Mar 9, 2010 - Reduced Purchase Price Wanted After Asbestos Discovery
Real Estate Equities is requesting that the purchase price of a six story building and 13 acre property in Sheboygan County, Wisconsin be reduced after discovering asbestos in the heating and ventilation systems.
Proper removal and disposal of asbestos can be costly, as certified abatement specialists must perform the work to ensure it meets federal and state environmental regulations. Since the 1980’s, agencies such as the Environmental Protection Agency and Occupational Safety and Health Agency have been responsible for making sure that all renovation and demolition work involving the removal of asbestos containing materials be done in such a way as to protect worker and public safety.
Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that was once widely used in thousands of construction materials. Asbestos is highly insulating and fire retardant, and therefore was commonly used as insulation in heating and ventilation systems, such as the one at this building which was constructed in 1971. Asbestos is now known to cause serious illnesses, including mesothelioma. Mesothelioma is an aggressive form of cancer that is caused by exposure to asbestos, is difficult to treat, and has no known cure.
Real Estate Equities was in the process of buying the north building of the former Sunny Ridge Nursing Home when they discovered asbestos. They are now asking the current owners, Jos. Schmitt & Sons, and the county to reduce the purchase price by almost $70,000 to cover the cost of asbestos abatement. Latest reports indicate that the county will make a counter offer to cover half instead of the full cost of removal.
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