October 23, 2007

Residents in a California mobile home community are suing a contractor that was hired to renovate the clubhouse. The residents state that the contractor exposed them to asbestos.

The residents of Greenfield Mobile Home Estates say that companies working on renovations for their community clubhouse have exposed them to asbestos. While the association knew there was asbestos present in the clubhouse, no mention was made about the hazardous substance before work began. The contracting company hired to conduct the renovations should have tested for asbestos before removing flooring and ceiling tiles, two items that are known to potentially contain asbestos. An inspector from the Air Pollution Control Center tested the site and knew it contained deadly asbestos, yet renovations proceeded without any safety measures being taken.

The residents of the community breathed in asbestos fibers during the renovations. Since then, many have displayed symptoms of respiratory illnesses linked to asbestos exposure, such as emphysema and asbestosis. Parents are worried about their children contracting mesothelioma, a form of deadly lung cancer that can take years to manifest and which is usually terminal at the time of detection. Litigation is scheduled to begin this week between the companies and 180 residents.