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City of Casper Cited for Asbestos Violations

By on Wednesday, May 1st, 2013 | No Comments

Before demolishing a long-abandoned house in the city of Casper, contractors should have tested for asbestos, officials say. Now their negligence has gotten them in trouble with the local Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ), which recently cited the city, as well as the contractor they used for the demolition, for not fully testing the residential building for the presence of the toxic mineral. An article in the Star-Tribune reports that Recycled Materials, contracted by the city to handle the demolition, failed to sample enough material inside the old house to fully determine whether or not asbestos was an issue. Specifically, the DEQ Air Quality Division noted that there was insufficient sampling of lathe and plaster material and spray-on acoustic material as well as no sampling at all of the floor tiles or asphalt roofing at the site. Asbestos is often found in those products, especially in structures built previously to the end of the 1970s. The article reports that some of the material had already been removed before inspectors visited at the end of February, but testing of the remaining material showed that there was 15 percent asbestos in the floor tiles and 5 percent in the tile adhesive . Chances are that workers may have inhaled asbestos fibers during the removal of the tiles, especially if they weren’t wearing protective masks. Such inhalation can cause respiratory illnesses to develop later in life, including mesothelioma cancer . Steve Dietrich, air quality administrator, said notices were issued to both the city of Casper and the contractors. “They have equal responsibility,” he said. “We take the regulation of asbestos materials seriously. First and foremost, we want to protect not only the workers but also the general public.” Dietrich noted that the violations are punishable by a maximum fine of $10,000 for each day the violation occurred and/or an injunction.

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OSHA Cites PAL Youth Center for Asbestos Violations

By on Wednesday, April 3rd, 2013 | No Comments

A report by Oregon’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has officials, staff, and parents worried about the presence of asbestos at a busy Police Activities League (PAL) Youth Center in the heart of East Portland, Oregon. According to an article in Skanner News, the OSHA report profiled three different asbestos-related violations at the center, two of which are characterized as “serious”. The two serious violations concerns deteriorated floor tiles in both a staff restroom and a girls’ bathroom. The third violation concerns failure to create a safety committee and hold safety meetings. Though OSHA did not” tag” the two rooms and demand that no one enter, the potential risk for asbestos exposure has raised a lot of concern among those who work at the PAL center or those who attend activities there on a regular basis. Dave Monroe, an air quality specialist with the State of Oregon’s Department of Environmental Quality, has tried to quell those fears. “The risk is very low with material like that,” he said. “The type of floor is considered non-friable, so it’s considered very likely not to release asbestos fibers.” The Youth Center also has asbestos in its ceilings, though problems with ceiling tiles were not noted by OSHA. Nonetheless, they’ve got three weeks to show they’ve taken steps to address the problem. The Police Activities League no longer operates the facility, but the new managers – Boys and Girls Clubs of the Portland Metropolitan Area – said they knew nothing about asbestos in the building. “This is the first time I’m hearing this, that there is asbestos in the floor,” said Erin Hubert, CEO of Boys and Girls Clubs, who notes that the building is owned by the city of Gresham. “All my concern has been about the roof. We knew there is asbestos in the roof and there are tiles falling down and leaks. So my first question was ‘is it safe’?” However, a former PAL board member says the PAL organization was well aware that there was asbestos in the building. Tyece Okamura noted that numerous concerns had been raised about the condition of the building, but without enough money to replace the entire floor, the decision was made to cover the asbestos with carpet. However, the restroom floors in question were not covered, therefore presenting the possibility that damaged tiles would release fibers into the air, where they could be inhaled and eventually cause a host of diseases to develop, including mesothelioma cancer and asbestosis .

