Mesothelioma & Asbestos Exposure in Utah

Common Sources of Asbestos Exposure in Utah

Asbestos was embedded in Utah's industrial infrastructure for decades. The following categories represent the most significant sources of occupational asbestos exposure across the state.

Mining Operations

Utah has a long history of copper, gold, silver, and other mineral mining. Mining operations used asbestos-containing materials in equipment insulation, brake systems, pipe coverings, gaskets, and surface facility buildings. The underground and open-pit mining environments created exposure conditions where asbestos fibers released from equipment and building materials accumulated in work areas.

• Kennecott Copper Mine (Bingham Canyon) — One of the world's largest open-pit copper mines; asbestos in equipment insulation, brake systems, processing plant piping, smelter insulation, and building materials
• Other mining operations — Gold, silver, and aggregate mines throughout Utah used asbestos-containing equipment and building materials

Military Installations

Utah hosts several major military installations that used asbestos extensively in construction, maintenance, and operations.

• Hill Air Force Base (Ogden) — One of the Air Force's largest logistics and repair centers; asbestos in aircraft maintenance hangars, repair depots, base buildings, housing, and heating systems. Military personnel and thousands of civilian employees were exposed during aircraft repair, building maintenance, and renovation activities.
• Dugway Proving Ground — Military testing facility southwest of Salt Lake City; asbestos in laboratory buildings, test facilities, housing, and infrastructure. Workers exposed during construction, maintenance, and operations.
• Tooele Army Depot — Major Army storage and maintenance facility; asbestos in warehouses, maintenance buildings, ammunition storage facilities, and base infrastructure

Steel Production

Steel manufacturing involves extremely high temperatures, making asbestos insulation essential during the peak asbestos era. Utah's steel industry centered on one of the largest integrated steel mills in the western United States.

• Geneva Steel (Orem) — Built in 1944 as part of the WWII defense effort; operated until 2001. One of the largest integrated steel mills west of the Mississippi. Asbestos was used in blast furnace insulation, coke oven insulation, pipe coverings, building materials, and equipment gaskets throughout the massive facility. Thousands of steelworkers, maintenance crews, and construction workers were exposed over the plant's 57-year operating history.

Smelting Operations

Utah's smelting operations processed copper, lead, and other metals at extremely high temperatures, requiring extensive asbestos insulation in furnaces, flues, piping, and building infrastructure.

• Kennecott Smelter (Magna/Garfield) — Copper smelting with asbestos in furnace insulation, flue systems, pipe coverings, and facility buildings
• Other smelting operations — Lead and metal smelters across Utah used asbestos insulation in high-temperature processing equipment

Power Plants

Utah power plants used asbestos insulation on boilers, turbines, steam pipes, and electrical components throughout the state.

• Intermountain Power Plant (Delta) — Coal-fired generating station with asbestos in boiler insulation, turbine casings, and piping systems
• Hunter Power Plant (Castle Dale) — Coal-fired generating station with asbestos in high-temperature equipment
• Other regional power facilities — Multiple generating stations across Utah used asbestos-containing insulation and building materials

This is not an exhaustive list. Additional industrial facilities, schools, hospitals, and commercial buildings across Utah used asbestos-containing materials. If you worked at any mining, military, steel, smelting, or power generation site in Utah before the mid-1980s, asbestos exposure is likely. Our attorneys can investigate your specific work history as part of a free case evaluation.

Types of Mesothelioma Diagnosed in Utah

Mesothelioma develops when inhaled or ingested asbestos fibers become embedded in the lining of internal organs, causing cellular damage that leads to malignant tumor growth over decades.

Pleural Mesothelioma (Lungs)

Pleural mesothelioma accounts for approximately 75 to 80 percent of all mesothelioma diagnoses and is the most common form seen in Utah patients. This type develops in the pleura — the thin membrane surrounding the lungs. Utah steelworkers, miners, military personnel, and power plant workers who inhaled asbestos dust are at the highest risk. Symptoms include persistent chest pain, shortness of breath, unexplained weight loss, and pleural effusion. Early detection significantly affects treatment options. If you worked at a Utah industrial or military facility and experience respiratory symptoms, inform your physician about your asbestos exposure history. Visit our diagnosis and treatment page for more information.

Peritoneal Mesothelioma (Abdomen)

Peritoneal mesothelioma develops in the peritoneum — the lining of the abdominal cavity — and accounts for approximately 15 to 20 percent of mesothelioma diagnoses. Symptoms include abdominal pain, swelling, unexplained weight loss, and fluid accumulation. Treatment has advanced with cytoreductive surgery combined with heated intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC). Regardless of type, the same legal options — personal injury lawsuits, asbestos trust fund claims, and VA benefits for veterans — are available to Utah patients and their families.

Mesothelioma Treatment Centers in Utah

While Utah does not currently have NCI-designated mesothelioma specialty centers, patients have access to the nation’s top treatment programs. Many of these leading cancer centers accept out-of-state patients and can coordinate care with local oncologists. Below are nationally recognized mesothelioma treatment centers that serve patients from Utah and across the country.

Family Members Exposed to Asbestos in Utah

Asbestos exposure in Utah did not stop at the mine entrance, the steel mill gate, or the base perimeter. Workers carried asbestos fibers home on their clothing, skin, hair, and personal items — unknowingly exposing their families. This secondary or take-home exposure has been documented in Utah's mining, steel, and military communities and has led to mesothelioma diagnoses in people who never worked directly with asbestos.

How Secondary Exposure Occurred

Utah steelworkers, miners, military personnel, and industrial workers arrived home covered in dust that included asbestos fibers. Spouses who laundered contaminated work clothes released asbestos fibers into the household air. Children who greeted parents or played near contaminated clothing were also exposed. In communities like Orem, where Geneva Steel was a major employer, secondary exposure affected numerous families.

Legal Rights of Utah Families

Family members who developed mesothelioma from take-home asbestos exposure have the legal right to pursue compensation. These claims can be filed against the companies that manufactured the asbestos products, the employers who failed to prevent fibers from leaving the workplace, and the asbestos trust funds. Our attorneys understand the specific evidence required to establish the connection between a worker's exposure and a family member's diagnosis.

Support Groups & Resources for Utah Families

A mesothelioma diagnosis affects the entire family. These organizations provide support, education, counseling, and practical assistance for patients and caregivers.

National Organizations

Utah Resources