The Trump administration’s rapid demolition of the historic White House East Wing has raised many questions and concerns, not the least of which surrounds the significant mesothelioma risk for workers and bystanders exposed to asbestos released by the work. With the building having originally been constructed in 1902 and renovated in 1942, health advocates and Senate leaders are seeking information about whether required asbestos abatement procedures and safety measures were followed.
Demolition underway at the White House’s East Wing on October 20.
Urgent Concerns About Mesothelioma Raise Questions About East Wing Asbestos Abatement
Asbestos was a common component of the construction of government buildings for decades, and exposure to the mineral has been directly linked to pleural and peritoneal mesothelioma. Renovations and demolition of these structures can pose significant dangers to both workers and others in the immediate vicinity unless appropriate abatement and safety measures are followed.
Concerns about the White House work and increased mesothelioma risk have been raised by Senate leaders as well as the Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization, a highly respected advocacy group that warns that anyone who inadvertently breathes in airborne asbestos fibers launched by construction work could face heightened risk of lung diseases and cancer. Despite long-standing regulations, images have shown clouds of dust and workers with no personal protective equipment. Of equal concern was the presence of tourists and crowds gathered nearby to watch the work.
Mesothelioma Prevention Requires Mandatory Abatement Before Demolition
In a press release and subsequent letter to the president, the president and cofounder of ADAO, Linda Reinstein, emphasized the risk of mesothelioma and that federal law requires comprehensive asbestos inspection, notification, and abatement before any demolition of buildings from this era. Reinstein said that “every building of this age must undergo full asbestos inspection and abatement before any demolition begins,” and requested documentation that statutory obligations had been fulfilled.
The risk of mesothelioma exists for both demolition workers and crowds of tourists and onlookers that gathered at the site, as well as residents living near the park where the project’s dirt was taken. Though the White House has claimed that abatement work was performed, no supporting information has been released, and The Washington Post reported that the company doing the work, ACECO, is not licensed to abate asbestos in Washington, D.C. The Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection has confirmed that the company voluntarily canceled its asbestos abatement license in August 2022.
Mesothelioma Exposure Risks Extend Beyond Construction Workers
The only visible effort to protect against mesothelioma was the use of water hoses to prevent dust clouds, but this measure alone falls far short of proper asbestos abatement and mandated safety standards. In Washington, DC, asbestos abatement can only be performed by licensed contractors who must notify the Department of Energy and Environment at least 10 days in advance of work and post notices around the work area three days beforehand. These requirements were apparently not met in the East Wing demolition.
President Trump’s long support of asbestos use has advocates fearing that mesothelioma risks tied to the demolition may have been downplayed. In his book, The Art of the Comeback, he wrote that asbestos is “100% safe, once applied” and blamed organized crime for its reputation as a carcinogen. Senator Edward Markey sent a letter to ACECO asking whether it had followed federal health and safety standards, and Senators Sheldon Whitehouse, Martin Heinrich, and Gary Peters asked for “lawful transparency” about the demolition, including the asbestos abatement plan. ADAO’s Reinstein told the Post that the White House has not responded to the letter her organization sent, commenting that she learned decades ago that “no response is a response.”
Asbestos exposure has long been known to cause mesothelioma and other serious illnesses. If you’ve been diagnosed with an asbestos-related disease and need information, the Patient Advocates at Mesothelioma.net are here to help. Contact us today at 1-800-692-8608 to learn more.
