Last week, advocacy group Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization (ADAO) filed a federal lawsuit seeking records about asbestos inspection and removal during the October 2025 White House East Wing demolition. High on the group’s list of concerns is the potential mesothelioma risk that legacy asbestos in the building posed to workers and the public.
Demolition Rules Prevent Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma and other serious diseases are caused by exposure to asbestos, and account for more than one million deaths over the past two decades. Though most Americans believe that the reduction in asbestos use has eliminated the risk, the existence of the toxic material in structures built before the 1980s poses real danger unless proper steps are taken. This has led to the passage of numerous laws and regulations, many of which include transparency about asbestos handling during demolition projects.
The Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization is dedicated to using education and technology to empower individuals and communities to prevent asbestos exposure and protect future generations from mesothelioma and other diseases. Its lawsuit accuses the National Park Service, Department of the Interior, U.S. Department of Labor, Environmental Protection Agency, and Executive Office of the President of failing to respond to comprehensive Freedom of Information Act requests it submitted in November seeking documentation about hazardous material identification and abatement at the East Wing.
Mesothelioma Concerns Mount as Agencies Remain Silent
Older buildings like the East Wing of the White House frequently contain legacy asbestos, and because the material poses serious health risks, mesothelioma prevention requires documented safeguards. Because the structure was renovated in the 1940s and 1950s, when asbestos use was widespread, ADAO President Linda Reinstein emphasized that “the White House should set the national standard for compliance with environmental and worker-safety laws governing asbestos.”
Though the White House claims that hazardous material abatement was completed in September with “very extensive abatement and remediation assessment,” no documentation has been provided explaining whether asbestos was found, how it was removed, or what compliance actions to prevent mesothelioma risk were taken under EPA, OSHA, and District of Columbia regulations.
Mesothelioma Risk Documentation Required by Federal Law
Mesothelioma risk from legacy asbestos is best prevented through adhering to rigorous safety protocols and transparent documentation of compliance measures. Bob Sussman, a former senior EPA official representing ADAO, stated that agencies “must do more than make claims about their compliance with health and safety requirements; they must also disclose and document the actions they are taking to follow the law.” The lawsuit seeks court-ordered release of inspection reports, abatement permits, contractor licenses, air-monitoring data, waste shipment records, and inter-agency communications. To date, other than the General Services Administration confirming it had no responsive records, all agencies have failed to meet statutory FOIA deadlines. Reinstein concluded that “when a high-profile demolition of a historic structure likely containing asbestos takes place, the public needs and deserves transparency about the precautions taken to protect public health.”
If you or someone you love has been diagnosed with mesothelioma, the Patient Advocates at Mesothelioma.net are here to help. Contact us today at 1-800-692-8608 to learn more.
