Mesothelioma Resource Center News Feed

West Virginia pizza shop is imploded following asbestos removal

Tue, 02 Aug 2011 00:00:00 -0400

A holiday weekend implosion in Wheeling, West Virginia, took down the remains of the former DiCarlo's Pizza Shop after asbestos removal had slowed the demolition in recent months.

According to The Intelligencer, the project ended up taking longer than expected - more than three months - because asbestos was discovered on the roof by the West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection.

Asbestos exposure is linked to diseases that include lung cancer, mesothelioma and asbestosis, and is the focus of many asbestos settlements and mesothelioma lawsuits that have been filed in recent years.

Once the asbestos was removed, workers were able to resume demolishing the top two floors manually in order not to damage the business next door, Companion Products Company Home Improvements.

The implosion of the bottom three floors took place on Sunday, one day before the Fourth of July holiday. Gerard Joseph of Joseph Contracting told the newspaper that the original lighted sign of the pizza place was returned to the DiCarlo family.

Although no re-development plans for the site have been announced publicly, Joseph said a parking lot is one of the options being considered.

Chef in UK awarded compensation for mesothelioma

Mon, 01 Aug 2011 00:00:00 -0400

An Italian chef who worked at an asbestos-contaminated pizza restaurant in the UK during the 1980s was diagnosed with mesothelioma in 2008 and recently secured financial compensation.

According to the Salisbury Journal, Luigi Pes was exposed to asbestos found in the oven and ceiling of the former La Gondola restaurant in Salisbury, UK. The restaurant reportedly changed ownership in 2001 and shut its doors in 2005, the news source said.

Pes, who is married and has two adult children, claimed his employers were responsible for exposing him to asbestos without warning him of the potential dangers, which include the development of asbestosis and lung cancer, in addition to malignant mesothelioma.

"For many years I worked there with no idea about the damage asbestos could do to my health," said Pes. "In later years when I became aware about the dangers of asbestos, I had an idea that I had been exposed but I never expected that I would end up with this disease."

The asbestos settlement was reportedly reached out of court, according to the news source.

Australian regional council pursues decade of asbestos removal from buildings

Fri, 29 Jul 2011 00:00:00 -0400

The Sunshine Coast Regional Council in Queensland, Australia has embarked on an ambitious, decade-long plan to rid all its public buildings of asbestos.

The council has budgeted approximately $2.5 million through the year 2021 to take the hazardous mineral out of its buildings and dispose of it, according to the Sunshine Coast News.

The plan calls for $100,000 yearly from now until late 2013 when an additional $200,000 per year will be aimed at the asbestos program through 2021.

Asbestos fibers that become airborne are a health danger to anyone in the vicinity, and are linked to lung cancer, malignant mesothelioma and asbestosis. That connection to the hazardous mineral has been the focus of many asbestos settlements and mesothelioma lawsuits in recent years.

Although a council spokewoman declined to specify how much asbestos may be contained in the council's various buildings, the mineral was used in many building materials such as insulation and concrete as late as 1990, the newspaper reported.

"Some high risk sites have already had known asbestos-containing material removed, while options for other sites may include the encapsulation [sealing] of the material to ensure the material's safety," the spokeswoman told the News.

West Virginia town gets $1.5 grant to bring down dilapidated buildings

Thu, 28 Jul 2011 00:00:00 -0400

Mount Hope, West Virginia, is set to receive a $1.5 million Neighborhood Stabilization grant that will allow the town to remove a number of dilapidated buildings located in the community.

The Register-Herald reported that 34 derelict buildings have been identified throughout town and officials there are in the process of notifying property owners about the planned demolitions.

The presence of asbestos in building materials used in older buildings is also a concern because the mineral is a health hazard that has been linked to diseases such as asbestosis, malignant mesothelioma and lung disease. Asbestos exposure has been the focus of many asbestos settlements and mesothelioma lawsuits that have been filed in recent years.

"Without the dollars to go into a project like this, you’re going to eventually be responsible for tearing that property down, hauling it to a dump," said Mount Hope Mayor Michael Martin. "And that’s after you’ve had it examined by an asbestos inspector, and you have mitigated all the asbestos problems it might have had - [by then] you’re into some dollars."

In addition to $3 million in Neighborhood Stabilization funding received by the Charleston-Kanawha Housing Authority, Mount Hope's grant has the potential of creating new housing once the derelict sites have been cleared, the newspaper reported.

EPA finds no airborne asbestos in tornade-damaged Missouri, but remains cautious

Wed, 27 Jul 2011 00:00:00 -0400

No asbestos has been found in air samples taken by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in tornado-damaged Joplin, Missouri, but officials say the potential remains that asbestos within the disaster debris could be released.

According to KSPR-TV, the ABC affiliate in Springfield, Missouri, Joplin city leaders are concerned that drier weather this summer could result in dusty conditions that could stir up asbestos fibers, which are a health danger to anyone in the vicinity if they become airborne.

Asbestos exposure is linked to diseases that include lung cancer, malignant mesothelioma and asbestosis, and is the focus of many asbestos settlements and mesothelioma lawsuits in recent years.

The news station advised anyone working in the tornado-impacted area to wear at least an N-95 respirator mask to protect against inhalation of particulates in the air, although those rated as N-100, P-100 or R-100 masks can also protect against asbestos harm. They also cautioned members of the public to follow instructions on using the respirator masks because they offer little protection if they are worn incorrectly.

The EPA, which has not found asbestos in its air samples at Joplin, will continue to monitor the city for asbestos contamination.

Asbestosis lawsuit in Texas blames Texaco, Chevron for man's death

Tue, 26 Jul 2011 00:00:00 -0400

An asbestosis lawsuit filed recently in Jefferson County, Texas District Court claims that Chevron USA and Texaco are responsible for exposing a former pipe fitter and painter to asbestos on the job, ultimately causing his death.

The Southeast Texas Record reports that Eunice Fitts filed the lawsuit recently on behalf of her deceased husband, Homer Fitts, who worked for the companies throughout his career. The lawsuit claims Fitts was exposed to asbestos as a result of negligence on behalf of the companies.

"As a result of such exposure, Homer Fitts developed an asbestos-related disease, asbestosis and lung cancer, for which he died a painful and terrible death on March 10, 2010," Eunice Fitts claims in the asbestos lawsuit.

The suit, which seeks exemplary damages, claims the defendants allowed their workers to utilize asbestos-containing products even though they were well aware of the risks associated with exposure to the carcinogen

Asbestos exposure, which can also cause lung cancer and malignant mesothelioma, is linked to thousands of occupational-related deaths around the world. Many people exposed to the carcinogen during their careers seek the legal assistance of an asbestos lawyer.

State approval on funding awaited for asbestos removal at Connecticut school

Mon, 25 Jul 2011 00:00:00 -0400

School officials in Winsted, Connecticut, are awaiting state funding approval for asbestos removal at a local middle school before they give the green light to the contractor for the project.

