Asbestos exposure can result in devastating health consequences. However, despite knowing the health risks of asbestos as early as the 1930s, manufacturers continued to profit from selling their asbestos-containing products in all 50 states well into the early 1980s.

Those who worked in shipbuilding, automotive repair, pipefitting, and other blue-collar industries were exposed to asbestos on a daily basis.

On top of this, asbestos still isn’t completely banned in the United States. Many Americans continue to be diagnosed with mesothelioma and other asbestos-related diseases as a result.

While asbestos exposure is a nationwide problem, some states have been impacted more than others. See which 5 states have the highest rates of mesothelioma below.

1. California

California tops the list of states with the most residents affected by asbestos exposure. A total of 7,113 Californians were diagnosed with mesothelioma between 1999 and 2020, according to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Asbestos has also caused tens of thousands of deaths in the state, as shown below:

Asbestos-Related DiseaseNumber of Deaths
Mesothelioma5,100
Asbestosis1,778
Non-Mesothelioma Lung Cancer20,400

You may be able to access financial compensation if you or a loved one was diagnosed with mesothelioma in California or any other state.

Our legal partners have recovered over $869 million for California asbestos victims, including:

  • $7.5 million for a brick tender & laborer
  • $5.1 million for a union HVAC worker
  • $3 million for a U.S. Navy veteran & telephone technician

Get a Free Case Review today to see if you’re eligible to file an asbestos claim.

2. Florida

CDC data shows that 5,125 people were diagnosed with mesothelioma in Florida between 1999 and 2020.

The following asbestos-related deaths have also been reported:

Asbestos-Related DiseaseNumber of Deaths
Mesothelioma3,343
Asbestosis1,588
Non-Mesothelioma Lung Cancer13,372

Our legal partners have recovered over $530 million for Florida asbestos victims, including:

  • $8 million for an auto mechanic
  • $5.7 million for a contractor & engineman
  • $5.2 million for a U.S. Air Force veteran & roofer

3. New York

New York was one of the first states to incorporate asbestos products in large-scale construction projects. It currently has the third-highest mesothelioma rate in the country, with 4,364 people diagnosed from 1999 to 2020.

The following asbestos-related deaths have been reported in New York:

Asbestos-Related DiseaseNumber of Deaths
Mesothelioma2,830
Asbestosis1,124
Non-Mesothelioma Lung Cancer11,320

Our legal partners have recovered over $215 million for New York asbestos victims, including:

  • $4.6 million for a welder
  • $3.5 million for a U.S. Army veteran & janitor
  • $3.18 million for a home remodeler

Connect with us today to see if you can file a claim for compensation.

4. Pennsylvania

One of the country’s first asbestos companies made its home in the city of Ambler, and hundreds of other job sites across Pennsylvania relied on the dangerous substance before the risks were known to the public.

This has led to 4,332 people being diagnosed with mesothelioma in Pennsylvania since 1999.

Sadly, asbestos has caused even more deaths in the state:

Asbestos-Related DiseaseNumber of Deaths
Mesothelioma3,257
Asbestosis1,505
Non-Mesothelioma Lung Cancer13,028

Our legal partners have recovered over $300 million for Pennsylvania asbestos victims, including:

  • $3.3 million for an office worker
  • $2.3 million for a painter & merchant mariner
  • $2.19 million for a U.S. Navy veteran & bricklayer

5. Texas

The state of Texas was home to 8 asbestos mining sites, and many industries relied on asbestos for much of the 20th century. The CDC reports that 4,038 Texans were diagnosed with mesothelioma between 1999 and 2020.

Data on asbestos-related deaths in Texas is shown below:

Asbestos-Related DiseaseNumber of Deaths
Mesothelioma2,668
Asbestosis2,012
Non-Mesothelioma Lung Cancer10,752

Our legal partners have recovered over $420 million for Texas asbestos victims, including:

  • $4.2 million for a steelworker & construction worker
  • $3.62 million for a pipefitter
  • $1.76 million for a U.S. Army veteran & longshoreman

Get a free case review to see if our partner attorneys can help your family access justice and compensation.

Find Mesothelioma Treatment in Your State

Treatment from a specialist is the best way to extend your life expectancy if you’ve been diagnosed with mesothelioma. You can get mesothelioma treatment from specialists all over the country.

Some of the nation’s best mesothelioma centers are located in:

Use our Free Doctor Match for help connecting with top mesothelioma specialists in your area.

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Legal Compensation for Asbestos-Related Diseases

Countless American lives were affected when asbestos companies chose to prioritize profits over health and safety.

Legal compensation can be a lifeline for those dealing with asbestos-related diseases. The average mesothelioma settlement is between $1 million and $1.4 million — money that can make a huge difference for patients and their families.

If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with mesothelioma or another asbestos-related disease, reach out to us. We can connect you with experienced lawyers who specialize in cases of asbestos exposure.

Call us at (866) 608-8933 or request a free case review to get started.

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  • Over $30 billion available
  • No cost to file a claim
  • Avoid going to court

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Shara Fisher
Shara Fisher Senior Paralegal
17+ years providing legal help to mesothelioma victims
Laura WrightWritten by:

Lead Editor

Laura Wright is a journalist and content strategist with more than 16 years of professional experience. She attended college at the University of Florida, graduating magna cum laude with a bachelor’s degree in journalism in 2008. Her writing has been featured in The Gainesville Sun and other regional publications throughout Florida.

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References
  1. Asbestos Nation. “Mapping the Deadly Toll of Asbestos.” Retrieved from http://www.asbestosnation.org/facts/asbestos-deaths/. Accessed on June 20, 2024.
  2. Asbestos Nation. “Asbestos-Related Deaths in California.” Retrieved from http://www.asbestosnation.org/facts/asbestos-deaths/ca/. Accessed on June 20, 2024.
  3. Asbestos Nation. “Asbestos-Related Deaths in Pennsylvania.” Retrieved from http://www.asbestosnation.org/facts/asbestos-deaths/pa/. Accessed on June 20, 2024.
  4. Asbestos Nation. “Asbestos-Related Deaths in Florida.” Retrieved from http://www.asbestosnation.org/facts/asbestos-deaths/fl/. Accessed on June 20, 2024.
  5. Asbestos Nation. “Asbestos-Related Deaths in New York.” Retrieved from http://www.asbestosnation.org/facts/asbestos-deaths/ny. Accessed on June 20, 2024.
  6. Asbestos Nation. “Asbestos-Related Deaths in Texas.” Retrieved from http://www.asbestosnation.org/facts/asbestos-deaths/tx/. Accessed on June 20, 2024.
  7. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. “United States and Puerto Rico Cancer Statistics, 1999-2020 Mortality Results.” Retrieved from https://wonder.cdc.gov/controller/saved/D187/D396F290. Accessed on June 20, 2024.
  8. Mealey’s. Mealey’s litigation report: asbestos. Retrieved from https://www.lexislegalnews.com/articles/65302/asbestos-verdicts-settlements-january-2020-december-2020. Accessed on June 20, 2024.
  9. U.S. Geological Survey. “Asbestos Map.” Retrieved from https://mrdata.usgs.gov/asbestos/map-us.html. Accessed on June 20, 2024.

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