Missouri Dept. of Natural Resources to sue over carcinogenic asbestos incidentBeverly Hills, Missouri - The Missouri Department of Natural Resources, along with the department's special Air Conservation Commission is planning to sue a man over an asbestos-related incident. The group of environmental officials has begun initial consultations with the state attorney general to pursue legal action against Northeast Ambulance and Fire District Chief Joseph L. Washington. Washington is accused of violating asbestos regulations at a fire district building just outside Jefferson City.
The violations include failing to remove asbestos, as well as improper disposal of tiles which contained the carcinogenic material from a building located in the community of Beverly Hills, Missouri.
Asbestos exposure has been repeatedly and conclusively linked to the development of mesothelioma, a rare form of cancer, in numerous scientific and clinical studies. Mesothelioma affects less than 3,000 Americans each year, but remains tragically incurable. However, there are palliative treatment methods available, including chemotherapy.
Mesothelioma can lie dormant for up to five decades before the first symptoms of the disease become apparent. Sadly, the majority of patients lose their battle with this cancer in less than two years. Even a small amount of exposure to asbestos is considered unsafe by the EPA, making it very important to safely conduct the removal and disposal of this material.
Washington is already faces charges related to this incident. Washington will face his trial date today, and is charged with five counts of violating the federal Clean Air Act, which stem from the botched asbestos removal project.
