Vandals Get Asbestos Warning
Article Added April 6th, 2006 - Print This Story - Bookmark This Story
A couple of vandals who broke into a couple of Teeside abandoned houses have been warned about more than the law; they have been told they may have exposed themselves to asbestos.
The nine houses in Burnmoor Close are part of a multi-million pound regeneration plan by Coast and County Housing, and are slated to be demolished. The vandals disturbed roof and insulation materials after forcing their way in, a situation that may have stirred deadly asbestos fibers. Authorities have warned those involved that they should dispose of the clothes they wore while breaking in and that they should contact a special helpline for medical advice. Though the issue was raised after the vandals trespassed, the main concern now is the safety of those involved.
Exposure to the asbestos dust, especially after disturbing the materials the vandals were surrounded with, can lead to serious respiratory problems, including emphysema and mesothelioma, a deadly form of lung cancer. The first step for those exposed is to shower with soap and hot water, and to seal and dispose of the clothes warn while exposed. Authorities have said that is the vandals come forward with the tainted clothing, and for medical attention, they will not be prosecuted as a measure to reduce the risk of exposure to others.
Article Added April 6th, 2006 - Print This Story - Bookmark This Story
- Jeffrey Simon, Founding Partner
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