April 2nd, 2008

Building restorations being conducted at an Des Moines landmark may have led to thousands of people being exposed to asbestos. The developed for the site said that there was no danger at any time.

After an anonymous tip was called in, the Iowa Department of Natural Resources began investigating renovations occurring at a Des Moines landmark. The building was being converted into some luxury condos while keeping storefronts on some of the lower levels. The tip said that there was asbestos at the site, and that the developer was putting people at risk of exposure. The DNR filed a report to the Iowa Occupational Safety and Health Bureau, stating that research into the project did not turn up contracts or permits to remove asbestos from the building.

The developer said that all asbestos was handled according to safety guidelines, but could not prove that a licensed professional conducted abatement. If untrained and unprotected workers remove asbestos, the material can break apart and become airborne. Airborne asbestos has been linked to mesothelioma and other respiratory diseases. Mesothelioma, a type of lung cancer, results from airborne asbestos fibers becoming stuck to the lining of the lungs. Commissioners will decide if the case should go to court after further review of the reports.