Mesothelioma in Houston, Texas
The Houston Ship Channel and surrounding petrochemical corridor represent one of the highest concentrations of historical asbestos exposure in the United States.
Why Houston Has Elevated Mesothelioma Risk
Houston's mesothelioma rates are directly tied to the city's industrial history. From the 1940s through the 1980s, the Houston Ship Channel was lined with oil refineries, petrochemical plants, and shipyards—all industries that used asbestos extensively for insulation, fireproofing, and pipe covering.
Workers in these facilities were exposed daily to asbestos fibers. The mineral's heat-resistant properties made it essential for the high-temperature processes in refining and chemical production. It wasn't until decades later that the health consequences became apparent.
Today, mesothelioma patients in Houston are typically people who worked in these industries 30 to 50 years ago, or family members who were exposed through contaminated work clothing brought home.
Major Asbestos Exposure Sources in Houston
These industries and facilities were responsible for the majority of occupational asbestos exposure in the Houston area.
Oil Refineries
ExxonMobil, Shell, Chevron, and dozens of other refineries along the Ship Channel used asbestos insulation throughout their facilities.
Petrochemical Plants
Chemical manufacturing plants in Pasadena, Deer Park, and La Porte relied on asbestos for high-temperature processes.
Shipyards
Houston Ship Channel shipyards used asbestos in ship construction and repair from the 1940s through the 1970s.
Power Plants
Electrical generating stations used asbestos insulation in boilers, turbines, and throughout their facilities.
Occupations at Risk in Houston
If you or a family member worked in any of the following occupations in the Houston area, there is an elevated risk of asbestos exposure:
Refinery & Plant Workers
- Pipefitters
- Insulators
- Boilermakers
- Maintenance workers
- Operators
Shipyard Workers
- Ship fitters
- Welders
- Electricians
- Laggers
- General laborers
Construction Trades
- Plumbers
- Electricians
- HVAC technicians
- Drywall workers
- Roofers
Types of Mesothelioma Diagnosed in Houston
Houston-area mesothelioma patients are diagnosed with the same types seen nationwide, with pleural mesothelioma being the most common:
Pleural Mesothelioma
Develops in the lining of the lungs. This is the most common form, caused by inhaling asbestos fibers.
Pleural mesothelioma in Houston →Peritoneal Mesothelioma
Develops in the abdominal lining. May occur when asbestos fibers are swallowed or migrate through the body.
Peritoneal mesothelioma in Houston →Veterans & Military Exposure in Houston
Houston's military history adds another dimension to local mesothelioma cases. Veterans who served at nearby military installations or on naval vessels may have been exposed to asbestos during their service.
VA Benefits for Veterans
Veterans diagnosed with mesothelioma may qualify for VA healthcare, disability compensation, and other benefits. Service connection can be established through military records showing asbestos exposure.
Houston is home to the Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center, which provides care to veterans throughout Southeast Texas. Veterans with mesothelioma can access specialized oncology services through the VA system.
Secondary & Family Exposure
Many mesothelioma cases in Houston involve secondary exposure—family members who never worked directly with asbestos but were exposed through contaminated work clothing brought home by refinery workers, pipefitters, and other industrial workers.
Wives and children of Houston Ship Channel workers were unknowingly exposed when they washed work clothes covered in asbestos dust or simply hugged their family member when they returned home. These secondary exposure cases often involve women and people who were children during the peak exposure decades.
If you have been diagnosed with mesothelioma but never worked directly with asbestos, consider whether a family member worked in one of Houston's industrial facilities.
What to Do After a Mesothelioma Diagnosis in Houston
A mesothelioma diagnosis is overwhelming, but there are clear steps you can take to understand your options and get the support you need:
- Get a confirmed diagnosis — If you haven't already, ensure your diagnosis has been confirmed through biopsy by a pathologist experienced with mesothelioma.
- Seek specialized care — Mesothelioma is rare, and outcomes are better with physicians who specialize in this disease. MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston is a nationally recognized treatment center.
- Document your work history — Begin compiling records of where you worked and what jobs you performed. This information is important for both medical understanding and any legal options.
- Explore all your options — Treatment options, clinical trials, VA benefits (for veterans), and legal rights are all available. Take time to understand each one.
Mesothelioma Treatment in Houston
Houston is home to several major cancer centers with mesothelioma expertise:
MD Anderson Cancer Center
One of the nation's leading cancer hospitals with a dedicated thoracic oncology program and ongoing mesothelioma clinical trials. Located in the Texas Medical Center.
Other Houston-area hospitals with oncology services include Houston Methodist, Memorial Hermann, and the Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center for veterans.
Questions About Mesothelioma in Houston?
If you or a family member has been diagnosed with mesothelioma and has connections to Houston's industrial facilities, we can help you understand your options for treatment, benefits, and legal rights.
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