The Florida Department of Environmental Protection has reported asbestos contamination in an overpass construction site.

According to this article, officials found more asbestos in a suspicious looking pipe that was located outside an area they had previously roped off because of possible asbestos contamination.

Asbestos is a dangerous material that has been linked to numerous health problems, including mesothelioma. Even brief exposure to asbestos has been linked to these issues, so it is important to seek medical care and legal help as soon as possible if you believe you have been exposed to asbestos.

Posted by Astrid Scott at 02:07 PM | Permalink

Officials removing asbestos from a fire-damaged mill in Holyoke, MA are assuring people in the surrounding area that they will be safe and not exposed to asbestos fibers.

This is an ongoing project, and has been previously written about in this blog. The work is expected to last until the summer. A recently updated story has been posted here.

Asbestos has been linked to numerous health problems, including mesothelioma. Mesothelioma is a rare and often deadly form of cancer. When people work to remove asbestos, there is a risk of asbestos fibers being released into the atmosphere, and if the removal is not done properly it can be a risk to other people in the area.

Posted by Astrid Scott at 12:50 PM | Permalink

Officials in Holyoke, Massachusetts have begun to remove asbestos from a former paper mill that was damaged in a fire in 2008.

According to this article, the removal began in October and is expected to last until the summer.

Asbestos is a dangerous material that has been linked to numerous health problems, including mesothelioma which is a rare and often deadly form of cancer. Even brief exposure to asbestos has been linked with health problems. Because the material is so dangerous, officials must be trained and in many cases licensed to remove it. Proper equipment and safety precautions are also required for the task.

The article says that asbestos at the site was located in roof shingles, window caulking and tank and pipe insulation.

Posted by Astrid Scott at 10:26 AM | Permalink

The American Public Health Association recently called on Congress to pass legislation banning asbestos in the United States.

They hope the legislation will completely ban the manufacture, sale, export and import of products containing asbestos.

Asbestos has been linked to numerous health problems, including mesothelioma, a rare form of cancer. Even brief exposure to asbestos can be harmful.

Other organizations are also calling for global bans on asbestos.

Posted by Astrid Scott at 01:43 PM | Permalink

The Smithsonian paid a former employee $233,000 and provided health insurance in a settlement after the man alleged he became sick working with walls that contained asbestos.

The Washington Post reports that the worker was a former exhibit specialist, and he said he became sick from asbestos while working at the National Air and Space Museum.

The article says his job required him to routinely drill holes into walls containing asbestos, though he said the company did not tell him the walls contained asbestos until 2008. He alleged he and other workers became sick because of the work.

Asbestos has been linked to numerous health problems, including mesothelioma. Drilling into walls containing asbestos could release dangerous fibers in the air. Research has found that even brief exposure to asbestos can be harmful.

Posted by Astrid Scott at 11:35 AM | Permalink

A Missouri state department is taking action against a Fire District chief for alleged asbestos violations, including improper removal and disposal of the harmful material.

This article reports that the Missouri Department of Natural Resources and its Air Conservation Commission has requested the attorney general pursue legal action against the chief of the Northeast Ambulance and Fire District. The violations allegedly took place at a fire district building.

The agency alleged that the violations occurred when the fire district chief was in a former position as fire board president. The agency said the violations occurred during the removal and disposal of asbestos-containing floor tile from the district's building.

The man is scheduled for a federal court trial on Dec. 14. The article reports the charges are five counts of violating the Clean Air Act.

Posted by Astrid Scott at 08:01 AM | Permalink

The Buffalo News has reported that The Occupational Safety and Health Administration may be fining a New York contracting company for improper employee preparation for asbestos work, according to this article.

The article alleges that the company did not tell contractors that there was asbestos in the debris in a warehouse where they were working. They company also allegedly did not provide the workers with proper safety equipment, such as special masks and clothing, which is necessary to work with asbestos.

Asbestos is a hazardous material that has been linked to numerous health problems, including mesothelioma, which is a rare and often deadly form of cancer. Even brief exposure to asbestos has been linked to these problems, and working with asbestos-laden debris can lead to inhalation of dangerous asbestos fibers.

The report notes that the company is facing $484,000 in fines from OSHA for the violations.

Posted by Astrid Scott at 04:50 PM | Permalink