October 29th, 2007

The tranquil walking, biking and dog paths in Illinois Beach State Park is one of the last places that people would think of being poisoned. But the park has a dangerous, hidden killer among the wildflowers; illegally dumped asbestos.

Illinois is proud of their state parks that offer biking, jogging, hiking and dog paths amid the campgrounds that overlook Lake Michigan. But after a brush fire late last year, a deadly secret was exposed at the Illinois Beach State Park. Hundreds of pounds of illegally dumped asbestos were unearthed only feet from some of the main pathways through the picturesque site. By being so close to heavily populated areas, the danger of the asbestos increases.

Asbestos normally does not pose a threat if it is left alone. The material was often used as a form of insulation in older buildings before it was found to be hazardous and was banned in the 1980s. When asbestos is disturbed or begins to decompose, it breaks into airborne particles that can be inhaled. Breathing in asbestos fibers can lead to asbestosis, emphysema and mesothelioma, a type of deadly lung cancer. State officials are trying to obtain financing to remove the dangerous substance before people begin to suffer from the exposure. Though steps may be made quickly, illnesses such as mesothelioma can take years to manifest