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California University Deals with Asbestos Exposure in Food Court

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Sacramento State UniversityIf you were to ask college students what they thought was the most dangerous location on their campus, they would probably think of the science facilities. The chemistry building houses volatile chemicals. The physics building can have radioactive materials. The biology building is home to bacterial cell cultures. Odds are no one would say that his or her student union building, the hub of social activity, poses an asbestos exposure threat. However, more of these stories are popping up around the U.S.

Recently, I read a story in The State Hornet, which is the school paper for Sacramento State University. As part of the effort to renovate the Union building, administrators and construction workers announced that they were also implementing an asbestos abatement project.

Facilities remove ‘suspicious’ material
Ordinarily, asbestos doesn’t pose a health threat to anyone as long as it remains intact. However, construction and renovation projects can easily disturb the asbestos and release airborne mineral fibers. If inhaled, these fibers can lead to the development of potentially fatal diseases, such as malignant pleural mesothelioma and lung cancer.

At Sacramento State, the school renovated the food court of the Union building. As part of the process, workers removed floor tiles that were bonded with asbestos-laden adhesive. Technically, the asbestos didn’t have to be removed, but for the sake of safety, workers carried out this abatement project.

Here’s what Stephen Leland, the occupational safety specialist at the school, told the paper:

“Our policy is not to bury asbestos…everything that’s not metal, brick or wood is a suspect material.”

To keep the air clean, fumes were filtered and vented through the building’s east entrance. Completion of the project was projected for early June.

Presence of asbestos isn’t unique
Sacramento State isn’t the only college campus that’s had to deal with asbestos. After all, this mineral was a common component in construction materials before the 1980s.  Back in March 2013, the school paper at Kansas State University in Manhattan, Kan., reported that several buildings on campus had asbestos-containing materials. At least one classroom was closed because asbestos fibers were detected, and a renovation project at the student union building raised concerns. In the latter case, asbestos was likely to be present in the ceiling tiles and roofing materials.

Schools have a responsibility to minimize risk
The fact that the occupational safety specialists at Sacramento State University fully disclosed the risks surrounding their renovation project is admirable. After all, we at Kazan Law have had to deal with many unscrupulous companies that would rather keep their consumers in the dark about asbestos.

Still, that doesn’t mean that students don’t have to be vigilant about asbestos exposure on their campus. The Environmental Resource Center for Higher Education discusses the safety standards surrounding renovation, construction and demolition projects on school grounds. These include written notification of major projects to the federal Environmental Protection Agency at least 10 days before the start, regulations regarding ventilation and the handling of materials in which asbestos fibers are likely to break apart.

Occupational Asbestos Exposure Rampant in Developing Countries

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occupational asbestos exposure The world grows smaller as more countries begin to interact with one another. One troublesome trend has emerged, though – wealthier nations continue to take advantage of developing nations by using cheap overseas labor to manufacture their goods. Such an imbalance of power often comes at the cost of the safety of the international workers. When employed by irresponsible companies, these individuals can face several hazards, including occupational asbestos exposure.

Recent stories from Asia remind us of the plight of these workers, as well as a consumer’s capacity to bring about positive change.

Bangladesh garment industry serves as poignant example

The most recent incident of injustice against laborers occurred in Bangladesh this past April. During the last week of the month, a multistory building in the suburb of Savar that housed garment industry workers collapsed, killing 1,127 individuals. Government investigations revealed several factors leading to the collapse. The foundation was unfit for construction because it was swampy, building materials were shoddy and operating machinery vibrated at a high rate, as reported by the Associated Press.

Adding insult to injury was the fact that the average factory worker was paid $38 a month by a $20 billion per year industry.

It’s incidents like these that remind us of why workers need someone to speak up for them. Kazan Law helps people who are dealing with mesothelioma and other diseases caused by occupational asbestos exposure. We take unscrupulous parties to court, and we advocate for better workplace safety

Unfortunately, the economic and government systems of certain countries still don’t allow that opportunity.

Occupational Asbestos Exposure: Indian Workers Deal with Sickness

One recent study, published in the Indian Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, discussed the interviews that researchers conducted among the former workers of a factory that manufactured asbestos sheets and cement before closing in 1983. Several of these workers had asbestosis or other respiratory problems.