The Waterbury Republican-American reported that Wiese Construction of Norwich, Connecticut, was selected for the job. Wiese, with a base price of $439,000, was the low bidder among three companies that bid on the project.

ith additional allocations for window and door replacements, the Winsted School Building Committee brought the total cost of the project to $481,100, the newspaper reported.

Asbestos fibers that become airborne are a health danger to anyone in the vicinity, and are linked to lung cancer, malignant mesothelioma and asbestosis. That connection to the hazardous mineral has been the focus of many asbestos settlements and mesothelioma lawsuits in recent years.

Although the town has set aside $560,000 for the abatement, officials there are expecting the state to approve a 70 percent reimbursement for the job. They are awaiting an official notice from the state Department of Education before allowing work to go forward.

Wiese indicated in its bid that the asbestos project should take about 60 days to complete.

Flood cleanup in California spawns asbestos concerns

Fri, 22 Jul 2011 00:00:00 -0400

Officials in California recently raised concerns about the threat of asbestos exposure stemming from flood cleanup efforts in Capitola Village.

The Monterey Bay Unified Air Pollution Control District warned that remediation projects in the wake of recent flooding should be performed with extra care. Representatives from the group told the Santa Cruz Sentinel that some contractors working on the cleanup may not be qualified to perform asbestos-related work.

"We hope to prevent violations of asbestos rules primarily to protect workers, building owners and the public from unnecessary asbestos exposure," said Mike Sheehan of Monterey Bay Unified.

In response, an asbestos law firm on the West Coast issued a press release clarifying certain misconceptions about the harmful fibers. The group stated that many Americans believe asbestos is not a significant threat because of federal bans that were implemented in the late 1970s.

However, there are many old buildings that still contain large quantities of the cancer-causing substance. One of the attorneys claimed that many U.S. companies still import thousands of asbestos-containing products.

Individuals who acquire an asbestos-related illness may benefit from filing a mesothelioma lawsuit.

Asbestos project continues in spite of court order in Pennsylvania

Thu, 21 Jul 2011 00:00:00 -0400

In spite of a court order to prevent it, an asbestos removal project has begun in two Pennsylvania schools because the school officials who filed suit haven't posted the bond required by the Clarion County Court, the Kittanning Leader Times reported.

A temporary injunction had been granted to four newly-elected directors of the Armstrong School District and three current board members who say the asbestos removal project at three schools will limit their ability to make future repairs at the facilities.

Now, the plaintiffs are attempting to get the $150,000 bond lowered to $1 and asked the court to order that work cease at the Elderton School complex in Kittanning.

Judge James Arner agreed that the abatement project "will have a bearing on decisions the future board will make," but he issued the temporary injunction contingent upon payment of the bond by new board members.

The asbestos project had been part of a multi-school renovation plan, but the state Department of Education hasn't decided whether to reimburse the district in bond repayment, which caused outgoing school board members to pursue the asbestos removal project alone.

Asbestos exposure is linked to diseases that include lung cancer, mesothelioma and asbestosis, and is the focus of many asbestos settlements and mesothelioma lawsuits.

Asbestos found in California museum to cause temporary move

Wed, 20 Jul 2011 00:00:00 -0400

An archives museum in the town of Lincoln, California, reportedly contains asbestos that needs to be removed, so officials have decided to temporarily shift locations of the facility.

According to the Lincoln News Messenger, the museum needs to be moved in order for properly trained individuals to complete the asbestos abatement and to avoid having the public come in contact with the dangerous carcinogen.

"The first responsibility of the city is to abate the asbestos," museum volunteer executive director Shirley Russell told the news provider.

Asbestos abatement is a major priority during renovation and construction work as exposure to the dangerous material can cause lung cancer, asbestosis and malignant mesothelioma. Often, those who have been unknowingly exposed to asbestos contact mesothelioma attorneys to seek compensation from the responsible parties.

While the temporary location shift is necessary due to the nature of the work being conducted, many officials are hoping a new permanent site can be secured in order to add more space for the various artifacts exhibited in the museum, according to the news source.

Asbestos issue causes stir at Louisiana medical facility

Tue, 19 Jul 2011 00:00:00 -0400

A number of patients at the Mandeville, Louisiana Fontainebleau Treatment Center and Alcohol Drug Unit needed to be discharged recently after an asbestos scare, reports WWLTV.

According to the news source, asbestos was discovered in the floor tiles of the hospital, causing a panic and forcing about 65 patients to be released into out-patient services in their local parishes.

Hospital officials have said that while the release was a precautionary measure, the asbestos issue may not be fixed for another month. Still, air testing reportedly indicated that neither staff members nor patients had been put at risk of being exposed to the carcinogenic material.

Exposure to asbestos has been linked to the development of serious illnesses such as lung cancer, asbestosis and malignant mesothelioma, a rare form of cancer that occurs in the tissues surrounding many of the body's internal organs.

Because of these risks, many people who feel they have been unknowingly exposed to asbestos seek the assistance of an asbestos lawyer.

Texas police station could be fined over asbestos discovery at headquarters

Mon, 18 Jul 2011 00:00:00 -0400

After asbestos was discovered in the headquarters for the Robinson, Texas police, the department could be fined by the state over allegations that it failed to properly remove the carcinogenic substance.

According to KXXV, a local ABC affiliate, the Texas Department of Health Services is threatening to fine the department $10,000 for two specific violations. The violations reportedly include a failure to remove the asbestos from a public property and allowing the public to enter into contaminated areas of the headquarters.

In a letter sent to the department, the state reportedly offered three courses of action, which involved either paying the fine, requesting a hearing in order to contest the fines or asking for an informal conference on the matter.

Still, police chief Rusty Smith told the news source that the asbestos had been properly handled and removed as soon as it was discovered.

The carcinogenic substance has been the subject of a number of asbestos lawsuits and mesothelioma settlements due to the fact that exposure to the material can cause a range of serious illnesses.

Two aging Wyoming schools will undergo asbestos removal and demolition

Fri, 15 Jul 2011 00:00:00 -0400

Two vacant, aging schools in Rawlins, Wyoming, have been earmarked for demolition by the Carbon County School District 1 Board of Trustees, according to the Rawlins Daily Times.

The schools, Mountain View and Pershing elementary schools, became vacant when the new Rawlins Elementary School opened in January.

The schools contain asbestos, which will need to be removed and transported from the sites as part of the demolition process. Asbestos exposure is linked to diseases that include lung cancer, mesothelioma and asbestosis, and is the focus of many asbestos settlements and mesothelioma lawsuits that have been filed in recent years.

The newspaper reported that the state-run School Facilities Commission will pay for the demolitions, which is expected to cost a total of $800,000 for both schools.

