The Environmental Protection Agency has concluded in its initial site assessment report that the former location of the Dura Convertible Systems Inc. property in Adrian, Michigan contains asbestos in debris piles.

Dura was once a major convertible-top supplier to car manufacturers for models including the Ford Mustang, Chevrolet Corvette and Chrysler Sebring.

Tetra Tech, a consultant for the EPA, conducted sampling at the site on January 21 and found that asbestos was present in eight of the fifteen samples from the debris piles.

The reported concluded by stating, “There is a potential for exposure to humans based on the presence of asbestos on site and the presence of residents within 100 feet of the site.”

Due to the previous demolition activities that occurred on the site, the waste piles that didn’t contain the toxic material are now contaminated with asbestos.  According to Tetra Tech, it is estimated that there is about 1,000 cubic feet of debris remaining on the site.

In one particularly large pile of debris measuring at approximately 700 cubic yards, a bulk sampling was done on white insulating material.  The testing revealed that the material contained 70 percent chrysolite asbestos.

Because there are residents living in close proximity to the site, the report indicated that there is a likelihood that the surrounding community has been or can be exposed to asbestos.  Certain weather conditions as well as unauthorized persons accessing the site could create a potential for exposure.

The report stated, “The site was non-operation and vacant, with no roof or cover over the debris piles.  The lack of covering increases the likelihood of high winds during dry conditions releasing asbestos fibers into the environment.”

The complete investigation and enforcement completed by the EPA should be finished by summer, according to Brian Kelly, the Federal On-Scene Coordinator for the EPA. Kelly stated, “At that time, wither the responsible parties will clean up the asbestos or the EPA will fund the cleanup and seek cost recovery from those liable parties.”

Asbestos and Safety Concerns

Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that is typically located in hill and mountain areas.  Before its dangers were known, asbestos mining was common, but currently there are no operational mines.  Like the residents near the old Dura plant, however, living in close proximity to an asbestos mine may lead to asbestos exposure.

When it is left undisturbed, the toxic material does not have much potential to cause harm.  However, when it is disturbed through weather, building, or demolition, the particles can become airborne and can then be inhaled.  Inhalation of asbestos in the lungs can lead to serious problems.

Three main conditions have been linked with asbestos exposure: asbestos lung cancer, mesothelioma, and asbestosis.

Asbestos lung cancer causes abnormal cell growth to occur inside the lungs.  The condition is often used interchangeably with mesothelioma, but the two conditions affect different areas in the body.  Mesothelioma affects the mesothelial cells in the body that line the chest and abdominal cavities.  Mesothelioma is almost exclusively caused by having been exposed to asbestos.

Asbestosis occurs when inhaling asbestos in the lungs causes the lungs to become irritates and inflamed.  Scar tissue often forms due to the irritation of asbestos in the lungs.  The excess scar tissue in the lungs affects their ability to expand and contract normally, which causes exposed individuals to have breathing difficulty and oxygen deprivation.

Filing An Asbestos Exposure Lawsuit

If you or a loved one has suffered from asbestos lung cancer, mesothelioma or asbestosis as a result of asbestos exposure in the community or on the job, you may be entitled to legal compensation.  An experienced lawyer is available to review your case at no charge and help you understand if filing an asbestos lawsuit is right for you.