Based on the interviews, the researchers learned that the company didn’t provide adequate protection. To make matters worse, workers weren’t well aware of the risks. This was partly due to the long latency periods of asbestos-induced diseases, coupled with the economic factors that pressured workers to take these jobs in the first place.

The researchers concluded that more programs regulated by independent government bodies are needed to educate workers about their rights and the health hazards of asbestos. Rehabilitation programs that emphasize palliative care are also needed in India.

However, the best solution is an outright ban on the asbestos trade, the researchers said. Such a policy may be a long time coming because of the power of the asbestos lobby. One of the proponents’ arguments to continue the use of the mineral is the idea that if science makes the health risks of occupational asbestos exposure clear, governments should be knowledgeable about how to adequately protect workers. Unfortunately, as has become apparent, the governments of developing nations rarely enforce such policies.

Overall, about 125 million people all over the planet are exposed to asbestos in the workplace. So what can concerned consumers do? After the Bangladesh building collapse, several clothing companies made it a point to stop doing business with irresponsible companies.

Perhaps we can take a lesson from this and apply it to trading partners who don’t protect their workers from occupational asbestos exposure. As a consumer, you have a voice. If any of the companies that you patronize have overseas factories, let them know that you’re concerned about the health and safety of their workers, and that you’ll stop giving them your business if they don’t protect their employees from hazards which include occupational asbestos exposure.

Prospective Home Buyers Should Ask Questions about Asbestos Exposure

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asbestos exposureWhenever people look at a home they’re considering for purchase, they ask the real estate agents many important questions: Do the nearby schools provide quality education? How closely do we live to shopping centers? Are the neighbors nice?

Of course, all of these issues concern matters outside the home. When thinking about the inside, there’s one question that must not be overlooked: Will asbestos exposure be a problem?

If you’re a young adult, you may not be familiar with asbestos. The gravity of the risk might also seem surprising, particularly because asbestos-related diseases, such as malignant mesothelioma, are usually only seen in older adults. What you may not know is that these diseases can develop between 20 and 50 years after the initial exposure to asbestos. For these reasons, you need to be mindful of asbestos now, before even buying a house.

Risk is bigger within older homes
Asbestos is the only proven risk factor for mesothelioma. The mineral has also been tied to asbestosis, another respiratory disease, and cancers of the lungs and gastrointestinal system. One of the reasons why asbestos is so dangerous is because it’s virtually undetectable to the five senses, so it’s not always obvious whether a product contains the mineral.

It wasn’t until the mid-1970s that responsible companies and government officials began to recognize the health risks associated with asbestos exposure. Before then, though, asbestos was highly regarded for its strength and fireproofing capabilities. This is why it was such a popular component of construction materials in houses, particularly those that were built before 1960. However, there are certain products that are used in construction today that are still allowed to use asbestos in their manufacturing processes.

Where around the house is asbestos found?
In older houses, asbestos is likely to be present in:

  • Cloth wire insulation
  • Electrical panels
  • Floor tile mastic
  • Linoleum flooring
  • Spray-on insulation
  • Insulation for heating and cooling system products
  • Textured paint
  • Ceiling tiles
  • Ceiling tile mastic
  • Popcorn ceilings
  • Siding
  • Wall panels
  • Plaster
  • Vermiculite
  • Caulking
  • Spackling compounds
  • Adhesives
  • Window glazing

Additionally, asbestos is still allowed in the manufacturing of:

  • Cement sheets
  • Cement pipes
  • Cement shingles
  • Gaskets
  • Vinyl floor tiles
  • Roofing felt
  • Roof coatings
  • Non-roofing coatings

Asbestos doesn’t have to be a deal breaker
As frightening as asbestos exposure sounds, you don’t necessarily have to turn down a house because the material is present. Generally, there’s no health risk to you as long as the asbestos-containing materials are in good condition and remain intact. It’s only when the products are damaged that mineral fibers can become airborne.

So, when you’re considering a home, ask the real estate agent about the presence of asbestos and whether the products are in good shape. One hypothetical situation you must consider is the need to have licensed professionals come in, inspect the asbestos and take appropriate measures, which may include repair or removal. When discussing this scenario with the agent, ask questions about who would be responsible for what costs. From there, you can make an informed decision about whether the house is still a worthwhile investment for you and your family.

