Introduction
The iconic red-brick textile mills that once dominated the skylines of New England towns now stand as relics of a bygone industrial era. From Massachusetts to Maine, these structures remind residents of a time when the region was the epicenter of American textile manufacturing. However, beneath their historical charm lies a lingering and often overlooked health hazard—asbestos exposure. For decades, asbestos was used in nearly every aspect of mill construction and operation, silently endangering thousands of workers and nearby residents. As these mills age, deteriorate, or undergo renovation, the risk of mesothelioma—a deadly cancer caused by asbestos—increases.
This article explores the hidden mesothelioma risks linked to old textile mills in New England, revealing the historical context, health implications, environmental dangers, and legal responsibilities surrounding this persistent threat.
1. The Rise of Textile Mills in New England
In the early 1800s, New England became the heart of America’s industrial revolution. Cities like Lowell, Massachusetts, and Manchester, New Hampshire, flourished with textile production, powered by rivers and immigrant labor. These towns grew rapidly, building massive brick factories that employed entire communities.
By the mid-19th century, New England mills produced much of the nation’s wool, cotton, and synthetic textiles. The mills brought economic prosperity—but also introduced long-term health hazards. Many of these structures, designed to be fireproof and durable, were constructed with asbestos-laden materials. Over time, asbestos became integral to mill infrastructure, including insulation, ceiling tiles, boiler systems, and pipe linings.
2. Asbestos Use in Textile Mill Operations
Asbestos was prized for its resistance to heat, chemicals, and electricity. In textile mills, it served multiple purposes:
- Insulation for boilers, pipes, and machinery to prevent fire hazards.
- Textile machinery parts lined with asbestos to reduce wear from friction.
- Protective gear for workers, including gloves and aprons, was made with asbestos fibers.
According to the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR), textile workers were exposed through both airborne fibers and direct handling of asbestos-containing materials (ACMs). Maintenance workers, who frequently repaired pipes and equipment, faced some of the highest exposure levels.
Even more concerning, asbestos fibers are microscopic and easily inhaled, lodging in the lungs and remaining dormant for decades before symptoms emerge.
3. Health Consequences: The Link to Mesothelioma
The most insidious consequence of asbestos exposure is mesothelioma, an aggressive cancer that affects the lining of the lungs (pleura) or abdomen (peritoneum). According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), mesothelioma has a latency period of 20 to 50 years, which means many former mill workers only began developing symptoms decades after their employment.
Studies have shown that textile workers experienced a significantly elevated risk of mesothelioma, asbestosis, and lung cancer. A 1997 study published in the American Journal of Industrial Medicine found a direct correlation between long-term employment in textile factories and mesothelioma rates, especially among workers in insulation and maintenance roles.
Common symptoms include:
- Chest pain
- Persistent cough
- Difficulty breathing
- Unexplained weight loss
Unfortunately, mesothelioma has no cure, and its prognosis remains poor. Early detection and treatment options like chemotherapy, radiation, and surgery can extend life expectancy, but the five-year survival rate remains low.
4. Environmental Risk from Deteriorating Mills
Even as many mills ceased operations by the 1980s, the asbestos risk didn’t disappear. Abandoned or repurposed mill buildings are often riddled with friable asbestos, which crumbles and releases fibers into the air as materials deteriorate.
This poses serious risks for:
- Construction workers and contractors who may unknowingly disturb asbestos during renovations or demolitions.
- Nearby residents who can inhale airborne fibers, especially during mill fires or illegal dumping.
- Schoolchildren and families living near contaminated sites.
A 2013 report by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) cited dozens of New England textile sites as contaminated with asbestos. Cleanup efforts are often slow, underfunded, or complicated by disputes over property ownership.
5. Case Studies: Towns Still Grappling with Asbestos
Lowell, Massachusetts
As one of the earliest and most prominent mill towns, Lowell has become a national historic site—but its industrial buildings have posed persistent environmental concerns. During redevelopment in the 1990s and 2000s, EPA remediation programs were required to safely remove asbestos from old mill structures before conversion into apartments and museums.
Biddeford, Maine
The Pepperell Mill in Biddeford faced asbestos scandals during its transition into residential lofts. In 2006, a fire at an adjacent mill building raised alarm as asbestos was released into the air. The Maine Department of Environmental Protection had to intervene and ensure safe removal, costing the city hundreds of thousands in remediation.
Pawtucket, Rhode Island
In Pawtucket, schools were located close to aging mill structures. Local news outlets reported on asbestos exposure concerns as kids played near abandoned sites. The Rhode Island Department of Health issued several warnings, and partial demolitions began in 2014 to address the contamination.
6. Legal and Regulatory Framework
OSHA and EPA Regulations
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and EPA have long-standing regulations concerning asbestos handling, exposure limits, and abatement procedures. Employers and building owners are legally required to:
- Conduct asbestos surveys before renovation or demolition.
- Use licensed abatement contractors.
- Provide protective equipment and training to workers.
Yet, enforcement varies by state and funding level. Many old mill buildings still stand in legal limbo, either too expensive to renovate or too dangerous to demolish without major public investment.
Superfund and Brownfield Programs
Several New England mill sites are listed under the EPA Superfund or Brownfield Redevelopment Programs, which provide financial aid for cleanup and revitalization. However, projects often stall due to liability concerns—no one wants to assume the cost or responsibility for asbestos contamination.
Legal Options for Victims
Individuals diagnosed with mesothelioma can pursue legal compensation through:
- Asbestos trust funds set up by bankrupt companies.
- Personal injury lawsuits against former employers or property owners.
- Workers’ compensation claims in certain states.
Law firms specializing in mesothelioma litigation often assist former mill workers and their families in seeking justice.
7. What Residents and Property Owners Should Know
For those living in or around former textile towns, awareness is key. Here’s what to look out for:
Signs of Asbestos Risk:
- Crumbling drywall, ceiling tiles, or pipe insulation in old buildings
- Unmarked or poorly maintained mill structures
- Dust from construction near former industrial sites
What to Do:
- Never disturb suspected asbestos materials
- Hire certified asbestos inspectors for testing
- Contact your state’s Department of Environmental Protection for resources
- Report unsafe demolition or fire damage at former mill sites
Many towns also offer public health screenings and legal clinics to help former mill workers and their descendants determine eligibility for compensation or medical monitoring.
Conclusion
The textile mills of New England symbolize both the economic rise of the region and a hidden legacy of danger. While the machinery has long been silenced, the risk of mesothelioma caused by asbestos exposure continues to echo across generations.
Communities must remain vigilant. Local governments, developers, and residents alike have a responsibility to ensure these historical buildings are dealt with safely and responsibly. Greater public awareness, rigorous enforcement of asbestos laws, and support for victims can help mitigate this ongoing threat. The red-brick mills of New England should be remembered for their industrial innovation—not for the silent suffering left in their wake.
References
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). “Asbestos Exposure and Your Health.” https://www.cdc.gov
- Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). “Asbestos and Health.” https://www.epa.gov/asbestos
- Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR). “Toxicological Profile for Asbestos.” https://www.atsdr.cdc.gov
- American Journal of Industrial Medicine. “Mesothelioma Risk Among Textile Workers.” (1997).
- Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection. “Lowell Mill Remediation Reports.”
- Maine Department of Environmental Protection. “Biddeford Mill Fire and Asbestos Risk Summary.”
- Rhode Island Department of Health. “Pawtucket Asbestos Site Reports.”
- Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). “Asbestos Standard for the Construction Industry.” https://www.osha.gov
