A Garden Grove, California man was found guilty of violating the Clean Air Act and faces four to six years in jail.
The owner of the Winnetka, California apartment complex had hired a renovation crew in 2006 to fix up the buildings. Even though he was aware that the ceiling tiles were made of asbestos, he neglected to inform the men he hired to do the renovations. He put not only their health at risk, but people in nearby communities, as well.
Asbestos is a dangerous carcinogen and the EPA has specific regulation in place when removing or disposing of building materials which contain asbestos. The workers who were contracted to do the removal did not have the necessary training or qualifications to remove asbestos.
The fibers of asbestos can easily become airborne, especially under dry conditions. When inhaled the fibers become lodged in the lung and other airways. Thousands of people contract diseases associated with asbestos. Environmental groups, the EPA and mesothelioma lawyers have worked hard to have regulations imposed on the handling of the deadly mineral.
Mesothelioma is a fatal cancer caused by contact with asbestos. Treatments for mesothelioma are physically and financially draining, so a mesothelioma attorney can be crucial for these victims to recoup their costs.
Asbestos was used prevalently throughout the twentieth century and cases of mesothelioma and other related disease could rise. Mesothelioma takes decades to develop. The diligence of mesothelioma lawyers has led to the development of trusts to help patients of the deadly cancer with their care.