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Real Estate Company Fined for Bypassing Asbestos Laws

By on Monday, November 12th, 2012 | No Comments

A real estate company in Milford, Massachusetts has been fined for a host of violations that may have put workers and others at risk for asbestos exposure. According to an article in the Milford Daily News, DARN Properties LLC has been ordered to pay in excess of $28,000 for botching a 2011 renovation project at a rental home the company owned. The Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) says DARN did not inform the state that they were conducting a demolition/renovation project that involved asbestos materials. Furthermore, the materials in question – asbestos floor tiles – were removed without using the proper wet method, and were handled, stored, and disposed of improperly as well. Upon learning of the violations at the Congress Street site, the state ordered the owners of the real estate company to hire a licensed asbestos removal company to handle, package, and dispose of the toxic material, which can cause lung diseases when its fibers are inhaled. The asbestos contractor was also responsible for decontaminating the dumpster where the tiles were originally stored and to be sure the area around the residential property was also free of asbestos. Each state, as well as the federal government, has a list of laws governing the handling of asbestos-containing materials. Exposure to such materials is responsible for the development of 2,000-3,000 cases of mesothelioma cancer in the U.S. each year. Asbestos was long a common ingredient in a variety of building materials ranging from cement and insulation to shingles and siding. Unfortunately, each year, hundreds of companies and individuals skirt the asbestos laws, especially in the building and renovation/demolition industries, resulting in unnecessary asbestos exposure . “Owners involved with building renovation work must be fully aware of their responsibilities under the regulations to ensure the proper removal, handling, packaging and disposal of asbestos-containing materials,” confirmed Lee Dillard Adams, director for MassDEP’s central regional office in Worcester, the office responsible for imposing the fines.

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Asbestos Keeps Storm-Damaged School Closed

By on Monday, November 5th, 2012 | No Comments

Up and down the East Coast of the United States, Hurricane Sandy took her toll on all sorts of structures, including schools. Many school buildings have now reopened, but in Wallingford, Connecticut, one high school has been forced to keep its doors closed because of the presence of dangerous asbestos. According to an account in the Record-Journal, Sheehan High School students will be staying home until the school district can remove damaged asbestos-containing floor tiles on the building’s second floor. The tiles were damaged when water leaked into the school. Damaged asbestos can result in the release of dangerous fibers into the air where they can be inhaled. As such, no one is currently permitted in the building. “As a result, abatement is being performed by certified contractors and overseen by environmental consultants to ensure that all Environmental Protection Agency and state of Connecticut regulations are followed closely,” said Salvatore Menzo, school superintendent. Once asbestos removal is complete, Menzo told the media, both analytical and visual testing will be performed to make sure the concentration of fibers in the air is not at a dangerous level. “We want to make sure everything is safe inside,” Menzo said. “We found out after the fact that the tiles were compromised.” Menzo assured parents and the general public that no students would be inside the building during the actual abatement process. Sheehan High School was the only school in the Wallingford School District that suffered major storm damage. However, dozens of schools from the Carolinas through New England were damaged when winds in excess of 75 mph and torrential rains pummeled the coast. Any school that was built prior to about 1975 may contain asbestos and the asbestos may have been compromised due to storm damage. Administration, teachers, and staff from storm-damaged schools should be on the lookout for asbestos products that may have become dangerous. Any suspected problems with asbestos should be reported to school officials immediately in order to avoid exposure to the material. Asbestos exposure can result in development of diseases like asbestosis or malignant mesothelioma , a serious form of cancer.

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Parents Worried about High Levels of Asbestos at Schools in Connecticut Town

