Asbestos Exposure in New Jersey

Workers in orange safety gear are maintaining railway tracks, with one worker in the foreground holding a tool and others working further down the tracks. The scene is outdoors with trees and utility poles visible in the background.

Many of New Jersey’s prominent industries, including chemical development, textile manufacturing, shipping and railroad development, exposed workers to large quantities of toxic asbestos. Several power plants and manufacturing plants across the state employed over 400,000 workers that were placed at risk.

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.

No matter where you reside, we will come to you, hear your story, and get to work on your behalf. You pay nothing unless we recover compensation on your behalf. Time is of the essence – don’t hesitate to call (888) 422-8877 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation today.

Asbestos exposure in New Jersey can occur in various settings, primarily due to the state’s industrial past and the presence of older buildings. Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that was widely used for its fire-resistant and insulating properties, but it is also hazardous to human health, causing diseases like mesothelioma and asbestosis. Here are some common causes of asbestos exposure in New Jersey:

Old Buildings and Homes:

Many homes and commercial buildings in New Jersey, especially those constructed before the 1980s, contain asbestos in materials such as:

InsulationAsbestos was used in insulation for pipes, boilers, and walls.

Renovation, demolition, or repairs on these older structures can disturb asbestos-containing materials, releasing harmful fibers into the air.

Shipyards:

The state has a history of shipbuilding, particularly during World War II, and shipyards were major sites of asbestos exposure. Workers who built, repaired, or decommissioned ships were frequently exposed to asbestos in:

Ship Insulation: Asbestos was used extensively to insulate ship engines, pipes, and boilers.

Fireproofing Materials: Many materials used to prevent fires aboard ships contained asbestos.

Drywall and Joint Compounds: Asbestos was commonly mixed into joint compounds and drywall for its heat resistance.

Shipyard workers, particularly in areas like Camden and Kearny, were at high risk for exposure.

Industrial Sites:

New Jersey has been home to many manufacturing plants, oil refineries, chemical factories, and power plants that used asbestos in various processes, including:

Machinery Insulation: Asbestos was often used to insulate high-heat machinery and equipment.

Construction Materials: Many factories and plants used asbestos in cement, gaskets, and other materials.

Textiles: Factories producing heat-resistant textiles used asbestos fibers in their products.

Employees in industries like chemical production, oil refining, and manufacturing could have been exposed regularly to asbestos during their work.

Automotive Repair Shops: Asbestos was widely used in automotive parts like brake pads, clutches, and gaskets due to its heat-resistant properties. Mechanics in the state working in auto repair shops could be exposed to asbestos when repairing or replacing these parts, especially if the parts are worn and asbestos fibers become airborne.

Public Buildings and Schools: Schools, hospitals, and government buildings in New Jersey, especially older ones, may still contain asbestos in their infrastructure. Teachers, custodial staff, and maintenance workers are at risk if asbestos-containing materials like ceiling tiles, insulation, or pipes are disturbed during maintenance or renovations.

Natural Asbestos Deposits: While not as common, there are natural asbestos deposits in certain parts of the United States. If disturbed, these deposits can release asbestos fibers into the air, potentially causing exposure. However, this is a less frequent source in New Jersey compared to industrial or commercial sources.

Construction Sites: Construction workers involved in demolition, renovation, or construction of older buildings may encounter asbestos-containing materials. If these materials are not properly handled or removed, the fibers can become airborne, putting workers and even nearby residents at risk.

Firefighter Exposure: Firefighters are at risk of asbestos exposure when battling fires in older buildings where asbestos-containing materials may become damaged and release fibers into the air. Protective gear is important, but exposure can still occur, especially during post-fire cleanup operations.

Secondary Exposure: Family members of workers who handled asbestos materials may also face secondary exposure. Workers could inadvertently bring asbestos fibers home on their clothing, shoes, or tools, exposing others in their household.

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 Jersey. 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.

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 (888) 422-8877 to speak with an New Jersey mesothelioma and asbestos attorney at SWMW Law.

Smoke stacks emitting thick dark smoke against an orange sunset sky, with industrial buildings silhouetted in the foreground.

Provided below is a list of cities in the state of New Jersey where asbestos jobsites are known to have been located. If you worked for any of these companies or at these jobsites in New Jersey there is a possibility that you may have been exposed to harmful asbestos which is known to cause mesothelioma and lung cancer.

