Residents and company charged for improper asbestos removal, mesothelioma cancer worries arise
Three New York residents and one company have been charged for violating the Clean Air Act and making false statements to the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality, reports examiner.com. The Department of Justice and Environmental Protection Agency announced the indictment on Tuesday.
The indictment names Peter DeFilippo, 47, David Olsen, 30, Joseph Terranova, 65 and Excel Demo, Inc. as defendants. The defendants are being charged for illegally removing asbestos from a Belleville, Michigan apartment complex in June 2008.
“The U.S. Attorney’s Office is focusing on environmental crimes because our natural resources are Michigan’s most valuable assets...Offenders who harm our clean air or clean water will be held accountable,” said United States Attorney Barbara L. McQuade.
Asbestos is a toxic material, known to cause mesothelioma, asbestosis and lung cancer. When disturbed, the material becomes airborne, and is easily inhaled. Because of the violators’ actions, residents of the Michigan apartment complex may have been exposed to the hazardous material.
Mesothelioma is the rarest and aggressive asbestos-related cancer, which most commonly affects the pleura. Although the disease lacks a cure, mesothelioma clinics support the usage of standard medical treatment.
“These arrests show that the government will take action against those who are alleged to have broken the law,” said EPA Special Agent-in-Charge, Randall Ashe.
The defendants were arrested on July 20, 2010. They are scheduled to appear in court on August 5, 2010.
Free Mesothelioma Information Packet
Enter your information to receive a comprehensive mesothelioma packet free of charge at your doorstep within 24 hours.