The school district's business manager Dave Horner told the Times that demolition will not begin until after an August auction of school furnishings and an environmental assessment of the properties take place.

School officials, who have considered whether to renovate the buildings, chose instead to raze the old schools so they can develop the 16 acres that will become available after demolition is completed.

Libby clinic wins $10 million grant to continue vital asbestos screenings

Thu, 14 Jul 2011 00:00:00 -0400

A clinic in Libby, Montana, has been awarded a $10 million federal grant to continue screening individuals who have been exposed to asbestos and may have developed a lung disease as a result.

The Republic newspaper reported that the Center for Asbestos Related Disease (CARD) was awarded the four-year grant from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control.

Miners, their families and others in Libby and the surrounding area experienced prolonged asbestos exposure when a W.R. Grace vermiculite mine released the hazardous mineral and caused contamination of homes, businesses and open land.

The CARD clinic estimates that more than 1,750 from the Libby and Troy, Montana area have been diagnosed with diseases related to asbestos, the newspaper reported. The mineral is linked to diseases that include lung cancer, mesothelioma and asbestosis, and is the focus of many asbestos settlements and mesothelioma lawsuits that have been filed in recent years.

With the additional funding, CARD will be able to screen people within the affected area, as well as conduct screenings throughout the U.S. for those who were exposed to asbestos in Libby but have moved away.

Canadian man fined for ignoring asbestos protocol

Wed, 13 Jul 2011 00:00:00 -0400

A Canadian asbestos worker has been fined $15,000 for failing to adhere to a stop-work order levied by government officials.

According to Daily Commercial News and Construction Record, Marcelo Ponciano was fined $15,000 by the Ontario Court of Justice after refusing to cooperate with Ministry of Labour inspectors. Ponciano, a representative with Asbescan Environmental Company, claimed he was assigned to address potential asbestos concerns during a house renovation project but was asked by inspectors to cease working until a Ministry official took samples of the work site.

The original work stoppage came after a Ministry inspector visited the site and found live electrical wires, debris and poor housekeeping "that could potentially contain asbestos," the news source reported. The day after inspectors advised Ponciano to leave the site, officials said he was working on the project with two other workers.

After they reminded Ponciano he was not allowed to be working on the house, he reached over the barrier to take several samples of the site and instructed his assistants to ignore the inspectors.

Construction workers who do not follow proper safety procedures may be putting themselves and their co-workers at risk for asbestos exposure.

Laborers who believe they may have been exposed to the harmful fibers due to their employer's hastiness may consider contacting an asbestos lawyer.

Ohio firm is fined for not finishing asbestos removal properly on factory site

Tue, 12 Jul 2011 00:00:00 -0400

A Cleveland, Ohio firm was fined $20,700 by the the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency for asbestos violations that date back to the 2008 demolition of a property it owns in the city.

The Sandusky Register reported that the company, Famous Realty, cleared most of the asbestos from the former Apex Manufacturing site properly, but neglected to follow state procedures in asbestos removal within a boiler house on the property. The firm was cited for mishandling the remaining asbestos, as well as for not having trained personnel to oversee its removal and for not notifying state authorities of the situation.

Asbestos fibers that become airborne are a health danger to anyone in the vicinity, and are linked to lung cancer, malignant mesothelioma and asbestosis. That connection to the hazardous mineral has been the focus of many asbestos settlements and mesothelioma lawsuits in recent years.

The city recently agreed to use $45,000 in federal brownfield funding to help the company clean up the 15-acre property for redevelopment. The company is planning to apply for additional brownfield money to complete the cleanup, which could cost as much as $150,000, according to the newspaper.

School officials await court date to determine whether asbestos removal will proceed

Mon, 11 Jul 2011 00:00:00 -0400

School officials in the Armstrong School District in Pennsylvania are awaiting a court date to determine whether a permanent injunction will be allowed to stop an asbestos project in local schools, the Kittanning Leader Times reported.

A temporary injunction has been granted to four newly-elected district directors and three current board members who say the asbestos removal project at three schools will limit their ability to make future repairs at the facilities.

Their claim in Clarion County Court is that the asbestos project is a lame duck plan by school district directors who will be out of office by the end of the year.

Judge James Arner agreed that the abatement project "will have a bearing on decisions the future board will make," the newspaper reported. The temporary injunction is contingent upon payment of a $150,000 bond by the new board members.

The asbestos abatement project had been part of a multi-school renovation plan, but the state Department of Education hasn't decided whether to reimburse the district in bond repayment, which caused outgoing school board members to pursue the asbestos removal project alone.

Asbestos exposure is linked to diseases that include lung cancer, mesothelioma and asbestosis, and is the focus of many asbestos settlements and mesothelioma lawsuits.

Australian developer wants to bury asbestos rather than moving it away

Fri, 08 Jul 2011 00:00:00 -0400

The developer of a residential estate in a New South Wales, Australia, has proposed burying asbestos from the property in a nearby pit rather than trucking it to a containment site elsewhere.

The Macarthur Chronicle reported that the developer, Harrington Estates, has applied to the Camden Council for permission to bury 1,500 cubic meters (nearly 2,000 cubic yards) of asbestos near the development site at Harrington Grove in Camden. Project spokesman Darren Youens called the plan more environmentally sound than moving the material elsewhere.

The containment cell would be located 40 meters (about 44 yards) west of the development and covered with soil. But the asbestos would also be only 270 meters (295 yards) from the Macarthur Anglican School, a factor that has nearby residents up in arms over the proposal.

According to the newspaper, Harrington Park resident Tony Law wrote to council officials that the asbestos is being buried too close to future residences planned in the area. "If children or animals come into the area and dig or play the asbestos could be disturbed," he wrote.

Asbestos exposure is linked to diseases that include lung cancer, mesothelioma and asbestosis, and is the focus of many asbestos settlements and mesothelioma lawsuits that have been filed in recent years.

Spouse of deceased Illinois man seeks $200,000 from railroad company

Thu, 07 Jul 2011 00:00:00 -0400

The widow of an Illinois man who died of lung cancer has accused the Illinois Central Railroad Company of exposing her husband to dangerous levels of asbestos.

According to the St. Clair Record, Katherine Jackson has sued the company and seeks more than $200,000 in reparations. She claims that asbestos exposure led to great pain, disability, mental anguish and nervousness for her husband, Claudy, who died in 2008.

The complaint alleges the Illinois Central Railroad Company was negligent in providing Claudy with a safe place to work. He worked as a fireman for the organization from 1948 to 1951, according to the news source.

Aside from asbestos, Jackson says her husband was exposed to diesel exhaust, environmental tobacco smoke, welding fumes, toxic dusts, gases and silica. She has contracted an asbestos law firm in Belleville, Illinois, to handle her claim.

