Mesothelioma Prevention: EPA Questions Untested Asbestos Removal Method
A federal court has ruled that the Lambert-St. Louis International Airport, owned by the city of St. Louis, violated federal asbestos safety standards. The violation occurred when the city demolished several asbestos-contaminated buildings using an untested asbestos removal method. The buildings were located in Bridgeton, a community that lies in the path of a newly proposed runway.
The lawsuit against the city was brought by Public Justice, a non-profit law firm that is suing on behalf of the people living near the demolished buildings. Those who lived in the area had serious concerns that the asbestos removal was a threat to their health and safety.
Improper removal of asbestos-containing materials can lead to toxic asbestos fibers being released into the air. If these fibers are inhaled, serious diseases including
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Dubbed the “wet removal technique†by the Environmental Protection Agency, this asbestos removal method uses high-pressure water hoses to blast the substance from ceilings, walls, pipes, and other structures.
However, this method actually ignores the EPA’s current regulations concerning the removal and disposal of asbestos-containing waste.
In 2000, the city of St. Louis began destroying buildings to make way for the new runway, and used the unauthorized method for more than three years. By 2004, news reports stated the removal method had been used on 260 homes and the city had plans to use it on hundreds more.
Even with many homes near the runway location occupied by residents, the contractors and the city did not deter from using high-pressure water to remove the asbestos. Some reports at the time stated that asbestos-containing water was being released into streets in the neighborhood.
Many of the EPA’s asbestos experts and toxicologists believe the technique is dangerous and has not been adequately tested for safety. However, some EPA technicians say the method is much less expensive than other removal methods, and for this reason should be used more often.
Other EPA officials now want to use the wet removal method in Fort Worth, Texas to remove asbestos from a motel before demolition. Following that project they hope to continue using this method in other Texas cities, most notably in poorer sections of urban centers.
Richard Greene, the EPA’s Dallas regional administrator, is a firm proponent of the technique. Most EPA officials agree that the new asbestos removal technique may be useful, particularly if it is less expensive. However, they also believe it is much more important that the technique is safe and does not result in people contracting
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