March 10th, 2006

Hazardous material workers have had to clean areas in the basement of the Salinas Courthouse building for the second consecutive day after it was found that there were levels of asbestos in the air that were double the acceptable level. A sample of air was taken last week and was tested overnight. It was revealed through the sampling that the asbestos levels contained in the air were abnormally high.

State and federal standards with relation to the acceptable levels within buildings are being used by contractors that are working on the removal of asbestos during the remodelling of the courthouse. It is thought that the legal and financial repercussions of the asbestos presence could be significant, even though contractors are working to clean up the area.

Several employees are said to have filed compensation claims for exposure to asbestos, and two contractors that were responsible for the abatement of asbestos just a month ago are being sued by the state Attorney General’s office. The company’s involved could face a multi-million dollar fine, and the managers could face prison terms if found guilty.

In the meantime, staff members have asked for x-rays to be taken, so that these can be used for comparison in the event that they become ill in the future from a possible related condition.