Exposure to harmful fibers at a work site is a significant - and sometimes fatal - health problem. Many mesothelioma attorneys in the U.S. specialize in lawsuits against companies that subject their employees to hazardous working conditions.

Police station in UK will need second shutdown to remove asbestos

Wed, 06 Jul 2011 00:00:00 -0400

For the second time, a police station in the town of Basingstoke in the UK must close for an extended period of time to remove asbestos from the facility.

The Basingstoke Gazette reported that the station, which had a £3.5 million (nearly $5.6 million) renovation 13 years ago, is expected to shut down for about 14 months when the latest projects begins. Asbestos found in the roof of the facility could cost as much as £1 million (about $1.6 million) to remove.

Asbestos fibers that become airborne are a health danger to anyone in the vicinity, and are linked to lung cancer, malignant mesothelioma and asbestosis. That connection to the hazardous mineral has been the focus of many asbestos settlements and mesothelioma lawsuits in recent years.

Jacqui Rayment, chairman of the Hampshire Police Authority, told the newspaper that asbestos was found in areas of the police station not used by the staff. As a result, the removal is not expected to be done for a couple of years while other projects in the district are addressed.

But city councillors who believed the asbestos was removed during the earlier renovation are distraught over the expense needed to finish the job and the removal of police to another location, the Gazette reported.

Multi-million dollar donation to support mesothelioma research

Tue, 05 Jul 2011 00:00:00 -0400

An anonymous donor has put forth $3.58 million to research a deadly disease associated with asbestos exposure.

According to The Associated Press, the funds will help University of Hawaii Cancer Center officials investigate the causes of mesothelioma. It is the second largest donation in the facility's history.

The contribution will help Dr. Michele Carbone, the center's director, spearhead research projects studying a fiber called erionite, which is an asbestos-like material linked to mesothelioma. In addition, the gift will help experts research new ways to prevent and treat the cancer.

There are up to 3,000 new cases of mesothelioma each year in the U.S., the American Cancer Society estimates. The average five-year survival rate is 5 to 10 percent.

Carbone said certain occupations, specifically miners are vulnerable to asbestos exposure.

"Among people who are very heavily exposed, like asbestos miners, 4.6 percent of those who work in an asbestos mine for many years will develop mesothelioma," Carbone said, as quoted by Hawaii News Now.

Individuals who have been exposed to hazardous materials such as asbestos may benefit from consulting with a mesothelioma law firm that can provide sound legal guidance.

Complaints lobbed at school board for hiring company that botched asbestos job

Fri, 01 Jul 2011 00:00:00 -0400

Iowa City residents are upset that school officials have hired a firm that violated safety procedures when it did an asbestos abatement at City High School two years ago.

The company, Shive-Hattery, has been hired to conduct a lead safety procedure to correct lead paint levels found in a renovated part of Mann Elementary School, according to The Daily Iowan. Parents have complained about the re-hiring of the same company to remove another hazardous material from a school.

The state Department of Natural Resources found the company in violation of safety rules during the previous work at City High. Those violations were a lack of state notification on the project, faulty inspections, lack of trained supervisors on site and not properly sealing containers that held the asbestos.

Asbestos fibers that become airborne are a health danger to anyone in the vicinity, and are linked to lung cancer, malignant mesothelioma and asbestosis. That connection to the hazardous mineral has been the focus of many asbestos settlements and mesothelioma lawsuits in recent years.

At least one school board member, Sarah Swisher - who was not on the board in 2009 - told the newspaper she planned to look more closely at Shive-Hattery's track record.

New website aims to educate public about asbestos exposure

Thu, 30 Jun 2011 00:00:00 -0400

The Workers' Compensation Board of British Columbia (WorkSafeBC) has launched a new website to raise awareness about the deadly repercussions of asbestos exposure.

According to the journal Canadian Safety Reporter, the site is the first of its kind and is part of WorkSafeBC's efforts to alert people about where asbestos is found and how it should be handled. Asbestos-related illnesses exposure are British Columbia's most common occupational diseases, with 143 fatality claims last year.

The website refers to asbestos as the "hidden killer" because the it cannot be seen or smelled.

"This new website is a significant step forward in our efforts to educate and help protect B.C. workers from the dangers of this harmful substance and, hopefully one day, we can eliminate asbestos exposures altogether," said Stephanie Cadieux, the Minister of Labour, Citizens’ Services and Open Government.

Diana Miles, the senior vice president of worker and employer services operations at WorkSafeBC, told the media outlet that the website provides key resources to educate the public about the dangerous fibers.

The website also includes real-life testimonials from workers and families dealing with the fallout from asbestos exposure. Some people diagnosed with mesothelioma have sought legal action and have been awarded lucrative asbestos settlements.

Former production operator sues companies following mesothelioma diagnosis

Thu, 30 Jun 2011 00:00:00 -0400

A West Virginia man diagnosed with mesothelioma earlier this year is blaming 116 companies for failing to warn him about asbestos exposure.

According to the West Virginia Record, Pete Davis recently filed a lawsuit claiming that he should have been informed about health risks during his career as a production operator and mechanic from 1959 to 1996. Davis was diagnosed with mesothelioma on March 3 and filed the complaint on May 19.

Davis and his wife, Doris, have accused the defendants of negligence, conspiracy, misrepresentation and intentional tort, among other charges, the news source reports. The couple is seeking compensatory and punitive damages.

Earlier this week, an asbestos law firm was victorious in a trial against The Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company and Goodyear Canada. The attorneys won $22 million for their clients who were exposed to Goodyear asbestos-containing gaskets between 1969 and 1972.

Eugene McCarthy, one of the clients, was exposed to the harmful fibers while working as a heavy equipment engine mechanic during that time period.

Asbestos removal process begins on row of outdated buildings in Ohio village

Wed, 29 Jun 2011 00:00:00 -0400

County officials have taken the first step toward clearing away a row of older downtown buildings in the village of Prospect, Ohio, which may pave the way for possible redevelopment of the site.

According to the Marion Star, the Marion County Board of Commissioners approved funding for an asbestos inspection to determine the cost and extent of the hazardous mineral within the buildings. A grant of $4,000 from Community Development Block Grant funding will pay for the inspection by Hina Environmental Solutions of Columbus, Ohio.

Asbestos exposure is linked to diseases that include lung cancer, mesothelioma and asbestosis, and is the focus of many asbestos settlements and mesothelioma lawsuits filed in recent years.

"We don't know if this (demolition proposal) is going to go anywhere or not, but it would be awful nice to have an asbestos report on those buildings," Ken Lengieza, the county's regional planning director, told the newspaper. "The state is wanting us to spend some of this program income so we are trying to do something useful with it."

The newspaper reported that village officials have been working since last year with state building inspectors, the village's attorney and property owners to take steps needed to demolish the dilapidated structures.

