Asbestos Exposure in New Mexico
New Mexico Mesothelioma & Asbestos Lawyers
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 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 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.
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
Jobsites in New Mexico With Known Asbestos Usage & Exposure
A
Alamogordo:
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Alamogordo Lambert Company
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Holloman Air Force Base
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Merrill H. Fisher
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Texas Louisiana Power Company
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Alamogordo Lumber Company
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R. Prestridge Lumber Company
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Southwest Lumber Company
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White Sands Missile Range
Artesia:
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Navajo Refining
C
Clovis:
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T. and Sante Fe Railway System
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Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railroad
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Babcock School of Physics
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Atchison
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Topeka & Santa Fe Railway Company
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Southern Public Service Company
F
Farmington:
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Bureau of Reclamation
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Farmington Insulation & Metal Supply Inc.
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Municipal Light Plant Farmington
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Production Equipment Corp
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Chaco Compressor Station
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Four Corners Powerhouse
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Plateau Refinery
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San Juan Power Plant
Fruitland:
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Arizona Public Service Company
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Four Corners Steam Electric Generating Plant
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Public Service Company of New Mexico
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Four Corners Power Plant
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Lovington Power Plant
H
Hobbs:
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Ace Building & Supply Company
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Climax Chemical Company
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Maddok Power Plant
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Northern Natural Gas Company
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Wonder Building Display
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Ace Welding Service
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H B Zachry Company
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New Mexico Electric Service Company
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Warren Petroleum Corporation
Hurley:
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American Laundry and Dry Cleaning Company
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Chino Mines Power Plant
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Kennicott Copper Mines
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Phelps Dodge Mining
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Chino Mines Company
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Kennecott Copper Company
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Nevada Consolidated Copper Corporation
L
Las Cruces:
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Burn Construction Company Inc.
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El Paso Electric Company
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Haines Sewing Plant
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City of Las Cruces Gas Distribution System
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Farmers Compress Company
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New Mexico State University
Los Alamos:
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Atomic Energy Commission
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Los Alamos Laboratories
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Zia Corporation
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Los Alamos Atomic Testing Site
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Los Alamos Power Plant
Loving:
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International Minerals and Chemical Corp
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United States Potash Company
Lovington:
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Lea County Electric Cooperative Inc
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Babcock School of Physics
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Turbine Generator
S
Santa Fe:
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Aqua Fria School
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New Mexico State Penitentiary
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Neff Buckner
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Santa Fe General Hospital
Silver City:
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New Mexico Light Heat and Power Company
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Silver City Reduction Company
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Town of Silver City
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New Mexico State Teachers College
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Socorro Mines
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