Search by City:

A

Alloways Creek Township:

  • Salem Nuclear Power Plant

Ancora:

  • Ancora State Hospital

  • New Jersey State Mental Hospital

  • New Jersey State Hospital

Asbury Park:

  • Atlantic Coast Electric Light Company

  • Carlton House

  • Convention Hall

  • Fisher Baking Company

  • Atlantic Coast Electric Railroad Company

  • Consolidated Laundries Corporation

  • Eastern New Jersey Power Company

  • Kingsley Arms Apartments

B

Barrington:

  • Barrington Manor Apartments

  • Edmund Scientific Company

  • Barrington Plant

  • Owens Corning Fiberglass Company

Bayway:

  • Bayway Refinery

  • Exxon

  • Phelps Dodge Copper Products Company

  • Esso Standard Oil Company

  • Humble Oil & Refining Company

  • Standard Oil Company of New Jersey

Belvidere:

  • Celanese Plastics

  • Hercules Power Company Inc.

  • Hoffman Laroche Inc

  • Dsm Nutritional Products

  • Hoffman – La Roche Inc.

Berlin:

  • Evino’s Inc T/A Lucien’s Manor

  • Owens-Corning Fiberglas Corporation

  • Fibreboard Plant

Boonton:

  • Drew Chemical

  • General Storage Battery Company

  • Norda Essential Oils & Chemical Company

  • Wecoline Products Company

  • E F Drew Company

  • New Jersey Power and Light Company

  • Riverside Hospital

Bordentown:

  • Bordentown Reformatory

  • Johnstowne Boiler Plant

  • Circuit Foil Company

  • New Jersey State Reformatory

Bridgewater:

  • American Cyanamid

  • Avents Pharmaceuticals

  • New Intermediate School

  • American Hoist

  • Ethicon

Butler:

  • A I C Chemical Company

  • American Hard Rubber Company

  • Rubber Company

  • Amerace Corp

  • Pequanac Rubber Company

C

Carneys Point:

  • American Gas and Electric Company

  • Chambers Works

  • Federal Shipbuilding

  • The Rubin Organization

  • Carneys Point Works

  • I. Du Pont De Nemours Powder Company

  • Pure Carbonic Corporation Inc.

  • United Gas Improvement Company

Chrome:

  • Chrome Steel Works

  • Goldschmidt Detinning Company

  • United States Metals Refining Company

  • Delamar Copper Refining Company

  • Metal and Thermit Corp

Clinton:

  • Clinton Reformatory

  • Foster Wheeler

  • New Jersey State Reformatory For Women

  • Womans Reformatory

  • Exxon

  • J. Reformatory For Women

  • Womans Refinery School

Constable Hook:

  • Asiatic Petroleum Corporation

  • International Nickle Company

  • Standard Oil Company

  • General Chemical Company

  • Seaboard Refinery

  • Tidewater Oil Company

D

Delair:

  • Aluminum Shapes Inc

  • Delair Shipyard

  • Union Paving Company

  • Aluminum Smelting Company

  • Kieckhefer Container Company

Dundee:

  • Fortsmann and Huffman Company

  • Pantasote Company

  • Rubber Company

  • New York Belting and Packing Company

  • Passaic Worsted Spinning Company

  • United State Rubber Company

E

East Hanover:

  • Fritzsche Brothers Inc.

  • Givaudan Flavors Corporation

  • Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation

  • Fritzsche

  • Dodge and Olcott

  • Michigan Consolidated Gas Company

  • Sandoz Pharmaceutical Corporation

East Newark:

  • Clark Thread Company

  • Engelhard Corporation

  • Stewart Hartsborn Company

  • Edison Lamp Company

  • Federal Telephone & Radio Corporation

East Rutherford:

  • American Oil Company

  • Flintkote

  • Public Services Metering Station

  • Asiatic Petrolem Corporation

  • Fuchs Lang Manufacturing Company

  • Trubek Laboratories

Edison:

  • Aluminum Company of America

  • Ford Motor Company

  • John F Kennedy Hospital

  • Pabco Factory

  • Revlon

  • Incorporated

  • Edison Water Department

  • Implant Systems Plant

  • Muscarelle

  • Raritan Aresenal

Essex:

  • Essex Powerhouse

  • Public Service Company of New Jersey

  • Hangerford Electric Manufacturing Company

  • Public Service Electric & Gas

F

Fairfield:

  • Chem San International

  • Summitt Scientific Company

  • Vulcan Materials

  • Frey Concourse

  • Unimatic Manufacturing Company

Fairlawn:

  • Fisher Scientific Company

  • A. Edison School

  • National Biscuit Bakery Building

Fieldsboro:

  • Balot Anchor & Chain Company

  • Murport Chemical Company

  • Church Brick Company

  • Stephan Fermentation Chemicals Inc.

