Clapper, Patti, Schweizer and Mason

Two contractors, Salvatore DePaola and Steevens Oliveros, face federal charges of illegal and improper removal and disposal of asbestos containing materials from dormitories at State University of New York. The two were asbestos contractors hired through Milestone Environmental Corp. out of New Jersey to perform asbestos abatement as part of a routine campus upgrade.

 

Initial inspections by the New York Department of Labor discovered improper asbestos removal and issued warnings. Subsequent visits revealed continued violations of asbestos abatement and disposal regulations, and Milestone was fired from the job and another certified asbestos abatement company was hired to complete the job.

 

Allegations stem from on-site inspections where Department of Labor officials witnessed the following violations of the Clean Air Act:

 

Asbestos is a known carcinogen that can lead to serious illnesses, such as asbestosis, mesothelioma and lung cancer. Asbestos, when intact and in good condition, does not pose a risk to health. However, if damaged or disturbed, asbestos can become airborne and toxic dust can enter the body, lodge in the lung, heart or abdominal cavities, and cause serious, fatal diseases which do not appear until decades after initial exposure.

 

The Environmental Protection Agency and Clean Air Act have asbestos removal and disposal regulations intended to protect not only workers but also the general public. In addition to the charges filed in connection with SUNY, DePaola also faces charges from last year of improper removal of an asbestos laden pipe from Deutsche Bank in Manhattan that hampered firefighting efforts and led to the death of two firefighters. 

 

If you think you have been exposed to asbestos in any way and are experiencing any symptoms of mesothelioma, you should consult with your doctor immediately. For more information, visit www.helpingmesotheliomapatients.com. 

 

If you have been diagnosed with an asbestos related disease, it is imperative that you seek legal advice from an experienced mesothelioma attorney who can help to offset costs of medical treatment and lost wages. Call toll free 1-800-440-4262 to speak with a mesothelioma lawyer who specializes in asbestos lawsuits and can provide you with the best medical resources.