Illegal asbestos dumping by Mancuso family could increase the risk of mesothelioma

November 2, 2009

Following a nine day trial in Syracuse federal court, two Utica brothers were convicted of environmental violations and fraud due to their illegal asbestos removal business.

Paul, 46, and Steven Mancuso, 38, joined their father Lester in pleading guilty in the trial. Also pleading guilty was the third brother Ronald who appeared in Federal District Court on October 2. Ronald had been prosecuted for his involvement in the illegal dumping of asbestos in open fields in Poland, NY.

The family’s history of illegal asbestos removal dates back to 2003 when Paul was convicted of illegal removal as well as insurance fraud related to his business in 2004. Following this case, the Department of Justice banned Paul from being involved in any asbestos abatement work.

With the help of his brother Stephen, a lawyer, the two opened companies in family member’s names and produced fraudulent documents in order to make their asbestos activities appear legal.

Paul and Ronald both were held accountable for dumping asbestos into fields of property owners. The extremely hazardous behavior of the Mancuso brothers could be detrimental the health of those near the illegal asbestos dumping.

Asbestos inhalation can result in various detrimental health concerns. Mesothelioma cancer is one of the more serious consequences of asbestos exposure. This form of cancer develops when asbestos fibers are inhaled into the lungs. These hazardous particles then attack the mesothelium, this thin membrane that protects chest cavity, abdominal cavity and the cavity around the heart.

The diagnosis of mesothelioma is often discovered in the final stages of the disease. This is due in part to bronchitis and influenza like symptoms. Once a patient is identified as having mesothelioma, they endure an extremely rigorous treatment regime in hopes to stabilize this aggressive form of cancer.

Exposing a community to asbestos, like the Mancuso’s have done for several years, could have damaging health effects for those who were near where the asbestos had been dumped. Because of this Paul now faces a penalty of 55 years in jail and a $2,750,000 fine. Steve and their father Lester, 71, face a maximum of 5 years in jail and a fine of $250,000.