Over the 4th of July weekend, residents of the Mountainview, CA, Americana apartment complex were forced to move as the complex prepared for an asbestos abatement and remodeling project.
The project was spurred by a recent lawsuit against the complex over asbestos exposure that occurred in 2007 during roof work. This time, the complex owners, Prometheus Real Estate Group, plan to remove “popcorn” ceiling material containing asbestos.
Some residents expressed frustration over the short notice requiring them to move to temporary housing or terminate their lease early due to the asbestos abatement project. They noted that the project has been planned for months and residents should have had more notice.
Residents were encouraged to take all their belongings with them to prevent deadly asbestos dust from settling on them during the project; however, the complex noted that items left behind would be covered.
Construction materials containing asbestos, such as roofing, insulation and ceiling materials, can release microscopic asbestos fibers. These fibers can be breathed in and cause pleural mesothelioma, a rapidly progressing and deadly cancer of the lungs for which there is no cure.
Our mesothelioma attorneys often blog about the dismay and disbelief we feel over the rampant disregard for human life shown by people and companies doing asbestos remodeling projects without proper asbestos abatement precautions. Nearly every week we report on some careless project that released asbestos into the air. For once, despite the residents’ frustration over the short notice, we’re happy to report an instance where proper precautions are seemingly being followed.
Tags: asbestos, mesothelioma
