December 24th, 2007

Residents of a Nevada housing complex are concerned that asbestos in the buildings is not being removed properly. The company in charge of the removal stated that all precautions are being followed.

Residents of a Las Vegas apartment complex raised concern that asbestos in the buildings is not being removed properly or safely. Some residents noted that workers do not appear to be wearing safety suits while conducting the work, and that the work appears to possibly be releasing asbestos fibers into the air. The company in charge of the abatement indicated that they are licensed to perform the work and that they are following all necessary precautions in regards to the residents and workers. They also stated that safety suits need to remain inside the building for health reasons, so residents have not seen workers wearing them outside.

The concern is very real, considering that asbestos exposure has been known to result in respiratory illnesses including mesothelioma, emphysema and asbestosis. Mesothelioma and asbestosis are directly linked with asbestos exposure, which emphysema can result from other factors. Mesothelioma, a deadly form of lung cancer, is caused by asbestos fibers becoming trapped in the lungs and keeping oxygen from being absorbed. The abatement company indicated that there is no danger of the public being exposed to asbestos fibers.