Dumped Asbestos Found at Thorpe Elementary
Following the discovery of dumped asbestos debris in the dumpster at the backside of the Thorpe Elementary School two times recently, the police and Danvers public health department are in search of the culprit.
Health director Peter Mirandi said workers and residents near the school are his concerns.
The asbestos-contaminated debris was initially discovered outside the building by a school warden over the weekend, Mirandi said. The same thing happened once again on Monday, he said.
Mirandi said the dumpsters with contaminated debris were secured by welding chains on them and a new one was put in.
According to Mirandi, though the students were never at danger, the material should not be there at a school ground.
Residents near Hospital Site Worried about Asbestos
Residents near Zurbrugg Hospital site are upset over asbestos-contaminated construction debris.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has confirmed that portions of the debris contain the cancer-causing substance.
About one year back, investigators had found asbestos-containing bags in dumpster, buried in the ground and spread in a boiler room. Though the site was cleaned up by an asbestos abatement contractor, the area is still a tension source for neighbors as well as officials with the township.
The residents close to the old hospital site have received letters from the officials regarding the asbestos.
Asbestos was an extensively used construction material before the 1980s. Though the substance is not very dangerous as long as it remains stable, it can create health problems when disturbed or broken. Asbestos is made up of small fibers which can be released into the air when the material is disturbed or broken. Inhalation of these fibers often results in serious respiratory issues and deadly diseases including mesothelioma, lung cancer and asbestosis.
Businessman Indicted for Improper Handling of Asbestos
A 74-year-old Elyria businessman has been indicted by a federal jury for allegedly removing asbestos from a Lorain building without following the state safety regulations, Attorney Steven Dettelbach said.
Lorne J. Elbert Jr. is the president of a demolition and construction company. According to Elbert, he was not served with the charge. He says he knows about the inquiry and has hired a lawyer for him.
Elbert said the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is after everyone.
“This is winter and flies are not there to kill. That may be why they are keen to kill businesses,” Elbert said.
According to the indictment, Elbert hired an unlicensed person to cleanup approximately 800 square feet of asbestos-containing insulation from the Builders Square building’s boiler room, which was demolished to give room for a childcare. The indictment says the person who handled asbestos was not appropriately supervised by a qualified manager.
Elbert can receive up to five years of imprisonment if convicted, in addition to a fine of up to $250,000 per charge.
Refinery Worker Says Asbestos Exposure Caused Pulmonary Fibrosis
A refinery worker from Mississippi says he developed pulmonary fibrosis after being exposed to asbestos fibers during his employment for Chevron 30 years from 1969 until 1990.
Leroy Rodrigue has filed a complaint against 13 companies including Chevron for allegedly exposing him to dangerous asbestos fibers. The suit was filed in Orleans Parish Civil District Court on February 17.
The other defendants in the case are either makers or suppliers of the asbestos products to which Rodrigue was exposed.
The plaintiff says the companies were aware of the hazards of their products, but still failed to warn him when working around them.
Rodrigue is seeking unspecified compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, mental distress, physical pain, loss of life quality and legal costs.
Woman Worked Around Asbestos Products Develops Lung Cancer
A woman from Fairmont says she developed lung cancer as a result of her regular exposure to asbestos during her employment.
Norma Jean Keener has filed a lawsuit against 30 defendant companies who are allegedly responsible for her present condition. The suit was filed on January 20 in Kanawha Circuit Court.
According to the complaint, she was diagnosed with asbestos-related lung cancer on 28th May, 2010.
Keener says the companies exposed her to various asbestos-contaminated products while she was employed as a packer and inspector at Owens-Illinois for around 30 years.
The plaintiff argues the companies didn’t warn her regarding the hazards of asbestos exposure while asking her to work around products containing the dangerous substance.
She is asking for a trial to settle the issues. A visiting judge will preside over the case.
Regular exposure to asbestos can cause fatal diseases such as lung cancer, mesothelioma and asbestosis.