Florence:

  • Florence Pipe Foundry & Machine Company

  • D. Wood Company

  • Florence Township Board of Education

Florham Park:

  • Esso Research & Engineering

  • Tennessee Eastman Company

  • Fairleigh Dickenson University

Fords:

  • Badger Manufacturing Company

  • Heyden Newport Chemical Corporation

  • Payden Newport Chem. Company

  • Hatco Corporation

  • Matco Chemical

  • R. Grace and Company

Forked River:

  • Jersey Central Power and Light Company

  • Oyster Creek Nuclear Generating Station

Fort Dix:

  • Fort Dix Hospital

  • New Fort Dix Hospital

  • Post Exchange

  • New 500 Bed Hospital

  • B.S. Inc.

  • U S Air Force

Freehold:

  • 3M

  • Minnesota Mining & Manufacturing. Company

  • Nestle Usa

  • A and M Karagheusian Inc.

  • Nestle Company Inc

G

Garwood:

  • Aeolian Company

  • Millen Industries

  • Sunoco Products Company

  • Alcoa

  • National Gypsum Company

Gillespie:

  • Hercules Incorporated

  • Union Powder Corp

  • Hercules Power Company Inc.

Glassboro:

  • Aura School

  • John Repp Ice and Cold Storage Company

  • Peoples Gas Company

  • Glassboro State Teachers College

  • Owens Illinois Glass Company

  • Whitney Glass Works

Glen Gardner:

  • J State Colony For Feeble Minded Males

  • New Jersey State Sanatorium For Tuberculosis Diseases

Gloucester City:

  • Argo Mills

  • Gloucester City Incinerator

  • New Jersey Zinc Company

  • Steam Rent Inc.

  • Gaf Corporation

  • Hinde Dauch

  • Ruberoid Company

  • Welsbach Company

Grasseli:

  • E I Dupont De Nemours and Company Inc

  • Grasselli Chemical Company

  • General Aniline & Film Corporation

H

Hamilton Township:

  • A. Young Company

  • Public Services Electric & Gas Company

  • S. Mercer Generating Station

Hammonton:

  • Atlantic Loading Company

  • Kessler Memorial Hospital

  • Whitehall Labs

  • C&E Canners Inc

  • Pine Crest Enterprises Inc.

Hawthrone:

  • Inmont Corp

  • Lily Tulip

  • Textile Dyeing Company of America Inc.

  • Interchemical Corp Color and Chemical Div

  • New Era Manufacturing Company

Highstown:

  • Hightstown Rug Company

  • Mcgraw‐Hill Publishing Company Building

  • Kentile Corp

  • Peddie School

Hillside:

  • American Can

  • Hatfield Wire & Cable Company

  • Union Plastics Corporation

  • York Insulation Company Inc.

  • Bristol-Myers Company

  • National Industrial Laundries

  • Westinghouse M&R

  • York Private Siding

K

Kenilworth:

  • Alfred State College

  • Board of Education Harding School

  • Schering Corporation

  • Theresa’s Church

  • National Tool & Manufacturing Company

  • Schering Plough

  • Warren Harding School

  • White Laboratories Inc

Kenvil:

  • Alliant Techsystems

  • I. Dupont De Nemours Powder Company

  • Hercules Power Company Inc.