You should be able to picture the future that you want in your house. The last thing you need is for asbestos to mar that picture.

Research Concludes that Children are More Vulnerable to Asbestos Exposure

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asbestos_exposurePeople usually associate diseases related to asbestos exposure with older patients. These individuals may have come in contact with the mineral because of their jobs, or because they lived in a home in which asbestos-containing products were degraded.

However, there’s some research that says it’s possible they were exposed to asbestos as schoolchildren in the 1960s or 1970s. This research prompted the U.K. government’s Committee on Carcinogenicity, or COC, to conclude that children are more vulnerable to the effects of asbestos exposure than adults. This is relevant today because some older school buildings that are still used, both in the U.K. and the U.S., may contain products tainted with asbestos.

Why are children more vulnerable to asbestos?
One question that the COC has been trying to answer for years is why asbestos is so much more dangerous for children than it is for adults. Scientists concluded that age made the difference. You see, most asbestos-related diseases, such as malignant pleural mesothelioma, take years to develop. Children have a greater proportion of their life spans still ahead of them compared to adults, meaning that mesothelioma has more time to take hold in their younger respiratory systems.

Ultimately, a 5-year-old child is 5.3 times more likely than a 30-year-old to develop mesothelioma by the age of 80. The COC released these results in a report on June 7, 2013.

Based on the evidence in front of them, the researchers couldn’t make any conclusions as to whether children were vulnerable because of how immature their bodies are. However, experts from the Children’s Environmental Health Network in Washington, D.C., pointed out that developing children breathe more rapidly and take in more air than adults. Also, young children have a habit of putting their hands in their mouths, which is an easy way for asbestos to enter the body.

Where can you find asbestos in a school?
Asbestos-containing products don’t usually pose any health risks unless they’re damaged, which is when they’re more likely to release mineral fibers into the air. In a school, particularly one that’s been built before the 1980s, asbestos can be found in certain floor and ceiling tiles, spray-applied fireproofing, pipe and boiler insulation, acoustical and decorative insulation, corrugated paper pipe wrap and cement pipes. It’s very important to avoid these products when they’re not in good shape, particularly during construction and renovation projects.

Here’s what Julian Peto, a member of the COC, had to say about the consequences of asbestos exposure in schools during the 20th century.

“It is reasonable to say that something in the order of 100 or 150 deaths per year from mesothelioma in women could in the future be due to asbestos levels in schools up to the 1960s and 1970s,” Peto said in a press release. “It is a reasonable assumption that the same number of males as females are dying of mesothelioma caused by their asbestos exposure at school.”

If you find that you’ve been exposed to asbestos as a child in school, you should consult a lawyer for advice on your legal options.

If you’re a parent or guardian who has concerns about your child’s safety, remember that each school has a designated local education agency that has to train a selected individual to oversee asbestos-related activities on school grounds. He or she has to keep track of inspections and management plans, all of which have to be noted in records that are available for public review. To have a look, contact the school or the local education agency.

Asbestos Exposure on Farms?

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asbestos exposurePeople who live or work in major cities are probably familiar with the hype that surrounds demolition projects. Although destruction is the immediate goal, it cannot be approached haphazardly. A wide perimeter has to be secured to protect nearby buildings and people. Explosives have to be placed strategically to keep the damage self-contained. But before any of that happens, toxic materials need to be removed from the structure in order to minimize the hazards, including asbestos exposure.

The disposal of old farm buildings  isn’t nearly as glamorous, but can involve as much, if not more, careful planning. I recently came across an article in Farm Horizons, a special publication from the Herald Journal in Minnesota. If the owners and managers of farm buildings intend to act responsibly, there are several regulations they need to follow to protect people from asbestos exposure.

Where is asbestos found on a farm?
For centuries, asbestos has been a popular component of building and construction materials. This is because it’s both physically strong and resistant to heat, friction and chemical wear-and-tear.

It would be no wonder, then, to find asbestos present in agribusiness buildings, particularly those that were constructed during the 1960s. The products most likely to contain asbestos include pipe and furnace insulation, shingles, millboard, textured paint and certain types of floor tiles. Asbestos may also be found in spray-on insulation and the brakes of vehicles.

