Top 5 States for Asbestos Exposure: Mesothelioma Cases by State

Asbestos exposure can happen anywhere, but residents of some U.S. states may be more at risk than others. Although many uses of this mineral were phased out decades ago, asbestos is not fully banned in the United States. Some chrysotile products remain legal, and asbestos is still found in older buildings, job sites, and consumer products.

Each year, around 3,000 Americans are diagnosed with mesothelioma, an aggressive cancer caused by asbestos exposure. Thousands more develop lung cancer, asbestosis, and other serious diseases linked to asbestos fibers. Because these illnesses can take 10 to 50 years to develop, many people are only now learning that exposure decades ago put them at risk.

Long industrial histories, military installations, shipyards, and population size all play a role in asbestos exposure by state. Below are the 5 states with the highest number of mesothelioma cases, based on the most recent data available from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

1. California

California has more mesothelioma cases than any other state. Between 1999 and 2022, a total of 7,736 Californians were diagnosed with mesothelioma, according to CDC data. That number is driven by the state’s size and long history of asbestos use across multiple industries.

For decades, asbestos was common in California shipyards, oil refineries, power plants, and construction projects. Workers in cities like San Diego, Long Beach, and Oakland faced daily exposure. In some parts of Northern California, naturally occurring asbestos in the soil has also posed risks to residents and outdoor workers.

Because many companies failed to warn anyone about the dangers of asbestos, people diagnosed with mesothelioma and other asbestos-related diseases may be eligible for compensation.

Our legal partners at Simmons Hanly Conroy have recovered over $917 million for California asbestos victims, including:

• $15 million for a victim of secondhand exposure in Livermore
• $14.4 million for a Kingsburg farmer & mechanic
• $7.5 million for a brick tender & laborer in Lakewood
• $6.4 million for a Chula Vista construction worker
• $9 million for a U.S. Air Force veteran in Brawley

These results show that even when exposure happened decades ago, Californians may still have a path to justice and compensation.

Download our Free Asbestos Product Guide to learn more about products that may still pose a risk to you and your family.

2. Florida

The state of Florida ranks second nationwide for mesothelioma cases. From 1999 to 2022, there were 5,619 people in Florida diagnosed with the disease.

Asbestos exposure in Florida has historically come from shipyards, naval bases, auto repair shops, and older buildings that still contain asbestos materials. Construction work and home renovations have also played a major role.

Simmons Hanly Conroy has recovered over $560 million for Florida asbestos victims, including:

• $8 million for a St. Petersburg auto mechanic
• $5.8 million for a U.S. Navy veteran & mechanic in Naples
• $5.2 million for a Brooksville Air Force veteran & roofer
• $4.96 million for an auto worker in Hypoluxo
• $6.6 million for a Bonita Springs union pipefitter

Families affected by mesothelioma have used compensation from legal claims to help cover the high cost of treatment, travel to specialists, and other expenses.

“The results from the litigation have made a big impact as far as helping with health care costs. Mesothelioma is expensive. Especially when something’s so rare that you have to travel to see your physician or to get treatment, the costs add up very quickly.”

3. New York

New York has the third-highest number of mesothelioma cases in the country. A total of 4,732 New Yorkers were diagnosed with mesothelioma between 1999 and 2022. Much of the exposure traces back to decades of heavy construction and infrastructure work across the state.

Many construction, maintenance, and utility workers were exposed without knowing the risks as they encountered asbestos-contaminated dust during the 9/11 World Trade Center recovery efforts.

Our partner firm has secured over $200 million for New Yorkers affected by asbestos exposure, including:

• $60 million for the family of a Brooklyn laborer
• $11.9 million for a redeveloper in New York City
• $6.29 million for a Somers ironworker & welder
• $5.4 million for a Bronx pipefitter & mechanic
• $7.7 million for a U.S. Army veteran in Williston Park

4. Pennsylvania

With an asbestos history stretching back more than a century, Pennsylvania saw an estimated 4,627 mesothelioma diagnoses from 1999 to 2022, reflecting the state’s deep ties to asbestos manufacturing and heavy industry.

The town of Ambler was once a major center for asbestos production, and asbestos-containing materials were used throughout Pennsylvania’s steel mills, power plants, factories, and rail systems.

Mesothelioma Hope’s legal partners have recoveries in Pennsylvania totaling over $303 million, including:

• $7 million for a man exposed to asbestos as a welder
• $3.8 million for a Pottstown maintenance supervisor
• $3.31 million for a U.S. Marine Corps veteran in White Oak
• $2.9 million for a York assembly line worker
• $4.2 million for a shipfitter in Tobyhanna

Many people impacted by asbestos diseases don’t know exactly when or where they were exposed. Experienced mesothelioma attorneys at Simmons Hanly Conroy can do the legwork to prove asbestos exposure while families focus on treatment and spending time together.

5. Texas

Texas rounds out the top 5 states for mesothelioma cases. In all, 4,467 Texans were diagnosed with mesothelioma between 1999 and 2022, largely because asbestos was so widely used in the state’s industrial sectors.

Oil refineries, chemical plants, shipyards, and power facilities relied on asbestos to handle extreme heat and fire risks. Workers were often exposed during routine maintenance, repairs, and construction — often without protective equipment.

Simmons Hanly Conroy lawyers have recovered over $443 million for Texas asbestos victims, including:

• $10.3 million for a longshoreman
• $8.2 million for an Austin plumber & pipefitter
• $6.7 million for an electrician in Houston
• $5.7 million for a Kirbyville construction helper
• $8.5 million for an oil worker in Katy

Texas’s heavy industrial past left a long trail of asbestos exposure, and its effects are still being seen today.

Find Mesothelioma Treatment Near You

Seeing a mesothelioma specialist is an important part of treatment if you or a loved one has been diagnosed. These doctors focus on rare asbestos-related cancers and work as part of a team that includes surgeons, oncologists, and support staff.

Mesothelioma treatment is available throughout the United States, and many patients receive care outside their home state.

How to Pursue Legal Compensation for Mesothelioma

Countless 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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