Most employees, including judges, of Michigan’s Ottawa County Courthouse were recently busy packing and moving to the county’s new building. The former courthouse, built in 1965, contained asbestos. In addition, the small size of the courtrooms routinely interfered with trial proceedings as the necessary parties tried to squeeze in.
Construction on the new building began in 2007 and will cost $23 million. The new building will be essentially asbestos free and is designed to accommodate the county’s anticipated growing need for space.
The former building will not be immediately demolished. Asbestos abatement is a significant factor in the demolition and will take several months to complete. Federal and EPA regulations require that any construction project where asbestos is present first be managed by a certified asbestos abatement organization to prevent the release of asbestos into the environment.
Asbestos is a naturally occurring fiber that was widely used in construction during the 20th century because of it’s natural insulating and fireproofing properties. Tragically, asbestos is a toxic substance. The microscopic fibers are easily swallowed and breathed in where they lodge in the lining of the lungs and stomach and can lead to asbestos diseases such as asbestosis, lung cancer and mesothelioma.
Mesothelioma is a cancer of the mesothelial lining of the lungs, stomach and/or chest. It is particularly insidious because it has a long latency period and often victims don’t know they have it until it is in an advanced stage, but not always. Currently, there is no cure for mesothelioma.
If you or a family member has been exposed to asbestos during a construction or demolition project, it is essential that you consult with your physician right away for a mesothelioma screening.
If mesothelioma is present, you may have certain legal remedies to recover financial compensation for your losses. Contact our mesothelioma attorneys today to learn more. 866-632-7574.
Tags: asbestos, EPA, mesothelioma
