Removal of Asbestos-Laden Boiler Prompts Asbestos Illness Concerns

October 5, 2009

Improper removal of an asbestos-laden boiler in an Auburn, New York building has raised concerns about asbestos exposure and dangerous levels of carbon monoxide. A building on Market Street was evacuated Monday after worker’s removal caused air to be contaminated and potentially lethal.

Firefighters responded around 10:45 a.m. to the detectors that were signaling high levels of carbon monoxide. Soon after, investigators from the state Department of Environmental Conservation and Labor Department’s Bureau of asbestos control arrived to find a large amount of asbestos exposure throughout the basement.

The removal of large amounts of asbestos are often regulated state and federal laws because of the associated health risks. Those who could have been exposed to this asbestos face increased risk of lung disease and cancer.

The most prevalent form of cancer that is associated with asbestos exposure is called mesothelioma. This silent killer attacks when tiny particles of asbestos are breathed into the lungs and attack the mesothelium. This thin layer of cells lines the chest cavity, abdominal cavity and the area around the heart.

The latency of the diagnosis is what makes this cancer so aggressive. Since the symptoms are similar to that of bronchitis and influenza, mesothelioma often goes undetected until the final stages of the cancer. Mesothelioma usually takes anywhere from 20 to 50 to develop, which poses great concern for the long-term health of this building’s tenants.

Building owner George Kerstetter of Kerstetter LLC, was unavailable to comment on the investigation at 55 Market St. Violations made for asbestos exposure, such as John Chick of Auburn who was sentenced to 15 months in prison for improperly removing a boiler, are taken very seriously. Though firefighters measured carbon monoxide levels to be three times that of save levels, DEC investigators found no environmental violations of asbestos control.

Although no one was noticeably hurt from this occurrence, the hazardous nature of this event has the potential to dangerously effect those involved in the future.