How do farmers need to handle asbestos disposal?
Paul Kimman, pollution control specialist with the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency, told Farm Horizons that farmers have to follow the regulations of the federal National Emission Standard for Hazardous Air Pollutants. When it comes to asbestos, that means having a licensed inspector survey the building and, if needed, hiring a licensed contractor to perform abatement work.

Also, owners need to consult the local authorities about whether they need to express their intention to initiate a demolition project. Certain jurisdictions require notification within a certain time frame before the demolition.

The asbestos that gets removed during abatement can either be taken to a facility that’s approved for asbestos disposal or buried on site within jurisdictions that allow it. However, the latter method comes with even more rules to follow.

Farmers also have the option to bury the waste from an entire building on site, provided they first go through the permit by rule process. This comes with several regulations, including restrictions from wetlands, floodplains, rivers, lakes, ponds and the groundwater table. Also, a permit by rule process forbids the burial of asbestos and household waste. These hazardous substances need to be recycled or disposed of as required by local regulations.

Besides burial, farmers and building owners can obtain burning permits from the local fire warden, or even arrange for the fire department to use the property for practice burns.

Experts from the Environmental Working Group estimated that asbestos-induced diseases, including malignant mesothelioma and lung cancer, claim 9,900 lives in the U.S. every year. Asbestos exposure can happen if your job requires you to handle the material, or if the soil surrounding asbestos-laden buildings that undergo renovation or demolition become tainted with mineral fibers. These fragments can attach themselves to people’s clothes or animals’ fur.

This is why it’s incredibly important that building and property owners act responsibly about asbestos exposure when it comes to demolition.

Asbestos Exposure from HVAC Systems is not Always Clear-Cut

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asbestos_exposureFor almost 100 years, scientists have been aware of the link between asbestos exposure and several deadly respiratory diseases. The widespread use of the mineral in construction during the 20th century has left asbestos-containing materials in many older private homes and commercial buildings. However, awareness of what products may be tainted – ceiling tiles, shingles, insulation and others – can protect inhabitants, who are generally safe as long as they leave these materials undisturbed.

But what happens if asbestos fibers break off these materials? If they become airborne, you’re more vulnerable to the potential negative health effects of asbestos exposure. If the fibers enter your building’s heating, ventilation and air conditioning system, the risk can be even greater.

Asbestos use has a long and lengthy history
Although we know today that asbestos exposure can lead to malignant diseases, this was certainly not common in the time of ancient Greece. Experts from Indoor Environment Connection say that back then, people used the material for candle wicks and matrix binders for ceramic. Fast forward to the Industrial Revolution, and we see asbestos appearing in a wider range of products, including water pipes, roofing shingles and electrical wire insulation.

Asbestos was highly regarded for physical properties that made it resistant to heat, electricity and chemical wear and tear. However, during the early 20th century, scientists began to make connections between the mineral and diseases such as asbestosis. Although there have been several government efforts to curb the use and production of asbestos, industry stakeholders successfully derailed most of these efforts. As a result, asbestos is still allowed in the manufacturing of several products in the U.S., including cement sheets, roofing materials and vinyl floor tiles.

How can asbestos enter HVAC systems?
In 1993, experts estimated that about 20 percent of public and commercial buildings had asbestos-tainted products. If any of these items are disturbed and release mineral fibers into the air, the level of risk may be compounded by certain energy conservation efforts. Specifically, central air conditioning and inoperable windows promote air recirculation. If there’s asbestos in that air, people who enter the building may be in danger.

This is what experts from Indoor Environment Connection had to say:

“Determining whether building HVAC components are contaminated with asbestos can be exceptionally obvious or exceedingly difficult. In buildings where fireproofing was sprayed onto structural metal framing or into HVAC systems because of incomplete duct installation, the source of asbestos fibers is obvious. Unfortunately, it is often not simple. HVAC system component contamination that occurred during original construction is often hidden.”

If you’re curious about where asbestos may be present in your building, contact the owner or manager, and ask to see the Operations and Maintenance program. This should contain instructions on how to safely isolate and maintain asbestos-containing materials.