UK residents frustrated by asbestos pile that hasn't been cleared by authorities

Wed, 29 Jun 2011 00:00:00 -0400

A group of UK residents near the city of Ely are frustrated by piles of asbestos that were dumped in their community and have not been cleared away by their district council.

The Ely Weekly News reported that that asbestos sheeting was illegally dumped more than six months near homes in the village of Sutton Gault near Ely. They told the newspaper the East Cambs District Council and environmental officials haven't determined who is responsible for the cleanup.

However, authorities told the newspaper that the original pile of asbestos was cleared away and the new debris is newly deposited.

Asbestos fibers that become airborne are a health danger to anyone in the vicinity, and are linked to lung cancer, malignant mesothelioma and asbestosis. That connection to the hazardous mineral has been the focus of many asbestos settlements and mesothelioma lawsuits in recent years.

A spokeswoman for the Environmental Agency told the newspaper that the dump site is on the boundary between land owned by the council and the agency. "It's obviously important that the site is cleared and so we’re currently arranging for a licensed contractor to undertake this work for us," she said.

Asbestos discovery made at UK hospital during construction of new cancer unit

Tue, 28 Jun 2011 00:00:00 -0400

A renovation at St. George's Hospital in London has uncovered asbestos in the area where a new cancer screening unit will be located.

According to ThisIsLocalLondon.com, hospital officials say the discovery will not delay the opening of the state-of-the-art breast diagnostic suite in October.

"A small amount of asbestos was identified last week during renovation works to a building that will house a state-of-the-art breast diagnostic unit," a spokesman for the St. George's Healthcare NHS Trust told the news site. "Control measures were immediately put in place, and the material will be safely removed."

Asbestos fibers that become airborne are a health danger to anyone in the vicinity, and are linked to lung cancer, malignant mesothelioma and asbestosis. That connection to the hazardous mineral has been the focus of many asbestos settlements and mesothelioma lawsuits in recent years.

The new unit will use technology that allows more women to be screened and speeds up access to further tests that may be warranted. A one-stop diagnostic clinic in which tests can be done during a patient's first appointment also will be provided.

Developer to spend at least three years in jail for breaking asbestos rules

Mon, 27 Jun 2011 00:00:00 -0400

An Iowa developer was sentenced to 41 months in federal prison on June 22 for conspiring to ignore asbestos regulations during a renovation project in downtown Des Moines.

Bob Knapp pleaded guilty in March to two charges of intentionally evading federal asbestos removal policies while leading a construction project at the landmark Equitable Building from 2005 to 2008. According to the Des Moines Register, Knapp will serve about 35 months behind bars if he behaves well in custody.

Paul Wilson, a longtime Equitable Building engineer, served as a key witness, testifying that Knapp paid him to work overtime to remove pipe coverings and hide them in a dumpster. Wilson said he, Knapp and Russ Coco referred to asbestos as "the product."

They believed that uttering the word "asbestos" in public could have caused tenants in the building to start asking questions about the presence of the harmful fibers, Wilson testified.

"All I can say is I’m sorry," Knapp said during the hearing, as quoted by the media outlet. "I’m a very sympathetic man, and I try to be good to everybody. What happened was stupid, and I’m very sorry."

Asbestos exposure is the primary cause of mesothelioma. Individuals who are diagnosed with this disease may want to hire an asbestos attorney to obtain legal advice for a potential lawsuit.

Race that raises mesothelioma awareness increases prize winnings

Mon, 27 Jun 2011 00:00:00 -0400

An annual running event that raises awareness for mesothelioma, an asbestos-linked form of cancer, is offering $6,200 in prize money this year.

The 5K race and an associated 2K walk in Alton, Illinois, will take place on September 24 for the third time. Proceeds from the event benefit the Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation.

"The amount of prize money offered through the 2011 Miles for Meso Race and Walk is truly significant for a 5K race," said Mike Wever, president of the Metro Tri Club and race director for event. "Awards will go to the top five runners in the male and female categories instead of three."

For this year's race, first place male and female winnings will increase to $1,500, second place to $750 and third place to $500. Race organizers have extended the number of places eligible for winnings to include a $250 prize for fourth place and $100 for those who are in fifth place.

The event winds through Alton's historic areas and along the Illinois River.

Asbestos exposure is linked to diseases that include lung cancer, mesothelioma and asbestosis, and is the focus of many asbestos settlements and mesothelioma lawsuits that have been filed in recent years.

More than 100 companies sued in asbestos grievance

Fri, 24 Jun 2011 00:00:00 -0400

A Pennsylvania couple is suing 103 companies they claim failed to provide warnings about asbestos-containing products.

According to the West Virginia Record, Jeffrey Pandocchi was diagnosed with asbestosis in 2009. He has since hired an asbestos lawyer and filed a dispute accusing the defendants of exposing him to the dangerous fibers during his time of employment.

In addition, Pandocchi alleges the 103 companies failed to recommend methods to improve his work environment or develop alternative products that did not contain asbestos, the media outlet reports.

The defendants "continued to use a known cancer-causing product," the suit says. Pandocchi and his wife, Kathryn, are seeking compensatory and punitive damages.

Asbestosis is an respiratory disease caused by long-term asbestos exposure, typically in an occupational setting. The severity of the condition depends on how long an individual is exposed to the fibers.

In some cases, symptoms of asbestosis do not emerge until 20 years or more after a person's exposure to the harmful substance.

Re-opening of New South Wales transfer stations delayed by new asbestos findings

Fri, 24 Jun 2011 00:00:00 -0400

Illegal dumping of asbestos at four transfer stations in New South Wales, Australia, is delaying the re-opening of four contaminated dumps.

According to the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC), the transfer stations in the communities of Home Rule, Ilford, Lue and Windeyer were closed more than a month ago when asbestos was first discovered there.

Now, the Midwestern Regional Council has found additional asbestos dumped at Home Rule this week. The Midwestern Regional Council is in the process of training staff to clean up the sites, but the latest discovery will slow their progress.

"That process is pretty much complete now so we're able to commence cleaning up the smaller dumps but the sites will remain closed," council spokesman Julian Geddes told the ABC. "They're probably several weeks away from being cleaned up just due to the level of asbestos among the other rubbish that's there."

Asbestos exposure is linked to diseases that include lung cancer, mesothelioma and asbestosis, and is the focus of many asbestos settlements and mesothelioma lawsuits that have been filed in recent years.

Geddes said the staff training will provide licensing for council workers to properly handle and dispose of asbestos.

Asbestos scattered over train tracks at major Australian railway stop

Thu, 23 Jun 2011 00:00:00 -0400

A recent repair job at an historic railroad station in Melbourne, Australia disturbed asbestos and left some on a section of a track platform, according to The Age.

The platform, which is not used by the public, was contaminated when asbestos was released during a shed roofing removal at the western end of the Flinders Street station's platform one.

