New Mexico gains a lot of economic benefit from its energy production and manufacturing plants. These plants have also created a risk to workers over the years due to asbestos-related materials that are present in facilities and used in products.
Energy plants such as Four Corner Power Plant and the San Juan Powerhouse are specific firms that have an elevated risk of asbestos exposure.
Unfortunately, many of the families of these workers also have an increased risk of developing cancer because of the asbestos fibers that were carried home on the body and clothing of those workers.
Statistics for Mesothelioma Cases in New Mexico
New Mexico ranks 38th in the U.S. for asbestos-related deaths. There have been 224 deaths from mesothelioma and asbestos lung cancer between 1999 – 2013.
Common Causes of Asbestos Exposure in NM
Asbestos exposure in New Mexico, as in many other states, is often linked to specific industries, construction practices, and environmental factors. Here are some of the most common causes of asbestos exposure in New Mexico:
Mining Operations
New Mexico has a long history of mining, which often involves the extraction of minerals like copper, lead, and uranium. Asbestos can naturally occur near these deposits. Workers in mining operations may be exposed to asbestos when they disturb the earth, especially if asbestos-containing rock formations are present.
Oil and Gas Industry
The oil and gas industry is significant in New Mexico, especially in areas like the Permian Basin. Asbestos was widely used in oil refineries and drilling operations for insulation, fireproofing, and gaskets. Workers in these environments were at high risk of exposure to asbestos, particularly before its dangers were widely recognized and regulated.
Construction and Renovation
Asbestos was commonly used in building materials throughout the 20th century, including in insulation, flooring, roofing, and drywall. Many older homes, commercial buildings, and schools in New Mexico were constructed with asbestos-containing materials. People working on construction or renovation projects in these buildings, such as contractors or DIY homeowners, can inadvertently disturb asbestos fibers if proper safety measures are not taken.
Military Installations
New Mexico is home to several military installations, such as Kirtland Air Force Base, Holloman Air Force Base, and White Sands Missile Range. Military facilities built before the 1980s often incorporated asbestos for its heat resistance and fireproofing properties. Veterans, as well as civilian workers at these bases, may have been exposed to asbestos through insulation, shipbuilding materials, or machinery components.
Power Plants
Power plants, like other industrial facilities, often used asbestos to insulate pipes, boilers, and turbines. New Mexico’s energy facilities, particularly coal-fired power plants, used asbestos materials extensively before the 1980s. Workers in power plants or maintenance crews could be exposed when asbestos-containing materials are disturbed during repairs or replacements.
Natural Environmental Exposure
In some cases, residents of New Mexico might face asbestos exposure from naturally occurring asbestos in the environment. Certain rock formations in New Mexico, particularly in areas near mines or geological disturbances, can contain asbestos. People living or working near these formations might be exposed to airborne fibers during construction, roadwork, or other activities that disturb the ground.
Shipbuilding and Railroad Industries
In some cases, residents of New Mexico might face asbestos exposure from naturally occurring asbestos in the environment. Certain rock formations in New Mexico, particularly in areas near mines or geological disturbances, can contain asbestos. People living or working near these formations might be exposed to airborne fibers during construction, roadwork, or other activities that disturb the ground.
Shipbuilding and Railroad Industries
Asbestos was heavily used in shipbuilding and railroads due to its heat-resistant properties. Although New Mexico is landlocked, workers in railroad repair yards or those involved in the construction and maintenance of train engines and cars may have been exposed to asbestos. Asbestos insulation was common in the braking systems, engines, and heating elements of trains.
Industrial and Manufacturing Facilities
Various manufacturing and industrial facilities in New Mexico, such as cement plants and chemical factories, historically used asbestos in their equipment, machinery, and building infrastructure. Workers handling asbestos-containing equipment, products, or maintenance tasks were at higher risk of exposure.
Secondary Exposure
Family members of workers exposed to asbestos in high-risk industries, such as mining or construction, could also face asbestos exposure. This secondary exposure occurs when asbestos fibers are carried home on the worker’s clothing, skin, or tools, where they may contaminate the household environment.
Filing an Asbestos Claim if You Live in New Mexico
You do not have to file your claim in the state in which you live.
It’s far more important to contact an attorney with a strong history of experience specifically in asbestos cases, than it is to select one who happens to be in your area of New Mexico. The most successful attorneys in your area may have never handled an asbestos case.
SWMW attorneys dedicate the overwhelming majority of their time and effort prosecuting mesothelioma claims, so we know which states and jurisdictions are going to provide the best outcome for your case and can get your case settled faster.
Wondering if you have a case? Our lawyers are here to answer all of your mesothelioma and asbestos legal questions.
We handle asbestos cases all across the USA, so we know how to file, where to file, and what to do to get you the compensation you deserve. Call (855) 744-2656 to speak with a New Mexico mesothelioma and asbestos attorney at SWMW Law.
Jobsites in New Mexico With Known Asbestos Usage & Exposure
Provided below is a list of cities in the state of New Mexico where asbestos jobsites are known to have been located. If you worked for any of these companies or at these jobsites in New Mexico there is a possibility that you may have been exposed to harmful asbestos which is known to cause mesotheliomaand lung cancer.