It’s not always clear whether a product contains asbestos. Samples of the item can be collected for laboratory analysis, but the collection should only be performed by a trained expert.

In case your building’s HVAC system is contaminated with asbestos, professional cleaners can be hired to take care of it. This is usually done with specially designed vacuum cleaners that are equipped with HEPA filters.

Every year, asbestos-related diseases claim the lives of more than 9,900 individuals in the U.S. These numbers will increase for the next 10 years or so. Remember that if asbestos is present in your building, don’t panic. You’re safe as long as it’s in good condition.

But that doesn’t mean you have to accept the situation. If you’re concerned about being exposed to asbestos all around you, contact your lawmakers and let them know how you feel about continued industrial use of the mineral.

Illinois Museum Honors Workers Who Died from Asbestos Exposure

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asbestos exposureAll over the world, survivors of asbestos exposure often feel anger toward the irresponsible parties whose actions caused them to develop deadly diseases. It’s never a good idea to hold these feelings inside. If you want to share your story with the public, you can find a way.

In Illinois, the residents of McLean County are remembering how one factory devastated the area with asbestos exposure. They found a particularly constructive way to vent their anger and frustrations: In preparation for a 2015 opening, organizers of the McLean County Museum of History are curating an exhibit titled “A Deadly Deception: The Asbestos Tragedy in McLean County.”

Project acknowledges tragedy while memorializing victims
One of the highlights of the exhibit is the history of the Union Asbestos and Rubber Co., or UNARCO. The plant, located in Bloomington, was operational between 1951 and 1972. During this time, more than 100 employees developed asbestosis, which was likely a consequence of occupational exposure to asbestos.

Ron Thacker, a minister who used to work at UNARCO, told The Pantagraph that the company required workers to undergo annual chest X-rays. He initially thought UNARCO was being helpful to employees, but he eventually realized that once the company found signs of illness in workers, it would find a way to let them go.

Thacker himself used to process asbestos through a grinder. His father and brother both used to work at the plant as well. Thacker lost his father to asbestosis in 1977, followed by his brother in 1981, who had the same disease.

In 2007, Thacker was also diagnosed with asbestosis. That year, he prayed that if he lived a little longer, he would share his story with the world. Today, he’s working with Mike Matejka, a guest curator at the McLean County Museum of History. For the last three years, Matejka has been organizing the asbestos exhibit and gathering the names of UNARCO workers who died from occupational asbestos exposure.

Here’s what Matejka told the news source about his work:

“It’s a catastrophe that didn’t happen just one day; there have been multiple slow deaths over decades of intensive suffering. This exhibit is important to remind ourselves … to honor the workers and families; to look at the larger social questions … to ask what’s still going on out there now with the emerging technology …”

So far, Matejka has gotten hold of 104 names, and plans to create collage books to honor each victim.

Disease claims nearly 1,400 lives every year
Asbestosis is just one deadly disease related to asbestos. Every year, around 1,398 individuals in the U.S. succumb to this illness. Unlike malignant pleural mesothelioma, which affects the lining of the lungs, asbestosis strikes the lungs themselves. Symptoms include pain and tightness of the chest, coughing, difficulty breathing, clubbing of the fingers and nail abnormalities.

Much like mesothelioma, there is no cure for asbestosis.

The callousness that UNARCO showed toward its workers is disgusting. If you feel you’ve been hurt in a similar way, remember that you have a right to be heard, and my partners and I at Kazan Law are more than happy to make sure that you have a voice. Once we share your truth with the world, no one can take that away from you.

Firefighters’ Risk of Asbestos Exposure

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asbestos exposure firefightersWhenever people think of jobs associated with the dangers of asbestos exposure, positions in construction, automotive repair or work on shipyards often come to mind. But what about firefighters’ risk of asbestos exposure?

Unfortunately, these emergency response workers can be very vulnerable to asbestos on the job. As if it weren’t enough that they have to save people from buildings set ablaze, they also have to worry about breathing in asbestos fibers that break away in a burning wreckage.

Recently, I read a story from Nexstar Broadcasting about one former firefighter and 911 operator in Maryland who’s dealing with the repercussions of such a hazard, as he’s battling sarcomatoid mesothelioma.

