Clapper, Patti, Schweizer and Mason

A building on the campus of University of Connecticut (UConn) was undergoing renovations when asbestos was discovered in the mastic backing of the flooring. The building, Gulley Hall, was originally constructed in 1908, with other renovations occurring up to 1964. During this time period of construction, it was very common to use asbestos containing building products.

 

Until the mid 1980’s, it was standard to the construction industry to use materials that contained asbestos. Asbestos was readily available and affordable and well known for its insulating and fire retardant properties. It was common to use asbestos in mastic backing of flooring materials. 

 

Asbestos does not pose a health hazard unless it is disturbed or damaged and becomes “friable”. According to Occupational Health and Safety Agency (OSHA), friable means any material that contains more than 1% asbestos that, when dry, can be crumbled, pulverized or reduced to powder by hand pressure. 

 

Friable asbestos can be inhaled, where fibers then may lodge in the protective lining that surrounds the lungs, abdomen or heart. Decades later, this exposure to asbestos causes the development of a serious and fatal cancer called mesothelioma. 

 

Because of the known hazards of asbestos, federal and state regulations exist regarding projects that involve renovating or demolishing older structures. UConn is being investigated on charges of violating several Environmental Protection Agency standards, including failure to conduct prior inspections for asbestos containing materials, failure to warn or provide protection to workers, and improper removal and disposal. 

 

According to workers who were removing the flooring, they were instructed to drill into the floor, break it into sections small sections, and then throw the dry, unbagged debris out a window into the dumpster below.   During the project, the workers attended an annual asbestos abatement class and mentioned the work they were doing and some concern over the procedures they were following.

 

Emergency asbestos testing followed, and an accredited asbestos removal company was hired to clean up any remaining contaminated materials. What exposure may have occurred to workers or public in the general area will not be known for years to come, however ongoing health monitoring is highly recommended for any who may have been exposed.

 

If you or someone you know has a history of exposure to asbestos and are experiencing any symtpoms of mesothelioma, consult not only with your doctor but also with a mesothelioma attorney who specializes in handling asbestos lawsuits.