By on Tuesday, October 2nd, 2012 | No Comments

A potential renovation project at two middle schools in Southington, Connecticut could turn into a fiscal nightmare – and an environmental one as well – now that inspectors have determined that the buildings contain high levels of toxic asbestos and PCBs. According to an article posted on the Southington Patch, the results of environmental studies at both Kennedy and DePaolo Middle Schools in the Hartford County town of Southington surprised some school board officials and alarmed many parents, even though the findings determined that there isn’t any present danger to those who work or attend school inside those contaminated buildings. Superintendent of Schools, Joseph Erardi, said in a letter to parents that air samples were taken and PCBs and asbestos remain in place at this time. The findings, however, indicate that there’s much to be done to make both Kennedy and DePaolo totally safe for those who spend their days inside those buildings. Erardi acknowledged that more than 200,000 square feet of asbestos materials would have to be removed from DePaolo Middle School and another 120,000 square feet from Kennedy. Most of the asbestos can be found underneath the floor tiles and in the ceiling, the article indicated. Robert C. Brown, a certified environmental hygienist with Hygenix, Inc., the company that conducted the study and testing, told officials that because levels of carcinogens are so high, these issues must be addressed very carefully and a complicated remediation plan will need to be discussed with the U.S. Environmental Association and the Department of Environmental Protection. There are myriad laws governing asbestos removal and removal of PCB-containing materials so as to protect humans from exposure to the toxins. While most local and school board officials are most concerned about cost of remediation, which could soar into the millions, parents are more concerned about safety issues. Exposure to asbestos can cause a variety of respiratory illnesses including mesothelioma cancer , which can take up to 50 years to develop. Exposure to PCBs causes a host of additional illnesses including psychomotor issues and neurological problems.

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Asbestos Closes Portion of Portsmouth Police Station

By on Wednesday, August 8th, 2012 | No Comments

The Portsmouth, New Hampshire Police Station had to temporarily close a portion of its building over the weekend when contractors working in the lobby discovered that there was asbestos in the floor tiles and the adhesive underneath them. An article in the online edition of the Portsmouth Herald reported that several workers conducting a lobby renovation project over the weekend discovered the toxic material, prompting them to seal off the lobby, preventing the public as well as all city workers from entering the area. Details of the situation were reported by Sgt. Kuffer Kaltenborn, a spokesperson for the department. The sergeant confirmed that the lobby had to be sealed off from the remainder of the building for about four hours, and it was also necessary to set up a decontamination station to rid anyone of toxic asbestos fibers which may have gathered on their clothes or body as a result of exposure to the material in and under the floor tiles . Signs were also posted to notify employees of the presence of the asbestos, said Kaltenborn, who noted that the discovery only slightly hampered the goings on at the police station. This included having to use a secondary entrance to enter and exit the building in order to avoid exposure to the material, which is known to cause asbestosis and cancer . Portsmouth, New Hampshire Public Works Director Steve Parkinson reported that there’s an abundance of asbestos at the city’s Municipal Complex, which includes not only the police station but also City Hall, school administrative offices, and the headquarters of other nonprofit organizations. The buildings were constructed in 1950 during an era when asbestos was used in the manufacture of a variety of building materials, including t ile adhesive . Many buildings from that time period still contain asbestos, though the material is safe as long as it remains in good condition and is not disturbed, experts point out.

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Tornado-ravaged Joplin, MO Still Dealing with Asbestos Concerns

By on Wednesday, January 4th, 2012 | No Comments

The May 22, 2011 tornado that touched down in Joplin, Missouri claimed both lives and buildings, and now the city is finding it necessary to address the fate of some 118 houses that suffered severe damaged but have not been razed by the owners. Before demolition can occur, however, asbestos must be removed. According to an article in The Joplin Globe, the 118 houses in question must all undergo thorough asbestos inspections before the wrecking ball appears. Joplin’s Assistant Director of Public Works, Jack Schaller, told the press that the homes will be addressed in groups of 20, with recently-hired asbestos inspectors examining each house in the group before demolition begins. It will take about 30 days for each group to be inspected and for reports to be filed as to the presence of toxic asbestos material. Because the houses have been damaged, the asbestos materials are especially dangerous as they most likely are in poor condition, notes the EPA. When asbestos is damaged or becomes “friable”, it can release tiny, sharp fibers into the air where they can be inhaled by anyone working, living, or playing in the vicinity. Because most of the homes in question were built prior to about 1977, when guidelines were issued about any new uses of asbestos, a large portion of them are expected to contain asbestos materials. Asbestos was used liberally in the manufacture of such construction-related items as pipe insulation , floor tiles , adhesives , soundproofing material, cement, and more. Experts have deemed that even a small amount of asbestos exposure is unsafe and may result in the development of diseases like mesothelioma later in life. Allowing the homes to be demolished without removing dangerous asbestos material would be a violation of the federal Clean Air Act. Schaller added that the inspections are regulated by the Missouri Department of Health and that requirements in regards to removal are set forth by the Missouri Department of Natural Resources.

