Representatives from the City of Detroit, Michigan, meant well, but nearly put lives in danger recently with plans to demolish around 3,000 dilapidated homes and other buildings in a blighted area. The project, whose ultimate goal was to remove 10,000 dangerous abandoned buildings over the next four years and eliminate risks like collapse, fire and disease, was featured in the local newspaper, the Detroit Free Press. As it turned out, someone from the state Department of Natural Resources and Environment was reading, and the story raised a red flag.
After a quick investigation, DNRE spokesman Robert McCann told the Free Press the agency discovered the City had not completed required asbestos inspections on the properties scheduled for demolition. The City also had not notified the state – which is required by law – of the planned demolition. The planned project was halted April 5, and City officials met with DNRE representatives to learn what they should do.
According to the Free Press, representatives from the City said they were unaware they were violating any federal regulations, and said the City has not had a history of inspecting buildings for the presence of asbestos before demolition under past administrations. The current Mayor is Dave Bing.
Some demolition occurred before DNRE officials were able to call a halt; however, subsequent asbestos testing did not find any asbestos present. The project is under the direction of the City’s Buildings and Safety Engineering Department. The houses planned for demolition are located in southwest Detroit. The City still plans to demolish 3,000 structures by the end of this year, and 10,000 structures during the next four years.
Federal regulations require that businesses or individuals planning demolition first test the structure for the presence of asbestos, remove any asbestos that is found using approved abatement procedures to ensure the safety of workers and the public, and provide a 10-day notice to the DNRE before beginning demolition. Violations could incur fines of up to $27,500 per day, and jail time. It was not noted in the Free Press story if the City is in danger of being prosecuted for its violations.
However, public interest in the story did raise awareness about the dangers of asbestos exposure, which can result in mesothelioma, a deadly cancer that affects the lining of the chest and lungs, the lining of the abdomen, or the lining of the heart. As a result of reader interest, the newspaper published a helpful Q&A about asbestos exposure the following day.
The Associated Press reported last week that the family of famed football and television star Merlin Olsen had settled the lawsuit it had filed against several asbestos companies. The family was seeking to hold 10 companies responsible for asbestos exposure that they say caused Mr. Olsen to contract mesothelioma, from which he died in March 2010 at age 69. The lawsuit alleged Mr. Olsen was exposed to asbestos in his youth, when working on construction sites. Mesothelioma is a deadly form of cancer that usually affects the lining of the lungs and/or the abdomen. It typically takes mesothelioma a long time to develop after exposure. (more…)
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The strange thing is that even the romans knew about the dangers of asbestos, so it beats me how these companies can claim they didnt know about the dangers! Such a little thing to provide safety masks!
That is so true! Thanks for pointing that out. I think often people don’t realize just how long manufacturers and industry have known about the dangers of asbestos. It is hard to believe an employer would not do everything it could to protect its workers, but sadly all too often that is the case. Profits over people. Thank you for your comment!
We understand that filing an asbestos lawsuit is not a simple process, even under the best of conditions. While no amount of compensation can buy you a medical miracle, a mesothelioma lawsuit can help you afford the mesothelioma treatments you need and eliminate the worry that medical costs are draining your family budget.
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History asbestosAsbestos story is similar to othermaterials that were once considered miracles ofscience, then they become public enemy numberan extremely harmful effects because they haveon human health and the environment. With one, butbig difference. Unlike other materialstoday, asbestos is not a product of technologymodern. The use and recognitiondanger they pose to healthpeople are lost in history, the first writings on thisdating to the 1st century AD themeThe word “asbestos” in Greek means indestructible,sustainably. Name of chrysotile, one of the formscomunde asbestos is derived from the Greekchrzsos (gold) and Tilos (fiber), fiber gold.The Roman Empire asbestos was used widelyaccording to documents found. There is evidence thatThis material was used in Scandinavia since3000 BC, particularly in achieving pots.The first asbestos quarry in the world was discovered onGreek island of Evia.In Greece and ancient Rome, of asbestos were infireproof fabrics primarily used in construction,as well as clothing for women.Roman restaurants used tablecloths that were notwashed after use. They were thrown into the fire, leftthere a few minutes and then were shaken and were put back ontable for the next customer. The Romans also usedasbestos in building materials. History PlinyElder went so far claimed thatasbestos “confers protection against all spells,even those made by magic. “Persians imported asbestos in India. They were convinced thatAsbestos is a small hair animal feedsfire and is killed when it is sprayed with water.The Greeks recognized since antiquity that this materialis extremely dangerous, noting that destroyedlungs of slaves.In medieval times, asbestos was used forarmor coating. At that time, traderssold asbestos crosses, saying they are made ofwood of the cross on which Jesus was crucified.Evidence wasthat could not be destroyed by fire!Near the end of the 19th century, usingAsbestos became more widespread as a result ofthe industrial revolution. Asbestos was used inmanufacture of more than 3000 products, includingtextile, building materials, insulation and gasketsthe brake. Its use continued to grow through the years1970. At that time, evidence that asbestos is ahealth hazard could not be denied,its use has fallen sharply in decline.
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Merlin Olsen was represented by the law firm of Baron & Budd – here is their website:
http://www.mesotheliomanews.com/
This firm has represented a number of celebrities.
Merlin Olsen was represented by the law firm of Baron & Budd – here is their website:
http://www.mesotheliomanews.com/
This firm has represented a number of celebrities.
This is a very informative blog on this very serious problem.
nice disscussion very interesting
An exposure such as this would be no more dangerous than smoking a single cigarette and, as with fags, Its continued exposure to asbestos which is hazardous to health. If your neighbour has removed this material without using the correct procedure their property is likely to be contaminated and you should advise them to get an air test carried out.
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