Tucson’s economy has long been shaped by military installations and industrial employers, and that history carries a significant asbestos exposure legacy. Facilities like Fort Huachuca and major industrial companies such as Freeport McMoran and RTX Corporation represent the kinds of workplaces where asbestos use was common for decades. Until the federal government banned the substance in 2024, asbestos remained a fixture in military and industrial operations, in part because these sectors frequently relied on imported components with high asbestos content.
When a Tucson resident receives a mesothelioma diagnosis tied to that exposure, the Throneberry Law Group is ready to help. Our mesothelioma attorneys thoroughly evaluate each case to identify the strongest available legal options, then build an evidence-based claim aimed at recovering maximum compensation, whether through a negotiated settlement or in the courtroom.
Common Asbestos Exposure Sites in Tucson
Asbestos, a naturally occurring mineral known for its heat resistance and durability, has been widely used in construction, manufacturing, and industrial applications in past years.
In Tucson, several industries and workplaces put employees at high risk of dangerous exposure:
- Aerospace and defense: Companies like Hughes Aircraft, Raytheon, and Davis-Monthan Air Force Base used asbestos extensively in aircraft, radar equipment, and facilities. Many veterans and civilian workers now face serious health issues.
- Construction: Asbestos was used in insulation, drywall, cement, roofing, flooring and more in residential and commercial buildings across Tucson built before the 1980s. Construction workers remain at high risk during renovations and demolitions.
- Mining: Tucson’s copper mines, like the Mission Mine and Silver Bell Mine, used asbestos in machinery, protective gear, and buildings. Miners can develop mesothelioma decades after exposure.
- Power plants and oil refineries: Facilities like the H. Wilson Sundt Generating Station and Tucson Electric Power used asbestos to insulate pipes, boilers, generators, and gaskets, endangering power plant workers and electricians.
Military Installations
One of the most significant sources of asbestos exposure in Tucson is Davis-Monthan Air Force Base. This facility, known for its massive aircraft storage and maintenance operations, used asbestos extensively in aircraft components such as insulation, brake systems, and gaskets. Workers involved in maintenance and dismantling faced prolonged exposure risks.
Service-related asbestos exposure victims are usually eligible for VA Disability benefits. These benefits, which are available if a Tucson mesothelioma lawyer establishes a service-related connection, include monthly cash and free medical care.
Aerospace and Defense Facilities
Tucson has long been a hub for aerospace and defense companies, including Hughes Aircraft, Raytheon, and RTX Corporation. For decades, asbestos was a routine part of manufacturing processes in these industries, particularly in heat-resistant components and electronic systems, and many employees were exposed without adequate protective equipment.
For workers whose asbestos exposure occurred on the job, workers’ compensation may be a viable option. These benefits are available regardless of fault and can include lost wage replacement and coverage for medical expenses.
Mining Operations
Many Tucson copper mines, such as Mission Mine and Silver Bell Mine, used asbestos-containing materials in machinery, processing plants, and protective equipment. Miners and maintenance workers were especially vulnerable due to continuous exposure in confined environments.
When Tucson mesothelioma lawyers began filing legal actions, many mining companies took the easy way out and declared bankruptcy. Federal judges allowed these bankruptcies, as long as the companies created victim compensation funds. These funds still contain billions of dollars today.
Power Plants and Utilities
Facilities like the H. Wilson Sundt Generating Station relied heavily on asbestos for insulating pipes, boilers, and turbines. Power plant workers, electricians, and maintenance crews were at high risk due to frequent contact with deteriorating asbestos materials.
Arizona’s statute of repose, which limits construction defect claims, usually does not apply to asbestos exposure cases. Therefore, regardless of when the exposure occurred, a civil action is usually still an option.
Construction and Older Buildings
Many homes, schools, and commercial buildings in Tucson constructed before 1980 contain high levels of asbestos in materials such as:
- Attic insulation,
- Roofing shingles,
- Floor tiles,
- Concrete,
- Electrical insulation, and
- Drywall and joint compounds.
The workers who constructed these buildings may have been exposed to asbestos. Additionally, renovation or demolition of these structures often releases hazardous fibers into the air, posing risks to construction workers and occupants.
Beyond major industrial sites, secondary exposure has also been a concern in Tucson. Family members of workers could be exposed to asbestos fibers brought home on clothing. Additionally, naturally aging materials in older neighborhoods can deteriorate, increasing airborne contamination risks.
Mesothelioma Treatment Centers in Tucson, AZ
For Tucson residents diagnosed with mesothelioma following asbestos exposure, access to quality medical care is a critical next step. The University of Arizona Cancer Center is one of the most well-regarded facilities in the region, offering multidisciplinary oncology care that may include surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy. Banner University Medical Center is another option in the area, providing oncology services alongside physicians who have experience treating rare cancers like mesothelioma.
Knowing where to turn for treatment after an asbestos-related diagnosis can feel overwhelming, but you do not have to navigate it alone. The Throneberry Law Group has the resources to help connect you with the top-quality medical care available in Tucson while our team aggressively pursues the compensation you deserve.
Protect Yourself & Seek Justice: Legal Help for Asbestos Exposure Victims In Tucson, AZ
Mesothelioma victims need and deserve significant compensation. For a free consultation with an experienced Tucson mesothelioma lawyer, contact the Throneberry Law Group.
We routinely handle these matters nationwide.