Asbestos Attorneys in California
Because of its geographic location, California is home to numerous naturally occurring asbestos deposits. The majority of the asbestos found in California is chrysotile asbestos, also known as white asbestos. White asbestos forms in serpentine rock, which is abundant in California. Serpentine rock is so plentiful throughout California it was named California’s state rock in 1965.
Because asbestos forms in serpentine rock, the California Air Resources Board (CARB) has set forth regulations surrounding its use. The board regulates its use in products including:
- Surfacing applications, including gravel on unpaved roads
- Dust emissions from construction, grading and surface mining
California Asbestos Deposits
Natural asbestos deposits can be found in 44 of California’s 58 counties. It is most abundant in:
- Humboldt
- San Benito
- Monterey
- El Dorado Counties
California Industry and Asbestos Exposure
California’s economy thrives off industry, including shipbuilding, mining and power generation; all of which once heavily relied on asbestos. Asbestos was considered an ideal material in California industry due to its strength and fire resistance.
Asbestos and California Power Plants
As the most populous state, with nearly 37 million residents, California heavily relies on its booming industry. It has long relied on several powerhouses to supply electricity to its residents; however, the same power plants that are responsible for lighting up the state are also responsible for numerous deaths and illnesses.
Hundreds of California power plant workers have been exposed to high levels of asbestos exposure while working in the plants. This is because asbestos was widely used in production materials, machinery and asbestos insulation products within the plants. Asbestos fibers were even woven into the protective clothing worn by the workers, in an attempt to protect them from heat and friction.
California Shipbuilding Industry and Asbestos
In addition to the power plant industry, California thrives on its shipbuilding industry. The shipbuilding industry peaked during WWII, however, so did asbestos use. Asbestos was used several parts of the ships, and as a result exposed hundreds of workers and navy veterans to the toxic material.
Workers who built, repaired, maintained and worked on board the ships are all at risk of developing mesothelioma cancer, asbestosis or lung cancer as a result of breathing in large amounts of asbestos fibers on a daily basis.
Get Legal Help for Asbestos Exposure
If you are a California resident and have developed an asbestos cancer related disease, you may be eligible to recover financial compensation through an asbestos lawsuit. Contact mesothelioma centers today to speak with a qualified California asbestos attorney who will fight to ensure your legal rights are protected.