The station is the central railway stop and a landmark within the Metro Rail Network of Melbourne.

The newspaper reported that "significant amounts" of asbestos were scattered over the tracks during the roofing project. Asbestos fibers that become airborne are a health danger to anyone in the vicinity, and are linked to lung cancer, malignant mesothelioma and asbestosis. That connection to the hazardous mineral has been the focus of many asbestos settlements and mesothelioma lawsuits in recent years.

The Metro has warned its personnel not to leave trains and walk on the tracks in the event of a breakdown at this location. The railway line has hired an asbestos consultant to determine investigate the level of contamination.

Although employees have expressed concerns about moving trains stirring up the hazardous mineral, the workplace safety agency WorkSafe told the newspaper that the Metro's plan to remove the soil is an acceptable solution.

Asbestos-linked deaths in Asia could rise greatly in coming decades

Thu, 23 Jun 2011 00:00:00 -0400

Residents in Asian countries could be hard-hit by asbestos-related illnesses in coming decades based on the large amount of the hazardous minerals used in that region of the world, according to a study published in Respirology.

The journal, which is the publication of the Asian Pacific Society of Respirology, predicts that such diseases will dramatically increase in the next 20 years. Right now, only 13 percent of asbestos deaths occur in Asia, according to data from the World Health Organization.

But the region currently accounts for 64 percent of the world's asbestos use, and diseases such as mesothelioma often takes several decades to develop in individuals who have experienced prolonged asbestos exposure. The connection of asbestos to diseases that include lung cancer, mesothelioma and asbestosis is the focus of many asbestos settlements and mesothelioma lawsuits that have been filed in recent years.

Asbestos imported from Russia and Canada is used extensively in India, China and other Asian countries for roofing, cement and other building uses. Many of the these countries have not recorded asbestos data so actual death rates related to the substance are likely higher than has been reported.

NFL legend's estate vindicates NBC in mesothelioma lawsuit

Wed, 22 Jun 2011 00:00:00 -0400

The mesothelioma law firm representing the late Merlin Olsen has dropped its lawsuit against NBC.

The team of lawyers, on behalf of Olsen's surviving family, discovered that certain products and not the television network were to blame for the former NFL star's death in March 2010. A lifetime exposure to asbestos-containing products, such as construction materials and heavy equipment parts, was the cause of his cancer.

The team's year-long research found that NBC, Olsen's employer for more than nine football seasons, was not responsible. However, the asbestos attorneys claim several companies - some which are household names - employed Olsen and others knowing they would be exposed to the deadly fibers.

In 2009, Olsen launched his legal attack against NBC Studios, NBC Universal and 20th Century Fox.

“Merlin’s instructions were simple: make a difference for other asbestos victims with this lawsuit," said Olsen's mesothelioma lawyer.

Olsen is a member of the College and Pro Football Halls of Game and is considered one of the greatest NFL players of all time. His television career commenced after his NFL retirement, providing color commentary for the NFL on NBC and appearing as a cast member on the hit show Little House on the Prairie.

School district launches asbestos abatement project

Wed, 22 Jun 2011 00:00:00 -0400

The St. Louis Park school district in Minnesota recently began replacing asbestos-containing floor tiles in all of its facilities.

According to the St. Louis Park Patch, the project is in response to a discovery of asbestos in February. Classes at the district high school were canceled, and the school board quickly outlined a "very aggressive schedule" to fix the problem.

Bob Laney, the district assistant superintendent, told the school board that every vinyl-asbestos tile in every school building would be replaced by the fall, according to the media outlet. The project will be paid for by money set aside in the budget for new flooring.

Laney added that each facility will be tested for asbestos before the academic year begins.

There are three recognized types of mesothelioma, all of which are caused by asbestos exposure. Pleural mesothelioma is the most common and affects the lining of the lung and chest wall, while peritoneal mesothelioma occurs in the lining of the abdominal cavity.

Peridial mesothelioma is the least common form of the disease and it harms the lining of the abdominal cavity.

Individuals who acquire lung cancer due to asbestos exposure can seek legal action by first contacting a mesothelioma law firm.

Texas police station 'beyond repair' and has widespread asbestos

Tue, 21 Jun 2011 00:00:00 -0400

An outdated police station with contaminants that include mold and asbestos is forcing Lubbock, Texas officials to consider locations for a new facility.

According to KCBD-TV, the NBC affiliate in Lubbock, the 50-year-old building is "beyond repair," and would require not only a major renovation but costly asbestos removal to bring the station up to modern conditions.

Asbestos exposure is linked to diseases that include lung cancer, mesothelioma and asbestosis, and is the focus of many asbestos settlements and mesothelioma lawsuits that have been filed in recent years.

The news station reported that police chief Roger Ellis detailed the station's structural problems before the City Council recently, and talked of electrical problems, backed-up sewage, outdated plumbing and extensive asbestos in most areas. A carbon monoxide leak was also reported at the building last year.

"There can be a problem with parking on a busy day or a busy evening when a lot of guys are coming in trying to unload prisoners," sergeant Jonathan Stewart told KCBD.

The council is expected to vote later this week on a proposal to hire a contractor to review repair work needed at the police station as well as identify potential locations for a new facility.

UK pottery worker who used asbestos-containing rope died of mesothelioma

Tue, 21 Jun 2011 00:00:00 -0400

An elderly man who had worked for 37 years in a UK pottery firm where he was required to use asbestos-containing rope has died from a cancer related to the hazardous mineral.

The Sentinel in Staffordshire reported that 87-year-old George Harrison of Hanley, worked for Johnson's Pottery as a kiln worker from 1950 to 1987. Harrison complained of chest pains earlier this year and later was diagnosed with malignant mesothelioma, a rare form of cancer that is linked to asbestos exposure.

"He told the doctor he had used asbestos rope in the kilns and kept it in a storeroom where it was cut," Harrison's daughter, Christine Harriman told the newspaper. "That was the first we had heard of it. They also used to put asbestos suits on when the kiln crashed."

Asbestos exposure is linked to diseases that include lung cancer, mesothelioma and asbestosis, and is the focus of many asbestos settlements and mesothelioma lawsuits that have been filed in recent years.

Harrison died on May 15. North Staffordshire coroner Ian Smith, at an inquest into the death, recorded a verdict of death caused by an industrial disease, the Sentinel reported. Smith described Harrison's tumor as a "sheet over the lung" that could not be cured.

Asbestos in the debris left by a fire that destroyed a UK farm workshop

Tue, 21 Jun 2011 00:00:00 -0400

West Sussex emergency personnel in the UK are grappling with the remains of a burned-out farm workshop that contained propane cylinders and asbestos.

The British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) reported that a fire that destroyed the structure in Plaistow earlier this week required three fire crews from nearby Billingshurst, Petworth and Haslemere to contain it.

