Developers Create Asbestos Cloud
Article Added December 1st, 2006 - Print This Story - Bookmark This Story
Naturally occurring asbestos in California was a problem for two developers in Sacramento. The hazardous material ended up costing the two companies more than $350,000 in fines over mishandling and public endangerment.
The subdivisions in the El Dorado Hills outside Sacramento were anticipated as the area around it grew with more families. The anticipation was marred, however, after charges were brought against two of the developers on the project due to asbestos violations. It was discovered that as the rocky ground was blasted to make way for the new homes, the developers were releasing a large dust cloud of asbestos particles into the air. The developers were fined $350,000 for nearly 50 violations of air and water pollution regulations.
Asbestos occurs in nature on almost every continent. In the late 1970’s, mining asbestos in the United States became illegal after the health risks of asbestos were made known. Usually a harmless material, asbestos becomes dangerous if it is disturbed; blasting and drilling at the project site created plumes of asbestos dust, which floated into neighboring areas. Exposure to asbestos particles can lead to many different types of respiratory illnesses, including mesothelioma. A form of lung cancer, mesothelioma can be directly tied to breathing in asbestos fibers.
Article Added December 1st, 2006 - Print This Story - Bookmark This Story
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