Asbestos Exposure Sites in Maine
Maine has 2 documented asbestos exposure sites spanning 1 industry. Workers at these facilities were exposed to asbestos-containing materials — often in shipyards, power plants, refineries, and manufacturing plants — and may be eligible for compensation through trust fund claims and lawsuits.
Asbestos Exposure in Maine
Maine's asbestos exposure history is closely tied to its shipbuilding heritage and paper industry. The Bath Iron Works in Bath, one of the premier shipyards in the United States, has built warships for the U.S. Navy since 1884 and exposed generations of workers to asbestos materials during ship construction and repair. Asbestos was used in boiler insulation, pipe lagging, gaskets, and fireproofing throughout the vessels built there. The Portsmouth Naval Shipyard in Kittery, which builds and overhauls submarines, is another major exposure site where workers encountered asbestos in submarine construction and maintenance. Maine's paper and pulp industry, once the backbone of the state's economy, operated mills in Millinocket, Rumford, Jay, Bucksport, and Madawaska that used asbestos insulation in boilers, digesters, and steam piping. The Central Maine Power Company's generating stations also used asbestos materials. The former Loring Air Force Base in Limestone and the Brunswick Naval Air Station contained asbestos in their facilities. Older buildings throughout Portland, Bangor, Lewiston, and Augusta still contain asbestos materials from their original construction. Maine offers one of the longest statutes of limitations in the nation at six years from the date of discovery for personal injury claims, providing more time to pursue legal action. However, wrongful death claims must be filed within two years.
Major industries linked to asbestos exposure in Maine: Shipbuilding, Paper and pulp mills, Power generation, Military installations, Commercial fishing.
Notable exposure sites: Bath Iron Works, Bath; Portsmouth Naval Shipyard, Kittery; Great Northern Paper Company, Millinocket; Rumford Falls paper mills; Loring Air Force Base, Limestone.
Frequently Asked Questions: Asbestos Exposure in Maine
What is Maine's statute of limitations for mesothelioma claims?
Maine has a six-year statute of limitations from the date of diagnosis or discovery for personal injury claims, one of the longest in the nation. Wrongful death claims have a shorter two-year deadline from the date of death.
Were Bath Iron Works employees exposed to asbestos?
Yes. Bath Iron Works is one of the most significant asbestos exposure sites in New England. Generations of shipyard workers were exposed to asbestos insulation, pipe covering, gaskets, and fireproofing materials during naval ship construction and repair.
Did Maine's paper mills use asbestos?
Yes. Paper and pulp mills throughout Maine, including major facilities in Millinocket, Rumford, Jay, and Bucksport, used asbestos insulation in boilers, digesters, and steam piping systems. Mill workers were routinely exposed to asbestos during maintenance and operations.
Are there mesothelioma lawyers who handle Maine cases?
We are expanding our directory coverage in Maine. National mesothelioma law firms handle cases involving Maine exposure sites and can advise on the best jurisdiction for filing. Maine's generous six-year statute of limitations provides more time than most states.