  • Atlantic Dynamite Company

  • Giant Manufacturing Company

Keyport:

  • Bzura Inc

  • Monmouth Chemical Company

  • Rendrock Powder Company

  • Jersey Central Tractor Company

  • Monmouth Lighting Company

L

Lacey Township:

  • Oyster Creek

Lakehurst:

  • Carpenters Union – Local 2018

  • Lakehurst Naval Air Station

  • Glidden Company

  • Lakehurst Naval Hospital

Lakewood:

  • Ella G. Clarke School

  • Forest Hotel Company

  • Lakewood and Coast Electric Company

  • Wheaton Plastics Company

  • Fairmont Hotel

  • & G. Builders

  • Lakewood Water Light and Power Company

Larenceville:

  • Bristol-Myers Squibb Company

  • Lawrenceville High School

  • R. Squibb and Sons

  • Rider College Campus

Little Ferry:

  • Bergen Hackensack Sewer Authority

  • Little Ferry Engine

  • Scientific Design Company Inc.

  • Hess Oil & Chemical Company

  • National Distributors Company Inc

  • Scientific Design Plants

Lodi:

  • Boettger Price Dye Works

  • Lodi Dry Dyeing Company

  • United Piece Dye Works

  • Felecian Sisters Infirmary

  • Rochelle Park Velvet Company

Long Branch:

  • Alleghany Building Units

  • Electronics Association

  • Incorporated

  • JCP&L Long Branch Gas Plant

  • Monmouth Medical Center

  • Consolidated Gas Company of N.J.

  • Garden State Towel Supply Company

  • Jersey Central Power & Light Company

M

Mahwah:

  • Abex Corp

  • Clayburn Contracting Company

  • Mountain Side Farm

  • Amer Brake Shoe and Foundry Company

  • Ford Motor Company

Manville:

  • W. Johns Manville Company

  • Johns Manville Products Corporation

  • Joe Manara E Building

Marion:

  • Brewster Cocoa Manufacturing Company

  • Marion Powerhouse

  • Public Service Electric Company of N.J.

  • West End Gas Works

  • Com’R Motor Company

  • Mulhens and Kropff

At SWMW Law, we’re more than legal advocates — we’re a source of support during the most difficult times in our clients’ lives. We’re proud to be trusted by families across the country, and even prouder to share what they have to say about working with us.

  • “SWMW did an amazing job! They started the process with my father but during the process my father passed. They were so helpful when it came to us, his children, taking over in place of my dad. They answered every call and were extremely patient and supportive of us. They really did a great job with keeping us informed and educated. They fought for us. I would recommend them to anyone that hears the diagnosis of Mesothelioma. They will fight for you 100% of the way. Thank you SWMW Team for your support and patience! We truly appreciate all of you! – The Anderson’s”

    Cristina Anderson
  • I would personally like to thank you and your staff for how you’ve have helped me and my family with a bit of our loss. It doesn’t bring my dear wife back, but it helps relieve some of our daily stress as we push on. Thank you.

    Gregory U.
  • Everyone at SWMW Law have went above & beyond. They’ve been so compassionate & so very helpful. I really didn’t think I would be getting anything for my late husband. I feel like they have found every way possible to get something in the memory of my late husband. He didn’t deserve to pass the way he did, & SWMW Law are making sure his death wasn’t in vain. Ty you to Lyndsy & everyone who has put long hours into helping me. My deepest appreciation to you all.

    Jeanne M.
  • I cannot say enough wonderful things about the SWMW Law Firm. This firm has a team of amazing, smart and professional attorneys and staff. They really care about their clients and go above and beyond to obtain justice. If I could give them more than 5 stars I would!! Thank you all for your incredible work that you do!

    Nicole O.

We’ve recovered hundreds of millions in verdicts, settlements, and payouts for clients affected by asbestos-related illnesses. Whether your case goes to court or is resolved before trial, our goal is the same: to win the maximum compensation possible for you and your family.

  • Trial Verdict

    $12,152,750

    Machine Operator with Mesothelioma

    Virginia

  • Trial Verdict

    $9,700,000

    Mesothelioma *

    Wisconsin

  • Settlement

    $8,326,761

    Pipefitter with Mesothelioma

    Missouri

  • Settlement

    $7,860,827

    Plumber/Pipefitter with Mesothelioma

    Illinois

Our team is comprised of dozens of highly talented and experienced attorneys ready to fight for your best outcome.

Over the course of our firm’s experience, we have helped thousands of victims and their families recover life-changing verdicts and settlements.

We come to you wherever you are in the United States.

A senior partner of our firm will be involved in your case, utilizing a team approach with massive resources uniquely applied to your case.

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