While the building was considered a total loss, there were added concerns about asbestos dust that is within the remains of the structure. West Sussex Assistant Divisional Commander Steve Clack told the BBC, "The burning materials from the building included some asbestos cement sheeting."

Asbestos fibers that become airborne are a health danger to anyone in the vicinity, and are linked to lung cancer, malignant mesothelioma and asbestosis. That connection to the hazardous mineral has been the focus of many asbestos settlements and mesothelioma lawsuits in recent years.

In addition, two propane cylinders were removed from the single-story building during the fire. The cause of the fire has been determined by the West Sussex Fire and Rescue Service to be accidental, a department spokesman said.

Drug that blocks cancer-causing protein is focus of ongoing study

Tue, 21 Jun 2011 00:00:00 -0400

A clinical trial sponsored by the National Cancer Institute is testing an experimental drug they hope will stop the growth of cancer cells in patients with mesothelioma.

The study, which is being conducted at the National Institutes of Health Clinical Center in Bethesda, Maryland, is in its second phase. Ongoing enrollment for the study is 55 men and women who have undergone standard chemotherapy that has not been effective in stopping their disease.

The drug, an antibody called IMC-A12, is designed to block the protein Type I insulin-like growth factor (IGF-1R), which helps cancer cells grow and divide, according to ClinicalTrials.gov, a website of the National Institutes of Health.

Patients with either pleural mesothelioma, a cancer of the lung lining, or peritoneal mesothelioma, which attacks the abdominal cavity, are eligible for the study. The diseases are linked to asbestos exposure, which has been the focus of many mesothelioma lawsuits in recent years.

The lead researcher for the trial is Dr. Raffit Hassan, the head of NCI's solid tumor immunotherapy section. The study, which will measure drug safety, patient response and survival rates, is expected to be completed by April 2012.

New school officials try to halt asbestos removal at Pennsylvania schools

Tue, 21 Jun 2011 00:00:00 -0400

New school officials in the Armstrong School District in Pennsylvania have taken legal action to stop asbestos removal projects at three local schools because they believe the work will limit future repairs at the facilities.

According to the Kittanning Paper, the four newly-elected district directors, along with three current board members, consider the projects a lame duck plan by school district directors who will be out of office by the end of the year.

In seeking an injunction to halt the work, they say there is no related plan to renovate the buildings once the asbestos removal is completed at Kittanning and Ford City high schools and at the Elderton School complex.

The newspaper reported that the asbestos removal project was initially planned as part of a coordinated abatement and renovation at the schools. But the state's Department of Education's delay in deciding whether to reimburse some district costs caused the current school board to proceed only with the asbestos project.

Asbestos exposure is linked to diseases that include lung cancer, mesothelioma and asbestosis, and its removal frequently precedes renovations so that fibers of the hazardous mineral will not become a health hazard to those in the vicinity.

Officials delay building purchase until asbestos removal cost is known

Mon, 20 Jun 2011 00:00:00 -0400

Officials in Panama City, Florida, have delayed a decision to buy the local Elks Lodge until an asbestos study on the property is completed, according to the News Herald.

Once the study is done, city commissioners can decide whether the cost of removing the hazardous mineral and demolishing the former meeting space is within their budget.

Although the building has some historical value - it was built in 1914 and housed the city's first chamber of commerce - it is now considered to be in hazardous condition. The city wants to buy the property as part of an accumulation of land near the shoreline to include in the downtown marina revitalization project.

City Manager Ken Hammons told the newspaper that the commissioners should not buy the site for a proposed $290,000 until they know how much asbestos removal will cost. The demolition alone is estimated at $17,000.

Asbestos removal generally precedes demolition because fibers that become airborne are a health danger to anyone in the vicinity. Asbestos is linked to lung cancer, malignant mesothelioma and asbestosis and has been the focus of many asbestos settlements and mesothelioma lawsuits.

Tornado-ravaged areas on alert over asbestos threats

Mon, 20 Jun 2011 00:00:00 -0400

Wild weather in central Massachusetts has raised concerns about potential asbestos exposure to local residents.

On June 1, two tornadoes struck areas of the Bay State and destroyed hundreds of homes. As a result, the U.S. Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) said that asbestos could be detected in some ravaged neighborhoods, the Worcester Telegram and Gazette reports.

"Demolition debris in those hardest-hit neighborhoods, where homes were heavily damaged or demolished, asbestos or asbestos byproducts could be found in specific areas," Edmund Coletta Jr., the acting director of public affairs for the DEP, told the media outlet.

The federal agency has waived the 10-day rule for obtaining an asbestos removal sticker and has started wetting down demolition debris and identifying locations where asbestos is likely to be found, according to the news provider.

Two months ago, the DEP warned cleanup crews and residents in Missouri about asbestos exposure after two tornadoes swept through the St. Louis metro area. News provider KMOV reported that if materials containing asbestos become crushed by severe storms, microscopic fibers can become airborne.

Individuals who are sick because of asbestos may want to contact a mesothelioma law firm to seek legal advice.

Illinois contractor charged with improper asbestos handling and removal

Mon, 20 Jun 2011 00:00:00 -0400

The contractor for a Yorkville, Illinois roof project was cited by the state Environmental Protection Agency (IEPA) for improper handling and removal of asbestos during the repair work.

According to the Aurora Beacon-News, the contractor Advanced Roofing was found to have transported asbestos roof shingles from the historic Chapel on the Green in open wheelbarrows and dumped them in unlined trash bins.

Asbestos exposure is linked to diseases that include lung cancer, mesothelioma and asbestosis, and is the focus of many asbestos settlements and mesothelioma lawsuits that have been filed in recent years.

"There were pieces more or less tossed on the ground that were walked on or driven over, releasing the asbestos fibers, which is where the danger is," IEPA spokeswoman Maggie Carson told the newspaper. "Asbestos has to be handled in certain ways."

Carson said the case was referred to the Illinois attorney general's office, which is likely to levy penalties against the contractor.

The chapel is used as a local museum, as well as a meeting place for a Boy Scout troupe, community events and receptions such as weddings.

Road project delayed by asbestos slated for completion

Fri, 17 Jun 2011 00:00:00 -0400

Asbestos exposure can cause a deadly form of cancer. It also can create quite a traffic jam, apparently.

A revamped overpass road in Lee County, Florida, will open this week, a year after asbestos concerns shut down the construction project for several months, according to the News-Press in Fort Myers.

In 2007, Posen Construction was hired to build the $25.2 million interchange and Summerlin Road widening, in an effort to alleviate traffic caused by the 30,000 cars passing through the intersection daily. However, engineers found asbestos in dirt used in the project, prompting a thorough cleanup at the site.

Local residents are eager for the overpass to finally open.

“It should ease things considerably," Bob Lanham, of Whiskey Creek, told the media outlet. "Traffic has always backed up pretty bad there, and even more so since the construction has been going on. We're all looking forward to this."

