An Iowa school district could be fined thousands of dollars for having employees work inside an asbestos-contaminated building. State records were recently released showing that the Iowa Occupational Safety and Health Administration fined the school district $70,000. The school district was also fined another $6,000 by the Iowa Department of[…]
Asbestos Abatement
Teachers in Philadelphia are Suing for Being Punished for Asbestos Protest
Three teachers recently filed a lawsuit over their first amendment right to publicly demand answers about asbestos inside classrooms. They claim their rights were violated when they were punished for protesting in 2021. As part of a protest, they worked outside during teacher only workdays to protest their risks of[…]
New Rules for Asbestos Abatement in Canada
Canada is creating new rules for asbestos abatement. The government in British Columbia is going to require that companies that perform asbestos abatement have licenses issued by the government for them to operate. The Canadian workers’ compensation statutory agency WorkSafeBC is creating the requirements for companies to be fully licensed[…]
Indiana Warehouse Fire Deposited Asbestos-Contaminated Debris
An Indiana warehouse fire led to asbestos contaminated debris falling onto the surrounding community. The debris landed on school yards, playgrounds, day cares, and private homes. Areas affected by the falling debris include Richmond, Indiana, and nearby areas in Ohio. Asbestos fibers are weightless, so smoke carried the fibers, which[…]
Legacy Asbestos More Dangerous than Previously Thought
A United Kingdom study is showing the dangers of legacy asbestos. Asbestos that remains in commercial and residential buildings can be more dangerous than previously thought. Researchers from the study found that two-thirds of the asbestos still in buildings was old enough or damaged enough to release fibers into the[…]
Mesothelioma Rates Increased Over a 30 Year Period
Mesothelioma diagnoses have almost doubled in the last 30 years, highlighting the need for better care and more ways to regulate and reduce asbestos exposure. There were around 35,000 people diagnosed with mesothelioma in 2019, while in 1990 there were around 19,000 people diagnosed. This information was released by the[…]
February is National Cancer Prevention Month
Cancer is the second most leading cause of death in the United States affecting over 500,000 people. However, is estimated that 1/3 of all cancers could be prevented through daily activities such as eating healthy, exercising, or simply applying sunscreen on a sunny day. Cancers caused by asbestos exposure are[…]
Partial Repeal in the ACA Preserves Provisions for Residents in Libby, Montana
The dangers of asbestos have affected thousands of residents in the small town of Libby, Montana for decades. In 1919, the town that was once known for its logging industry discovered vermiculite mines – a naturally occurring mineral that is useful for fire-proofing, wall and loft insulation, and even soil[…]
Mesothelioma Incidence Rates Around the World
Thousands of people each year are diagnosed with and die from asbestos related diseases such as mesothelioma in the United States each year. But how does that compare to the rest of the world? Even though asbestos is still legal in the United States, the United States’ incidence rate for[…]
Asbestos brake pads can still endanger your health
Asbestos exposure is commonly associated with occupation, specifically in mills and plants, but many miss the risks found in everyday products. Even though the Environmental Protection Agency began regulating the use of asbestos products more than thirty years ago, most of these items still linger in the present. Aside from[…]