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Asbestos a Significant Problem in Aging Queens Apartment Complex

By on Thursday, December 8th, 2011 | No Comments

New Yorkers who live in the 60-year-old Pomonok Houses project in Queens report that their apartments contain aging, damaged asbestos, a situation that has them constantly worried about their health. According to an article in the Queens Tribune, building managers at this East Flushing public housing complex have been trying to hide the fact that asbestos is present in the floor tiles in most of the units. But after an exterminator went to one of the units to rid it of bedbugs and confirmed the presence of asbestos, the secret was out, tenants say. However, no one has come forward to remedy the situation. Tenant Judi Lolloway, who lives in the complex with her children and aging father, reports that the exterminator brought his suspicions to the management, who proceeded to perform tests to check for asbestos. But, says Lolloway, she has never been able to obtain the test results and Pomonok officials are denying that the tests ever occurred. Lolloway and her family also reported their suspicions to the Dept. of Health and Mental Hygiene, a government division that is supposed to respond to reports of disturbed asbestos within 24 hours. However, no one ever returned their call. Instead, the family was forced to pay $300 to hire an independent testing service. That company found asbestos in two bedrooms and the air quality in one of those rooms was deemed extremely dangerous. The results for the presence of chrysotile (white) asbestos in one bedroom came in at 8.7 percent, the article reports. The acceptable level is anything under 1 percent. The results alarmed the family and others living in the complex, especially because it seems that repairs are not on the docket anytime soon. “It seems like the property manager or landlord is playing this low and not making a big fuss,” said Mike Furda, field environmental officer for Housing and Urban Development. “It’s going to take a lot of time, money, and energy to replace the asbestos-containing materials.” ? But residents know that replacing the tiles is essential. Exposure to a high level of asbestos fibers is extremely dangerous. Anyone living in such conditions is likely to be constantly inhaling toxic fibers, which can travel to the lungs and other parts of the body and eventually cause tumors to form, resulting in a diagnosis of mesothelioma, a very difficult-to-treat cancer that carries a grim prognosis .

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asbestos shingles

By on Sunday, July 24th, 2011 | No Comments

The Super Cool actor of the 1960s, Hollywood legend Steve McQueen, came down with lung problems which cut his life short at the age of 50.? this tough movie actor was stopped by an illness called Mesothelioma, a rare type of lung cancer caused mostly by asbestos. Asbestos, the once hailed Miracle Mineral has now become the Devils Dust.? Asbestos is a name which was given to a group of 6 different, naturally occurring, fibrous minerals.? these minerals are (amosite, chrysotile, crocidolite, and the fibrous varieties of tremolite, actinolite, and anthophyllite).? The properties of these minerals contain strong, separable fibers that are heat resistant and flexible enough to be woven or mixed into thousands of products. Products for the entire building industry were made out of asbestos and many still are today.? Asbestos was used in insulation, wallboards, ceiling tiles, floor tiles, roofing shingles, paper products, cement products, brakes and all types of heat-resistant fabrics.? Asbestos is still being mined right now, mostly in China, Russia, Canada, Brazil, Kazakhstan and Zimbabwe. The danger with asbestos is that it is everywhere. It’s still in many peoples homes and it’s still used in many products today. The problems arise when that old asbestos board or insulation is damaged and then these tiny fibers float into the air.?? The fibers then become inhaled and never leave your lungs.? As they accumulate in your lungs, many years later, they can develop into Lung Cancer, Abestosis and other serious health problems.? Asbestos removal is best left to professionals and many experts say that if the asbestos in your home is not damaged, it is safer to just leave it alone. If you develop either Shortness of breath, hoarseness or wheezing. A persistent cough which gets worse over time or if you spit up blood, make sure to get an appointment with a doctor for your symptoms.? Hopefully it is not asbestos related, but if you have worked around asbestos or live around asbestos, then make sure to inform your doctor. During the 1950s, 60s and 70s, Manufacturers were proud to put the name Asbestos in their product advertisements.? these days, asbestos might still be in products but it is not labeled as such.? Chrysotile asbestos is the only form which is still in commercial use today.? be aware of your surroundings and keep your self protected from dangerous asbestos products and the toxic fibers they can give off. About the Author: Mark Ralph is a prolific Author on the web. he is an Expert in Investing, Marketing & Business. For Asbestos Information, click: Asbestos-Products.com For Rare Asbestos Company Advertisements and Catalogs for Collectors or Litigation purposes, Click: Asbestos Catalogs. Article Source: ArticlesBase.com – Asbestos – a Continuing Health Danger 3709 Worthington Road Share and enjoy:

