November 10th, 2007

After citizens’ complaints were mounting over the removal of asbestos from a lot in Marco Island, the FBI and Sheriff’s Office took notice. The removal of the deadly substance from a perspective park is now under investigation.

When asbestos was removed from a future park site on Marco Island, many city officials thought that that would be the end of the problem. But when citizens discovered more asbestos on the site, an investigation was launched, and the remaining asbestos was removed earlier this year. But when citizens began complaining about the way the situation was handled, along with allegations that perhaps the asbestos was planted there by residents that wanted to cause problems, a formal letter was written and another investigation began.

Now, the FBI and Sheriff’s Office is investigating the situation more closely. A second site that contains asbestos has not received any work, since the situation for the first lot has not been resolved. Residents are angry that they have potentially been exposed to asbestos for more than a year. As asbestos is exposed to the elements, it can break down and be inhaled, causing many forms of illnesses. Asbestosis, emphysema and mesothelioma have all been linked to asbestos exposure. While the investigation is conducted, no official has released a statement regarding the findings on the site.