Mesothelioma Law Firm Applauds EPA Statement: There is No Safe Level of Exposure to Asbestos
(PRWEB) December 21, 2011
Mesothelioma attorneys Clapper Patti Schweizer & Mason represent clients every day who are suffering from asbestos cancer and diseases after being exposed to the toxic mineral. With the recent controversy in Canada whether its safe to re-open asbestos mining and continue exporting to other nations, the statement that “there is no safe level of exposure to asbestos” by Inspector General Elkins of the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is more than welcomed by those of us who watch as thousands die due to an exposure that could so easily be prevented.
The recent statement comes after discovery that the EPA actually allowed unsafe handling of asbestos by their own employees and contract workers during tests in Texas and Arkansas in 2006 and 2007 and more recently in Washington and possibly Kentucky during demolition of buildings known to contain the carcinogen.
Inspector General Elkins states in an Early Warning Report released last week: “…settled dust results obtained from testing during AACM demolition experiments at Fort Chaffee, Arkansas, and Fort Worth, Texas, demonstrated asbestos fiber releases. Video footage and photos show government employees and contractors at the demolition sites without personal protective equipment, a possible violation of OSHA asbestos worker protection requirements. Because settled dust results indicate that asbestos escaped the restricted areas, unprotected workers adjacent to the restricted areas and any members of the public in the vicinity of the sites may have been exposed. EPA should identify the workers that were present, and notify them according to OSHA regulations. Further, EPA should notify the surrounding public of potential asbestos exposure during these AACM experiments.”
Elkins further states all government agencies should immediately stop any further use of the unapproved method of asbestos removal during demolition of contaminated buildings at any other sites that were considering using the alternative.
Regulations regarding the removal of asbestos containing materials were initially created in the Asbestos NESHAP rule in 1973.
