The Gateway Arch in St. Louis is one of the latest historic areas is the U.S. to have confirmation of asbestos exposure.

A work zone at the monument has been closed until further notice due to the asbestos contamination.

More than a week ago, the tests came back positive for asbestos on a particular pipe in the building that was tested, showing that it contained the cancer-causing material.

According to a Fox affiliate in St. Louis, Mo., workers at the construction site shared that there was exposure to asbestos in a pipe for a month or more before any testing had taken place. Apparently, the pipe was in an inaccessible location that was only able to be reached when other demolition was completed.

Workers informed the Fox news station that there was no notification to the public about the asbestos exposure. The work area is sealed off from where Arch visitors access tram rides to the top of the arch, but concerns were raised because of the lack of communication to the public about potential dangers.

The National Park Service stated that prior to the work on the museum area, all materials that were known to contain asbestos was taken care of with a safe removal protocol.

“The contractor tested this material and it was confirmed to be asbestos… (the material) was encapsulated and abated…air samples were taken…initial results indicated levels were well below the acceptable levels… workers have been offered additional testing for exposure… The issue poses no threat to (Arch) visitors…” stated the National Park Service.

However, construction workers were notified by letter and were given the initial test results. In their letters, they were offered follow up care for asbestos exposure including lung testing, chest x-rays and a doctor consultation. All of the follow-up care would be provided at the contractor’s expense.

The National Park Service further stated that the work area would be closed until further notice as they await the final test results.

Asbestos Lung Cancer and Asbestos Mesothelioma

Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that is found in mountains and hill areas. Due to its fire protection properties as well as its utility for building insulation, it was used quite widely in building materials until the last several decades when its health risks were uncovered.

Left alone and undisturbed, asbestos does not cause much harm. However, when the material is disturbed, particles disseminate into the air and can be inhaled. The inhalation of asbestos is what causes health issues.

Lung cancer and mesothelioma are the two most common conditions arising from asbestos exposure. Though often used interchangeably, these conditions are not the same.

Lung cancer is found in the lungs themselves. Mesothelioma, on the other hand, affects the lining of the chest and abdominal cavities called the mesothelium. Both cancers are difficult to treat, and patients may have a poor prognosis once an asbestos-related cancer is diagnosed.

Asbestos Cancer Lawsuit Information

Many individuals who have developed asbestos lung cancer or mesothelioma felt it was their employer’s duty or the asbestos-containing material manufacturer’s duty to protect them from asbestos exposure.

A number of those individuals have gone on to file lawsuits against employers and manufacturers for their alleged role in the development of the plaintiff’s serious disease.

If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with asbestos lung cancer or mesothelioma, you may have a legal claim. To discuss filing an asbestos lawsuit, you can confidentially consult with one of our attorneys free of charge.