Clapper, Patti, Schweizer and Mason

Employees say they are getting sick from working in the Springfield building and EPA officials are recommending radon testing to check for mercury as well as asbestos. Asbestos is a known cause of mesothelioma, asbestos attorneys say, and the fact that there is missing data on inspection since 2001 is an added worry. In 1993 a consultant found asbestos and evidence of underground tanks on the property that stored benzene, another carcinogen.

Ann Cross, an environmental protection specialist, has researched the building’s history for more than six years. Employee health issues include breathing problems associated with mesothelioma and asbestosis, as well as headaches and allergic reactions, Cross said. It is not clear who owns the building now or who would be liable for cleanup. Maggie Carson, an EPA spokeswoman, said problems should be expected in old structures built before asbestos was identified as a health problem. For more information visit www.sj-r.com, the online newspaper of the State Journal-Register in Springfield, IL.