Living near industrial facilities that once used asbestos-containing materials can pose serious health risks, even decades later. For residents of Marrero, Louisiana, the Johns Manville plant, a prominent manufacturer known for asbestos products, has left a troubling legacy of death and destruction.

Understanding Asbestos and Mesothelioma

Asbestos, a naturally occurring mineral, was widely used for its fire resistance and durability in industrial and construction materials. However, exposure to asbestos fibers is a known cause of mesothelioma, a rare and aggressive cancer that affects the lining of the lungs, abdomen, or heart. Mesothelioma has a long latency period, meaning symptoms can take 20 to 70 years to appear after exposure.

Johns Manville Plant in Marrero, Louisiana

Johns Manville Corporation was one of the largest manufacturers of asbestos products in the United States. Its plant in Marrero, Louisiana, operated for years, using asbestos in insulation, roofing, and other industrial materials. Workers in the plant, as well as residents living across the Westbank and New Orleans, faced potential exposure due to the release of asbestos fibers into the air during manufacturing processes. 

Johns-Manville started operations in Louisiana in 1924 in Gretna, Louisiana. In 1935 Johns Manville purchased 60.7 acres of land in Marrero. By 1957 the Johns Manville Marrero, Louisiana facility consisted of 773 employees. However by 1970 Johns Manville in Marrero shut down both the asbestos floor tile plant and asbestos transite pipe plant. 

Johns Manville in Marrero, Louisiana purchased millions of pounds of raw asbestos fibers between 1935 and shutting down the facility in 1978. The vast majority of this asbestos fiber was shipped through the Port of New Orleans where longshoreman were exposed to the asbestos fibers. After Johns Manville made their finished products, they hired people to distribute asbestos scrap to neighborhoods across the Westbank of New Orleans which were used for driveways, movie theatres, school playgrounds and other living areas. This exposed thousands of people to asbestos merely by living their everyday life. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality (LA DEQ) undertook substantial steps in the 1980's and 1990's to remediate as many contaminated driveways, playgrounds and schools as they could. However, many westbank driveways still contain asbestos.

Because mesothelioma takes between 20-70 years to develop many of these Westbank residents have only recently developed mesothelioma from these exposures to the Johns Manville plant in Marrero, Louisiana.

How Residents Were Exposed to Asbestos

Even if you never worked at the Johns Manville plant, living near it could have put you at risk of asbestos exposure. Here's how:

1. Airborne Fibers: Asbestos fibers released during manufacturing could travel through the air, potentially contaminating nearby neighborhoods.
2. Soil Contamination: Improper disposal of asbestos waste could lead to soil contamination in surrounding areas.
3. Household Exposure: Workers often brought asbestos fibers home on their clothing, putting family members at risk of secondary exposure.

Health Risks Associated with Living Near the Plant

The primary health risks linked to asbestos exposure include:

• Mesothelioma: A rare cancer affecting the lining of the lungs (pleura) or abdomen (peritoneum).
• Asbestosis: A chronic lung disease caused by asbestos fibers scarring lung tissue.
• Lung Cancer: Long-term asbestos exposure significantly increases the risk of developing lung cancer.
• Other Cancers: Asbestos exposure has been linked to cancers of the larynx, ovary, and gastrointestinal tract.

Signs and Symptoms of Mesothelioma

Residents exposed to asbestos should be vigilant for symptoms of mesothelioma, which include:

• Shortness of breath
• Persistent coughing
• Chest pain
• Fatigue
• Unexplained weight loss
• Abdominal swelling or pain (in cases of peritoneal mesothelioma)

If you or a loved one experience these symptoms, consult a medical professional immediately.

Seeking Legal Help for Asbestos Exposure

If you believe you were exposed to asbestos from the Johns Manville plant in Marrero and have been diagnosed with mesothelioma or another asbestos-related disease, you may be eligible for compensation. Legal avenues include:

1. Personal Injury Lawsuits: Filing a lawsuit against Johns Manville or other responsible parties for negligence.
2. Asbestos Trust Funds: Johns Manville filed for bankruptcy in the 1980s and established a trust fund to compensate victims.
3. Class Action Lawsuits: Joining a class-action lawsuit with other affected residents.
4. Wrongful Death Claims: If a loved one has passed away due to asbestos exposure, surviving family members can file a wrongful death claim.

Steps to Protect Yourself and Your Family

If you live or have lived near the Johns Manville plant, take these steps to protect your health:

1. Get Screened: Early detection is critical. Talk to your doctor about regular screenings for asbestos-related diseases.
2. Monitor Your Health: Be vigilant for symptoms of mesothelioma and report any concerns to your physician.
3. Consult an Attorney: Reach out to a mesothelioma lawyer with experience handling cases related to the Johns Manville plant.
4. Educate Yourself: Learn more about asbestos exposure and how to minimize risks in your environment.

The Johns Manville plant in Marrero, Louisiana, has left a lasting impact on the health of many workers and nearby residents. If you or a loved one has been affected by asbestos exposure from the plant, understanding your rights and options is essential. With early detection, proper medical care, and legal action, you can seek justice and ensure your story is heard.

For more information on filing a claim or accessing resources, contact an experienced mesothelioma attorney today. Time is critical, as statutes of limitations may apply to your case.If you have been diagnosed with mesothelioma, contact Boling Law Firm right away. They can help you get compensated for your medical expenses, lost wages and other damages associated with this deadly disease. Call us at 504-569-5904