Meanwhile, construction crews in Maine are expected to create some traffic in Fort Kent this summer during bridge and road projects, the Bangor Daily News reports. Workers are currently removing asbestos from the local Masonic Lodge, which will be demolished to make way for the bridge.

Tennessee parents miffed about lack of notice on building demolitions

Fri, 17 Jun 2011 00:00:00 -0400

Demolition projects scheduled for earlier this week put a scare into some parents who were concerned about potential asbestos exposure at a nearby preschool.

According to the Knoxville News Sentinel, the demolition of two apartment complexes was scheduled to start earlier this week to make room for new recreational fields for the University of Tennessee. Both facilities are reported to contain asbestos in their piping and floor tiles.

Parents of children attending the nearby UT Early Learning Center claim they were blindsided by news of the construction project, saying that the demolitions could create safety hazards for their kids.

As a result, the demolitions have been pushed back to at least mid-July when the preschool will be relocated to a new facility, according to the news provider.

Emily Cope, whose son attends the preschool, was shocked that it took until the week of the scheduled demolition to find out about it.

"We couldn't really ask questions about risks or the consequences," Cope told the media outlet. "I don't know what risks there are, but even scant amounts of dust would be a risk for kids playing outside."

Significant asbestos exposure will increase the risk of lung cancer, mesothelioma and other lung disorders, reports the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry.

New Medicare assistance available to asbestos victims in Libby, Montana

Fri, 17 Jun 2011 00:00:00 -0400

A new Medicare pilot program will provide healthcare assistance to Libby, Montana area residents affected by asbestos-related diseases starting July 1.

KPAX-TV, the CBS affiliate in Missoula, Montana, reported that about 1,500 people who use the Center for Asbestos Related Diseases (CARD) Clinic in Libby will qualify for the long-term care that is not normally covered by Medicare.

Libby and Troy, Montana, are the locale of the EPA's first public health emergency, stemming from asbestos contamination at the W.R. Grace-owned mine in Libby. Asbestos exposure there, linked to diseases such as mesothelioma and lung cancer, has been blamed for about 400 deaths and countless illnesses in area miners and their families.

The new Medicare Pilot Program is designed for those who have developed medical conditions related to the airborne pollutants from the vermiculite mine that operated from the 1920s to 1990s.

"For the past 10 years the asbestos community has gone from grant to grant to grant, always looking for the next pot of money to continue care," CARD administrative director Tanis Hernandez told the news station. "It was amazing really that [Montana's U.S.] Senator Max Baucus could secure legislation that would give us a long-term solution."

Major renovation at Georgia air terminal includes asbestos removal

Fri, 17 Jun 2011 00:00:00 -0400

A major renovation and expansion of Daniel Field airport in Georgia is under way, including removal of abestos from the 60-year-old terminal, according to the Augusta Chronicle.

The airfield is often used by arrivals to the PGA Masters Golf Tournament because of its proximity to Augusta National Golf Course.

The project, expected to be finished by November, entails the removal of asbestos, adding an elevator in place of the current spiral staircase, new floors, expanded space with two balconies and a lounge area for pilots.

The airport brings in several hundred thousand dollars in taxes each year to the city and employs about 50 people.

"Airports are a major gateway to any city," Becky Shealy of Augusta Aviation told the newspaper. "When people get off the aircraft, what they see is their first impression of the city, and it's a lasting impression."

The removal of asbestos is often needed in older properties where the hazardous mineral was used in ceiling and floor tiles, insulation and other buildings materials. Asbestos exposure is linked to diseases that include lung cancer, mesothelioma and asbestosis, and is the focus of many asbestos settlements and mesothelioma lawsuits.

Asbestos-filled walls halt plans for school health clinic

Thu, 16 Jun 2011 00:00:00 -0400

The remodeling of an Oklahoma high school may include a health clinic, but the threat of student and staff asbestos exposure may derail those plans.

According to the Oklahoman, the Emerson Alternative High School is in the midst of a $4.4 million makeover. Supporters of the project are advocating for the creation of a health clinic, but officials are wary that there may not be a suitable location for one.

The best location to build a clinic is in the old boiler room in the school's basement, the news source provided. However, the room's walls are stuffed with asbestos.

Eric Wenger, program manager for the remodeling project, told the media outlet that removing asbestos is an expensive undertaking. Furthermore, he said that the materials are in a stable, protected state, meaning that asbestos posed no immediate threat to students.

"You ought to be getting rid of the asbestos anyway because it's the right thing to do when you have all these young lives in your hands," Dr. Lauranne Harris, an obstetrician, told the news source.

Asbestos exposure is the leading cause of the deadly disease mesothelioma. Individuals who contract this illness often pursue legal action through asbestos lawyers.

South Korea schools littered with asbestos

Thu, 16 Jun 2011 00:00:00 -0400

Asbestos exists in approximately 96 percent of all school buildings in South Korea, a new report suggests.

According to South Korea's news agency Yonhop, the Gyeonggi Provincial Office of Education examined 100 schools in six major cities and provinces across the Asian nation. Experts detected asbestos, which is a cancer-causing construction material, in 96 of them.

Education officials said that it would cost 5.4 trillion won, or $4.9 billion, to dismantle and rebuild the contaminated facilities.

According to Bernama, Malaysia's national news agency, the report indicated that asbestos was most commonly found in buildings constructed within the previous two decades. A total of 82.5 percent of the schools built between 1990 and 2000 were found to have asbestos, while five of the eight built since 2000 contained the harmful material, despite the fact that South Korea banned the use of asbestos in new construction projects in the late 1990s.

Parents who are concerned that their children's school may be contaminated with asbestos may want to contact an asbestos law firm to pursue legal action against the local district.

Minneapolis federal building regains tenants after asbestos removal and renovation

Wed, 15 Jun 2011 00:00:00 -0400

After asbestos removal and a renovation, the old Federal Building in downtown Minneapolis, Minnesota, has begun housing new tenants after sitting nearly vacant for many years.

According to the Minneapolis Star-Tribune, the Military Entrance Processing Station (MEPS) for Minnesota recently returned to the building, which began as a U.S. post office when it opened in 1915. MEPS was one of several federal agencies, including the Internal Revenue Service, that were subsequently housed there.

For the past two years, the Minneapolis Passport Agency was the only tenant. In May, MEPS moved in and the National Labor Relations Board may join the tenant roster by 2013, the newspaper reported.

Nearly $2 million in federal stimulus money was used to renovate the building, which included a new ventilation system and asbestos removal. Asbestos exposure is linked to diseases that include lung cancer, mesothelioma and asbestosis, and is the focus of many asbestos settlements and mesothelioma lawsuits.

The building is now listed on the National Register of Historic Places, and features a mosaic tile floor, marble wall panels and a vaulted ceiling in its entry way.