Clapper, Patti, Schweizer and Mason

A New Jersey based company, Superior Abatement, that is licensed to perform asbestos abatement was hired to replace the roof at Roosevelt High School last month. The school was built over 50 years ago, and therefore is known to contain asbestos containing materials. 

 

According to reports, the crew hired to do the removal failed to take any of the federally required safety measures to prevent exposure during the renovations. They failed not only to protect themselves by following necessary worker precautions, such as wearing specialized masks or clothing, but they also failed to protect anyone in the vicinity. Regulations require that asbestos containing materials be wet down prior to disturbance and be bagged and disposed of properly in order to prevent any asbestos from being released into the air. Superior is being cited with five asbestos safety violations and this removal project is under investigation.

 

Asbestos is fibrous mineral that is microscopic and very light. When in good condition, asbestos does not pose a threat. However, when disturbed, asbestos fibers can become airborne and remain in the environment for long periods of time. Inhalation of asbestos leads to serious illnesses, such as asbestosis, lung cancer and mesothelioma. 

 

Complicating diagnosis and treatment efforts, asbestos related diseases do not begin to show symptoms until 20 to 40 years after exposure.   Mesothelioma is an incurable cancer that develops in the lining of the lungs, abdomen or chest cavity. Asbestosis is when inhaled asbestos becomes lodged in the lining of the lungs, causing scarring of the tissue and creating severe breathing problems.

 

Nick Petrovski, owner of Superior Abatement, claims that once he heard of the improper handling of asbestos removal and disposal by his crew, he fired them and replaced them with another more competent to complete the job safely. 

 

School officials have claimed that the white dust observed falling form the roof was Styrofoam and not asbestos, and that air quality tests have come back negative. Further investigations are underway by the New Jersey Department of Labor to determine if potential exposure occurred during the renovations.