Clapper, Patti, Schweizer and Mason

Since the 1980’s, strict regulations regarding the management, removal and disposal of asbestos were created by federal and state government agencies. Current law requires that any commercial building going through renovation or demolition must follow these regulations to ensure the safety of workers and the general public.

 

Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that is known to cause illnesses such as mesothelioma (cancer in the lining of the lungs, heart, or abdomen), asbestosis, and lung cancer. Asbestos, due to its high erosion, heat and fire resistant properties, was added to thousand of construction materials prior to the mid-1980s. Therefore any building constructed before this time almost always has asbestos present.

 

Paradigm Environmental Services is one well known company that monitors renovation and demolition work where asbestos removal is involved.   Asbestos abatement and air quality companies are supposed to make sure that contractors are in complete compliance with all regulations during abatement activities.   

 

Paradigm is currently overseeing the abatement project for Midtown Plaza in Rochester, New York. Midtown was the first urban indoor mall in the United States, first opening in 1962 and eventually closing in 2008. It is now undergoing renovations with plans to become the new PAETEC headquarters.

 

Before that, window caulking, flooring, ceiling tiles, insulation, cement and other asbestos-contaminated materials must be removed with continual air quality testing to make sure the area remains safe and in compliance with environmental standards.

 

Demolition will begin as soon as all asbestos is removed from the building site, hopefully sometime next year.

 

Construction workers are at higher risk occupationally of being exposed to asbestos and developing related diseases. If you suspect that you have been negligently exposed to asbestos and are experiencing any health difficulties, consult with a doctor immediately. 

 

If you have a known history of exposure and have been diagnosed with an asbestos related disease such as asbestosis or mesothelioma, you should consult with an experienced mesothelioma attorney who only specializes in asbestos litigation. Specializing doctors and attorneys can give help more quickly and efficiently, and get you needed results faster. 

 

If you are currently a construction worker who performs renovation and demolition acitivities in older buildings, it is imperative to avoid all exposure to asbestos.  There is no cure for mesothelioma and no safe level of exposure to asbestos.  Protect yourself and those around the site from the risk of later developing a fatal disease.