With fewer than 1,500 people, Pahala is a small town that offers a glimpse into what Hawaii was like in the past. Founded as a traditional sugar plantation town, Pahala is known for the world’s largest macadamia nut growing orchards and cattle and horse ranching. While Pahala has been prosperous in the agriculture industry, the lack of asbestos-related regulations in the 1970s and 80s put many employees at risk of developing related illnesses years after exposure. If you’ve been diagnosed with cancer because of asbestos exposure, a Pahala mesothelioma lawyer can help.
Asbestos Exposure and Pahala’s Hawaiian Agriculture Company
Locally known as the Pahala Plantation, Hawaiian Agriculture Co. was established in 1876 and started producing sugar cane in 1880. The founders were Peter C. Jones, Charles R. Bishop, J.D. Brewer, and H.A.P. Carter. In addition to employing locals, the company also hired immigrants from the Philippines, Japan, and Portugal. A corporate housing project was put in place to provide living quarters for workers.
Agriculture workers and farmers produce crops, livestock, and dairy products. Prior to the implementation of asbestos regulations, those working in agriculture were at risk of asbestos exposure through the soil, vermiculite, and products on farming equipment and machinery.
With soil and vermiculite, asbestos exposure was possible because of how closely employees worked with them. While asbestos can appear in soil naturally, it’s more likely that a vermiculite-based fertilizer or conditioning agent that contained asbestos was added to the soil. Vermiculite is a natural mineral that has been found in fertilizer, pesticides, potting mix, root cuttings, seed germination, and sowing composts.
The farms the Pahala Plantation constructed were built using asbestos-containing products. The barn, silos, pens, and sheds likely contained asbestos in the roof sheets, sliding, building partitions, wallboards, insulation materials, spray-on coatings, gutters, and exhaust pipes. With farming equipment, asbestos could be found in gaskets, brakes, clutches, under spray, seals, insulation panels, and hood liners.
If you worked for Hawaiian Agriculture Company and have been diagnosed with mesothelioma, our attorneys can look into holding your employer accountable for your illness.
File a Mesothelioma Claim With Frost Law Firm, PC
A mesothelioma diagnosis can quickly result in extensive medical bills and an array of emotions. It’s normal for those diagnosed with cancer to experience stress, fear, anxiety, and uncertainty with what’s to come. You may think that adding a legal claim on top of that will be too much for you to handle, but that’s why our Hawaii mesothelioma lawyers are here to support you.
When you file a claim through us, we’ll fight to ensure you receive the compensation you need to afford the costs associated with your cancer. We can also make sure your family is financially secure, no matter what happens. To learn more about your legal rights and options, contact us today.
