After asbestos was linked to the development of malignant mesothelioma, its use diminished dramatically. But legacy asbestos used decades ago continues to pose a threat. Despite stringent regulations for handling asbestos, negligence continues to place people at risk. This week Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul took legal action against the owners and operators of a local hospital and its demolition subcontractors following violations of those regulations.
Hospital and Subcontractors’ Actions Give Rise to Mesothelioma Concerns
According to the suit filed by the Illinois Attorney General’s office, the owners and operators of Lake Behavioral Hospital in Waukegan, Illinois, and its subcontractors improperly handled and removed asbestos-contaminated materials, putting employees and the general public at risk of malignant mesothelioma and other asbestos-related diseases. The violations occurred during a demolition project.
According to the lawsuit, the owners and operators of the hospital and its contractors “jeopardized public health” by exposing people to asbestos fibers and dust, which when inhaled can lead to malignant mesothelioma, asbestos-related lung cancer, asbestosis, and other serious illnesses. Speaking of the violations and what is expected of the defendants, Raoul said, “The asbestos must be remediated, and I am committed to ensuring that the defendants are held accountable for creating this hazard and for preventing any further harm to the public’s health and the environment.”
OSHA Says Subcontractor Exposed Employees to Serious Dangers of Asbestos
The legal action follows a federal investigation that found dozens of violations resulting in “serious dangers” from asbestos exposure; the U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) announced that one subcontractor, K.L.F. Enterprises, knew that it was exposing its employees and others to the risk of mesothelioma.
The lawsuit cites a failure to properly inspect the building for asbestos before beginning demolition, failure to properly dispose of materials containing asbestos, failure to provide the required notice, and the handling of asbestos-containing materials with trained on-site asbestos abatement professionals present. All work has stopped until the matter is resolved.
The risk for asbestos exposure is as real today as it was decades ago when asbestos was still in use. If you or someone you love has been sickened by another’s negligent handling of asbestos, the Patient Advocates at Mesothelioma.net are here to help. Contact us today at 1-800-692-8608 to learn more.
