For decades, the world has understood asbestos’ role in the development of malignant mesothelioma, lung cancer, and other diseases. Despite this universal knowledge and countless people facing the realities of these painful asbestos-related illnesses, profit-focused companies continue defying protective regulations for asbestos management. In response to one such case, the attorney general of Massachusetts has filed a civil lawsuit alleging mishandling of asbestos debris from a decommissioned power station.
Asbestos from Decommissioned Power Station Represents Mesothelioma Risk
The very real risk of malignant pleural mesothelioma from asbestos exposure was cited in the civil lawsuit filed by Massachusetts Attorney General Andrea Joy Campbell against Holtec Decommissioning International LLC and its affiliate Holtec Pilgrim LLC. She accuses the companies of improperly handling asbestos-containing demolition debris in violation of Massachusetts’ Public Health Law and is seeking civil penalties of $25,000 for each day of violation, as well as a court order requiring the companies to comply with all applicable regulations.
The violations that Ms. Campbell listed pose a significant risk of future mesothelioma and lung cancer diagnoses for Holtec employees, subcontractors, and any members of the public who might have been exposed to their shoddy work practices. The companies are accused of mishandling asbestos-containing materials during the decommissioning process of the former Pilgrim Nuclear Power Station in Plymouth, Massachusetts.
Lawsuit Alleges Multiple Instances of Mishandling Asbestos
When people are exposed to asbestos, there is a risk of inhaling its fibers, which can become embedded in the lining of the lungs and eventually lead to mutation of cells and growth into mesothelioma tumors. The attorney general’s lawsuit sites multiple instances of the company ignoring safety basics, from demolishing a water storage tank painted with asbestos-containing paint without providing notice to the Department of Environmental Protection, undergoing an d inspection, and receiving authorization, to transporting asbestos-containing materials in open-top dumpsters to a facility not approved to accept asbestos-contaminated waste.
After the case was filed in court, the parties announced that they were working toward a settlement that is likely to result in Holtec paying between $200,000 and $500,000 to the state.
If you or someone you love has been diagnosed with mesothelioma being exposed to asbestos through a company’s negligence, the Patient Advocates at Mesothelioma.net can help. Contact us today at 1-800-692-8608.
