Discovery of asbestos during airport renovation spurs concerns

In Rowan, asbestos can be discovered at any time in numerous places. Often it is found without warning or the knowledge of the owners of the residence, business or property. Other times, the caretakers of the location were aware of the asbestos being present. Asbestos exposure has been linked to numerous fatal diseases and almost invariably results in asbestos-related death.

While walls were being demolished during an airport renovation, materials containing asbestos were found. The glue that was used to install certain parts of construction from nearly 30 years ago is believed to be the source of the asbestos. Because asbestos is known to be a dangerous substance that can cause several illnesses from asbestos-related disease, authorities are taking the discovery very seriously to try to ensure that people in the vicinity — workers and passengers — are completely safe. The substances containing asbestos are being removed and work has stopped until it is deemed safe.

Asbestos was once a commonly used substance in numerous industries. Many companies were aware as far back as 50 years ago that asbestos was dangerous and did nothing to warn people who were exposed to it or to remove it. Asbestos is now widely known to cause mesothelioma, a cancer of the lining of the lungs. Fatal asbestos exposure has also led to lung cancer, asbestosis and other diseases. Asbestos-related disease is almost invariably fatal.

People who have become ill with diseases that are known to be connected to asbestos are increasingly seeking compensation from employers and companies who might have played a part in them getting sick due to negligence or hiding knowledge of the substance’s presence. In this particular instance, the airport management has claimed that they were unaware of the presence of asbestos. Whether that’s true or not is irrelevant if anyone became ill in the past or becomes ill in the future due to asbestos.

Local residents who believe they might have been subject to asbestos-related disease may wish to consult an attorney to discuss what they should do next to exercise their legal rights.

Source: PostandCourier.com, “Asbestos discovered during Charleston airport renovation; travelers not affected, officials say,” Warren L. Wise, Jan. 22, 2014