D.

Petr F. Hausner, M.D.

Medical Oncologist
Baltimore, MD
Bio

Photo of Shahriyour Andaz, M.D.

Shahriyour Andaz, M.D.

Director of Thoracic Oncology
Lynbrook, NY
Bio

Photo of Roman Perez-Soler, M.D.

Roman Perez-Soler, M.D.

Chief of the Division of Medical Oncology
Bronx, NY
Bio

Photo of John D. Allendorf, M.D.

John D. Allendorf, M.D.

Surgical Oncologist
Patchogue, NY
Bio

Pennsylvania mesothelioma doctors and specialists in nearby states have experience treating different types of mesothelioma. These cancer care teams can also help connect patients and their loved ones with resources, like support groups.

05. Asbestos Lawsuits in Ambler

Ambler, Pennsylvania Mesothelioma Lawsuits

Asbestos exposure in Ambler led to thousands of asbestos-related lawsuits. People who developed asbestos diseases filed lawsuits against the companies responsible. By 1987, more than 50,000 asbestos-related lawsuits had been filed. Keasbey & Mattison’s parent company, Nicolet Industries, Inc., filed for bankruptcy.

Anyone exposed to asbestos through products made at the Ambler facilities or the waste dumped in town may have legal options. People diagnosed with mesothelioma and their family members may qualify for compensation.

Finding a Lawyer or Law Firm in Ambler, Pennsylvania

A mesothelioma law firm can help Ambler residents diagnosed with asbestos-related cancers. Lawyers at these firms file lawsuits and negotiate settlements on behalf of victims and their families. A lawyer experienced with Pennsylvania asbestos law can help with the entire legal process.

Asbestos victims may also be eligible to seek mesothelioma compensation from other sources. For example, many asbestos companies have set up bankruptcy trust funds to pay out asbestos claims. A mesothelioma lawyer will review a person’s case to determine what the best option may be.

Recovering billions of dollars for mesothelioma victims for over 40 years as recognized by Martindale-Hubbell, Best Lawyers®, Super Lawyers® and U.S. News & World Report.

For over three decades, Shrader & Associates National Trial Attorneys have fought tirelessly on behalf of mesothelioma victims and their families and recovered millions of dollars in compensation.

Halpern Law has over 30 years of success representing Pennsylvania mesothelioma victims. If you or a loved one was exposed to asbestos in Pennsylvania and have been diagnosed with mesothelioma, please contact us today.

Fighting to get mesothelioma victims the compensation they deserve. Recognized by Super Lawyers® and National Trial Lawyers.

Deadlines for Filing Mesothelioma Lawsuits in Ambler, Pennsylvania

Each state has its own deadlines for filing different types of lawsuits. These deadlines are outlined by the state’s statutes of limitations. A mesothelioma lawyer can help asbestos victims meet any filing deadlines.

Statutes of Limitations for Ambler

Personal Injury

Claims must be filed within 2 years after an asbestos-related diagnosis.

Wrongful Death

Claims must be filed within 2 years after an asbestos-related death.

Successful mesothelioma lawsuits have been filed in Ambler. Lawsuit compensation can help pay for things like treatment costs, lost wages and loss of future income. Examples of clients in Ambler who received compensation include:

Client Profile

Age: 66

Occupation: Office worker

Jobsites Worked at: Boiler Erection & Repair (1952 – 1982)

Settlement: ~$785,223

Client Profile

Age: 90

Occupations: Laborer, Navy

Jobsites Worked at: Edward Berry Farm (1950); Keasbey & Mattison Company (1947 – 1951)

Settlement: ~$537,132

06. EPA Asbestos Cleanups in Ambler

Asbestos Cleanup Efforts in Ambler, Pennsylvania

Cleanup and remediation efforts in Ambler began soon after the dangers became more publicly known in the 1970s. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) began cleaning up the asbestos waste sites in 1973.

Ambler had two separate sites added to the EPA’s Superfund program. Both sites were close to businesses, homes and schools. Anyone who lived or worked close to these sites may have risked asbestos exposure. The EPA currently monitors both sites.

Ambler Asbestos Piles Superfund Site

The Ambler Asbestos Piles Superfund site consisted of three asbestos-containing waste piles. Asbestos dumping at the site contaminated the air, soil, sediments and surface water.

In 1974, the EPA documented that the piles contained 1.5 million cubic yards of asbestos waste. The materials were spread out over more than 25 acres. The agency began cleanup in 1973, and it placed the site on the National Priorities List (NPL) in 1986.

The EPA cleanup included capping the asbestos piles. The organization also added a layer of dirt to allow plants to grow. Finally, the EPA fenced the area off and put up signs warning of the buried asbestos.

The EPA’s cleanup efforts finished in 1993. The Ambler piles were taken off the NPL in 1996. The EPA still monitors the site to protect the health of Ambler residents.

BoRit Asbestos Piles Superfund Site

The second Ambler Superfund site is the BoRit Asbestos Piles. Companies used this area for asbestos waste disposal from the early 1900s to the late 1960s.

In 2008, the EPA conducted an emergency cleanup at the BoRit site, and the agency added the site to the NPL. At 2.5 acres, the BoRit site was smaller than the Ambler Asbestos Piles.

The BoRit site sat adjacent to a reservoir and three separate waterways. The EPA was concerned asbestos could contaminate the water and spread the fibers downstream.

The EPA capped all the asbestos-containing materials. The agency also shored up the banks of the three waterways. The EPA completed the BoRit cleanup in 2017 and continues to monitor the area.

Are Ambler, Pennsylvania Residents Safe From Asbestos Exposure Today?

Studies of Ambler suggest current residents are safe. However, officials recommend residents stay out of restricted sites and follow safety regulations. These precautions may help residents reduce the risk of exposure.

Anyone who lived or worked in Ambler before the asbestos cleanup may be at risk. Asbestos exposure can cause someone to develop an asbestos-related disease. Symptoms for these diseases may not present until 10 or more years after exposure. Anyone with a known history of asbestos exposure may want to talk with their doctor. A physician can help monitor for symptoms of mesothelioma.

Ambler, Pennsylvania Jobsites Where Asbestos Exposure Occurred

  • Amchem Products Inc.
  • Asbestos, Shingle, Slate and Sheathing Company
  • CertainTeed Corporation
  • Keasbey & Mattison Company
  • Nicolet Industries Inc.
  • Palmerweld Fabricating Company

Find Mesothelioma Doctors, Lawyers and Asbestos Exposure Sites Near You

Find Mesothelioma Doctors, Lawyers and Asbestos Exposure Sites Near You