February 20th, 2008

An experimental method of demolishing buildings containing asbestos is drawing criticism from people in Fort Worth, Texas. The new method does not remove the asbestos from the building before demolition.

A new way of demolishing asbestos-containing buildings has come under fire in Texas. Residents of Fort Worth are protesting the use of this new method of demolishing buildings that have asbestos in them. The old method involved spraying water on asbestos as it was removed from buildings; after all the material was removed, the building could then be torn down. The new method uses a type of foam to wet down asbestos as parts of buildings are torn down prior to asbestos removal.

Opposition to the new method of asbestos removal says that there is a greater chance of asbestos exposure to the public if buildings are torn down with asbestos in them. Preliminary air quality tests have shown that there is no significant difference in air quality between the two methods. Asbestos exposure is a concern to the public, since it has been linked to diseases like asbestosis, cancer, emphysema and mesothelioma. Mesothelioma, a type of lung cancer, occurs when disturbed asbestos particles become airborne and are inhaled into the lungs.