September 27th, 2007

A Kansas City developer has pleaded guilty to two separate cases involving asbestos at a project his company was overseeing. The two pleas will reduce his fines to about $100,000 and will result in parole instead of sentencing.

A Kansas City condo developer waived his right to a jury hearing and pleaded guilty to two separate violations, both regarding a project from 2006 and both involving the mishandling of asbestos. The first case indicated that asbestos was being illegally removed from the building that was owned by the man’s company. The second was in response to allegations that unlicensed and unprotected workers were conducting the removal. Fines were issued against the man and his company, totaling $100,000. The plea deal will allow the man to serve parole time only.

Asbestos violations can cause a public health concern, since exposure to asbestos can be deadly. When asbestos breaks apart it fragments into airborne particles that can be inhaled. Breathing in asbestos particles can lead to emphysema and mesothelioma, a form of terminal lung cancer. Mesothelioma can take years to develop, and results from asbestos particles becoming lodged in the lungs. Officials say there was little threat to the public, although the workers that removed the asbestos may be at risk.