Patient’s disease reaches his brain
Beginning at age 16, Bill Wiegel worked for several years as a firefighter. Although he’s been a 911 operator for the last 24 years, he’s still reeling from the health effects of his former job.

Wiegel’s daughter, Merry Meyer, had this to say to the news source about her 66-year-old father:

“Mesothelioma comes from asbestos. And asbestos was around in the ’60s and ’70s, which was the peak time Dad was joining the fire service.”

What makes Wiegel’s case more worrisome is the fact that the cancer metastasized to his brain, which is a rare occurrence. To help pay for his chemotherapy at Johns Hopkins Hospital, his family is asking the community to come together at several fundraisers, including an event on June 29.

They also hope that the community will remember how Wiegel dedicated himself to service for nearly 50 years.

Where does the danger of asbestos come from?
Asbestos was a common component of construction materials that were used before the 1980s. In fact, it’s still allowed in the manufacturing processes of certain products today.

When it comes to the burning buildings where firefighters have to battle, asbestos can be found in roofing materials, shingles, vinyl items, furnace door gaskets and insulation products. Mineral fibers can easily break apart and become airborne during a blaze and when firefighters spray materials down with high-powered hoses.

Because asbestos has fireproofing qualities, some outdated models of helmets and coats used by firefighters may be tainted by the material as well.

What can firefighters do to protect themselves?
It may seem obvious, but a wreckage should be wet with water as a protective measure. Doing so will minimize the risk that asbestos fibers will become airborne.

A self-contained breathing apparatus, or SCBA, may be sufficient to protect firefighters from airborne mineral fibers. This is important to remember because these devices aren’t worn for all segments of a firefighting operation. During such jobs, firefighters also need to remember how to use proper venting and entry techniques.

As with any job where exposure to asbestos is a risk, firefighters have to be mindful of mineral fibers attaching themselves to their clothing. Experts say that in case this happens, firefighters and supervisors need to follow certain procedures:

  1. Remove the clothing and equipment and isolate them in plastic bags.
  2. Collect samples from the wreckage site for laboratory analyses for asbestos.
  3. Clean all protective clothing and equipment according to the regulations published in NFPA 1851.
  4. Collect additional samples from the clothing and equipment for retesting after they’ve been cleaned.

Considering how strong the evidence connecting asbestos to deadly diseases is, it’s appalling that firefighters still have to deal with the risk of exposure. If anything, this just underscores the need for government officials to ban all use of the material, and reminds us to be grateful for the rescue workers in our communities.

New Hampshire Voices Win Over Asbestos Exposure Threat

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recycling plantDespite more than 70 years of research linking asbestos exposure to the development of several potentially deadly diseases, certain industry stakeholders just don’t understand how justifiably fearful and angry consumers become when talking about the material. That’s why, every now and then, it makes me happy and proud to come across a story of everyday people expressing their voices and demanding to be heard.

What’s even better is when someone listens.

Recently, I followed a story from The Telegraph in New Hampshire, where the residents of the city of Nashua became angry about a proposal to establish an asphalt shingle recycling and grinding operation. Among their worries was the possibility of asbestos exposure.

Neighbors come together
The proposed site of the operation was the facility at Scrap Metal Inc., a salvage and recycling plant. Although residents received letters that the head of the facility applied for permits for the project, they got upset when they learned about the Zoning Board of Adjustment hearing through the newspaper. Once that happened, they decided to gather at the meeting to express their opinions.

Neighbors told the news source about several concerns they had. Specifically, they were worried about the additional traffic burden that would come from trucks delivering asphalt shingles, and they were scared about the possibility of the shingles releasing asbestos fibers into the air.

At the Zoning Board of Adjustment meeting, 150 residents showed up. After listening to the concerns of the people, the board concluded that the proponents of the operation were unable to provide enough reassurance about the project’s impact on traffic, noise levels and environmental health. Ultimately, the proposal was rejected.

Resident Cindy Gallien had this to say about Scrap Metal Inc. owner Ansel Grandmaison:

“We’re not trying to stop him from running his business, we’re just trying to save our lives.”

What is the danger of asphalt shingles?
Asphalt shingles are valuable for recycling because they can be reprocessed to manufacture pavement materials and new roofing materials. However, between 1963 and 1977, three of the largest manufacturers of shingles in the U.S. sold products that contained asbestos fibers.

