Cascade Paving Inc. and the Oregon Employees Federal Credit Union both Salem Oregon businesses have been fined for unauthorized asbestos removal. The credit union contracted the paving company to demolish a 90 year old house in a residential neighborhood. Cascade Inc. improperly handled the removal of asbestos which can cause illness in people including the mesothelioma, an aggressive cancer which attacks the lining of the lungs.
Cascade ground up asbestos containing building materials which consequently blew throughout the neighborhood which was likely inhaled by the residents. Breathing in asbestos can cause asbestos related lung cancer and many people affected require mesothelioma attorneys to seek compensation. Cascade also took the asbestos containing materials to the local landfill which is illegal. Removing asbestos requires special training and permits, Cascade has neither. The credit union along with Cascade Paving was fined over $48,000 for their unauthorized asbestos removal and disposal.
Asbestos isn’t harmful until disturbed, microscopic fibers are released and if breather in can lead to the development of mesothelioma. Asbestos was widely used in structures and ships until the 80’s when it was banned. Close to 3,000 cases of mesothelioma are reported every year and the victims of this fatal cancer often utilize the expertise of mesothelioma lawyers to obtain fiscal damages for their care. The victims of asbestos exposure aren’t aware of its effects for decades so determining which company was at fault for a patient’s exposure is problematic without a mesothelioma attorney.
