Asbestos Exposure Sites in Massachusetts
Massachusetts has 4 documented asbestos exposure sites spanning 3 industries. 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 Massachusetts
Massachusetts has a significant asbestos exposure history rooted in its shipbuilding, manufacturing, and construction industries. The Fore River Shipyard in Quincy, operated by Bethlehem Steel and later General Dynamics, built hundreds of warships and commercial vessels from the early 1900s through the 1980s, making it one of the most significant asbestos exposure sites in New England. The Boston Naval Shipyard in Charlestown, now part of the Boston National Historical Park, was another major exposure location for ship construction and repair workers. Massachusetts's industrial cities, including Springfield, Worcester, Lowell, and Fall River, had manufacturing operations that relied on asbestos in textile mills, machinery, and building materials. General Electric's massive facility in Lynn manufactured jet engines and electrical equipment using asbestos components. Power plants operated by New England Electric System and Boston Edison used asbestos insulation throughout their facilities. The former Fort Devens military installation, Hanscom Air Force Base, and the Natick Soldier Systems Center all contained asbestos materials. The Massachusetts Turnpike construction and Boston's extensive infrastructure of tunnels, bridges, and older buildings all involved asbestos use. Massachusetts provides a three-year statute of limitations from discovery, giving patients more time than some neighboring states, but legal consultation should still begin promptly after diagnosis.
Major industries linked to asbestos exposure in Massachusetts: Shipbuilding, Manufacturing, Power generation, Military installations, Construction, Textile mills.
Notable exposure sites: Fore River Shipyard, Quincy; Boston Naval Shipyard, Charlestown; General Electric, Lynn; Brayton Point Power Station, Somerset; Fort Devens, Ayer.
Frequently Asked Questions: Asbestos Exposure in Massachusetts
What is Massachusetts's statute of limitations for mesothelioma claims?
Massachusetts has a three-year statute of limitations from the date of diagnosis or discovery for personal injury claims. Wrongful death claims also have a three-year filing period from the date of death.
Was the Fore River Shipyard a major asbestos site?
Yes. The Fore River Shipyard in Quincy built hundreds of warships and commercial vessels using extensive asbestos insulation materials. It is one of the most significant asbestos exposure sites in New England, and thousands of former workers have filed claims.
Where else in Massachusetts were workers exposed to asbestos?
Major exposure sites include the Boston Naval Shipyard, GE's Lynn manufacturing facility, power plants throughout the state, textile mills in Lowell, Fall River, and other industrial cities, military installations, and older construction throughout Boston and other urban areas.
Are there mesothelioma treatment centers in Massachusetts?
Yes. Massachusetts is home to world-renowned cancer treatment centers, including Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Massachusetts General Hospital, and Brigham and Women's Hospital, all in Boston. These facilities have mesothelioma specialists and clinical trial programs.