Normally, asbestos isn’t a health hazard as long as it’s not disturbed. Shingle recycling definitely has the potential to disturb asbestos fibers. Many of the shingle manufacturers weren’t forthcoming about how much asbestos they used because they didn’t want to get sued, so recycling businesses today need to be aware of when and where certain shingles were produced.

If you live near a facility that recycles asphalt and you’re worried about asbestos dust entering your home, be sure to follow these tips:

  • Remove your shoes before entering your house so that you don’t track dirt inside. Also, place doormats outside of each entrance.
  • If you allow pets outside, be sure to clean their fur and feet before letting them back in.
  • When dusting, use a wet rag.
  • Clean uncarpeted floors with a wet mop. To clean carpet, use a vacuum cleaner equipped with a HEPA filter.
  • If you have area rugs, wash them regularly.
  • When walking, biking or driving outside, stick to paved surfaces.
  • When your kids play outside, allow them to play on covered surfaces only. That includes grass, asphalt, wood chips, pea gravel and rubber.

Knowing that the residents of Nashua refused to tolerate the threat of asbestos exposure is inspirational to us at Kazan Law. It shows what everyday people can accomplish if they band together and raise their collective voice.

Building Demolition Could Put Locals at Risk of Asbestos Exposure

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asbestos_exposureBuilding demolition can stir a lot of different emotions. If the building to be torn down was a beloved space, such as a movie theater, you, as a spectator, may feel grief. If the space is the future home of a business filled with promise, you may be filled with anticipation.

However, if the companies in charge of the demolition try to cut corners, they may put you and others near a demolition site in danger of asbestos exposure – and believe me, there are people out there who are this unscrupulous.

Recently, I came across a story in the News-Messenger in Ohio, where the owner of a demolition company was sent to prison for not minimizing the potential of exposure to asbestos at job sites in two states.

Where is asbestos found in these buildings?
By the mid-1970s, asbestos was found in more than 3,000 industrial and commercial products. Because of its physical properties, it had been highly regarded as insulation, fireproofing material and for its capacity to strengthen cement products.

Although new uses of asbestos have been banned in the U.S. for about 20 years, it can still be found in vermiculite insulation, old piping insulation, vinyl flooring, roofing shingles, siding and other products.

Typically, asbestos doesn’t pose any risks to people nearby as long as it’s intact.

Demolition company violates clean air laws
Rick Hassinger of the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency told the News-Messenger that before a building is torn down, all of the asbestos has to be removed properly by trained professionals. That wasn’t the case with one demolition job in Toldeo, Ohio.

Prior to tearing an elevator factory down, managers from H & M Demolition, a Michigan-based firm, declared the Toledo building free of asbestos. This aroused suspicions in federal EPA investigators because most older buildings have asbestos-containing products. Indeed, building surveys from 2004 and 2005, prior to the demolition, noted the presence of asbestos.

When investigators paid a visit to the site, they found what appeared to be asbestos. The owner of the demolition firm was subsequently charged with violating clean air laws in both Ohio and Michigan, and he was sentenced to 13 months in prison.

Robert Cheugh, a prosecutor with the Ohio Attorney General’s Office Environmental Enforcement Section, told the news source that, unfortunately, cases like this are becoming increasingly common because of urban renewal projects.

How are people protected?
Hassinger said that it’s safe to assume that any building to be demolished contains asbestos. With that in mind, building owners and operators have to notify the appropriate state agencies before beginning a demolition project. Federal clean air laws have requirements dictating how asbestos has to be handled, transported, contained and disposed of during a demolition job.

If you live or work in a building and you’re unaware of its asbestos status, contact the managers or owners and ask them about their operations and maintenance program.

Experts estimate that more than 9,900 individuals in the U.S. die every year because of asbestos-related illnesses, including malignant mesothelioma and lung cancer. One of the dangers of asbestos is the fact that it’s odorless. Additionally, many of the mineral fibers are too small to be seen by the naked eye. This makes it hard to tell whether you’re in immediate danger of breathing in the fibers.

The fact that demolition companies try to shirk their duty to protect the public from asbestos is appalling to us at Kazan Law, and we think that consumers deserve better protection.

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