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The Top Highest-Risk Occupations for Mesothelioma

By on Wednesday, June 29th, 2011 | No Comments

Malignant mesothelioma is an aggressive form of cancer originating in the lining around your heart, lungs or abdominal cavity. it is caused by exposure to asbestos, a fibrous material known for being resistant to fire, heat and chemicals. these properties made the use of asbestos in the construction and manufacturing industries popular during the 19th and 20th centuries. Once the cancer-causing effects of asbestos fibers became known, regulations were put into place to contain and limit exposure to this hazard. however, the cancerous fibers remain present in many older buildings and some products, continuing to put people at risk. in addition, if you ever worked in a high-risk occupation, you will continue to have a lifelong increase in your chance of developing mesothelioma. The following are among the highest-risk occupations for mesothelioma: 1. Construction Workers Before it was banned, asbestos was used by the construction industry to strengthen cement and plastics. it was also a routine ingredient in roofing materials, insulation, floor tiles, ceiling tiles and patching supplies. Electricians, plumbers, laborers and other individuals at construction sites were regularly subjected to increased levels of asbestos. This risk continues for demolition and construction workers who tear down, renovate or repair older buildings. 2. Auto Mechanics Asbestos was once a common component of gaskets, exhaust systems, and brake and clutch pads in automobiles. it can still be found in some of these items. Normal wear and tear to these parts releases the asbestos fibers. When auto mechanics remove and repair these items, the air and work space becomes contaminated. Mechanics who specialize in the restoration of older vehicles are particularly vulnerable. 3. Navy Personnel and Sailors Boilers, steam pipes and hot water pipes were once insulated with asbestos. Dust containing asbestos fibers and limited ventilation within ships resulted in high asbestos levels. The refurbishing of older ships can elevate this concentration further, putting ship occupants and workers in danger of exposure. 4. Factory Workers Just as the workers who used construction materials and automotive parts were subjected to high levels of asbestos, those who made these items were exposed as well. in addition, production workers came into contact with the cancer-causing fibers during the manufacturing of products like hair dryers, vermiculite-containing garden products and talc-containing crayons. 5. Firefighters and Emergency Personnel The destruction of structures and homes that occurs during a fire, natural disaster or conflict can result in the release of asbestos fibers. Firefighters, police and rescue personnel working under these conditions are vulnerable to inhaling dust and coming into contact with contaminated debris. Treatment for mesothelioma is frequently delayed because early symptoms are typically mild and general, causing them to be dismissed. The disease has often progressed into advanced stages by the time the symptoms are severe enough to warrant seeking medical treatment. Late diagnosis results in delayed treatment, shortening the mesothelioma life expectancy. A diagnosis of mesothelioma is devastating. The knowledge that some manufacture’s knew about the dangers of asbestos and failed to inform consumers and employees creates additional anguish. an experienced mesothelioma attorney can help you determine the source of your exposure and better understand your legal rights.

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