Mesothelioma Law Blog

A man from West Virginia was recently convicted and sentenced for dumping asbestos-containing materials in a national forest. His penalties reportedly include over $14,000 restitution for cleanup costs, $100 fine and court costs. He also received a six-month jail sentence, which was suspended.

According to media reports, the West Virginia Natural Resources Police discovered a dumpsite in the Monongahela National Forest in early April. The items dumped at the site contained siding and shingles that were made with asbestos.

Asbestos used to be mined in countries around the world, including in the United States. However, many asbestos mines have closed because of the health risks associated with this toxic mineral.

Miners have one of the highest risk occupations when it comes to asbestos-related diseases. Other professionals who often encounter asbestos on the job, like railroad workers, shipbuilders, factory workers and construction workers, share this elevated risk. As a result of this knowledge, many countries have limited this mineral's use, while others have banned its use entirely.

By now, you've probably heard that asbestos is a carcinogen. Exposure can lead to cancers like lung cancer, colon cancer and mesothelioma. It's natural you'd want to avoid exposing yourself to the mineral, but how easy is that?

The truth is that asbestos was everywhere through the 1970s, but the warnings of the dangers were not. Due to its toughness and heat resistance, asbestos found its way into all kinds of building materials, auto parts, paints, sprays and household items. Newer items mostly avoid asbestos, but you can still find it in a surprising number of older items.

Asbestos removal is generally not a DIY project. Typically, property owners who are concerned about asbestos are advised to call in the professionals. This is because asbestos abatement professionals should be formally trained and certified in the best techniques for minimizing health risks while removing asbestos-containing products.

Asbestos abatement workers wear three layers of porous polypropylene suits and a respiratory mask. However, this may not be enough to completely protect them from exposure to asbestos.