Due to severe asbestos health hazards, the federal government imposes strict rules for asbestos removal procedures. These asbestos removal procedures are designed in a way that will prevent asbestos from being released into the environment, which will help prevent consumers from suffering injuries from asbestos health hazards.

There are a number of asbestos health hazards associated with being exposed to the fibrous material, including mesothelioma and asbestos lung cancer. Mesothelioma is a very rare form of lung cancer that is specifically caused by asbestos exposure, which attacks the mucus lining of the lungs.

While asbestos lung cancer is caused by asbestos fibers lodging in the lungs, mesothelioma is caused by asbestos fibers lodging themselves in the pleural lining of the lungs. Both of these diseases are potentially fatal and are often diagnosed at a late stage because symptoms take years to show.

When asbestos fibers are inhaled, these fibers can cause inflammation and be the catalyst for cancer cells to develop. There are other asbestos health hazards associated with asbestos exposure, with victims often contending with some form of lung damage or stomach lining damage.

Overview of Asbestos Health Hazards

There are a number of environments in which victims could be exposed to asbestos, ranging from employment sites to residencies. Retired manufacturing or construction workers, United States Navy veterans, and any loved ones living with these individuals may be vulnerable to asbestos health hazards.

Asbestos is a fibrous naturally-found mineral that was popularly used for insulation and other construction purposes before the 1980s due to its fire and chemical resistant qualities. While asbestos is harmless when dormant, these fibers present asbestos health hazards when released into the air.

For this reason, the Environmental Protection Agency has imposed strict asbestos removal regulations to prevent the fibers from entering the environment. The federal agency requires companies to use licensed and approved asbestos removal contractors, with standards differing between states.

While the costs of asbestos removal depends on the state, it can easily cost the company or resident thousands to extract. Some businesses and residents may be tempted to remove the asbestos themselves due to the costs associated with the process, this decision could cost them heavily in fines and potentially result in jail time.

CantonRep.com, an Ohio-based news organization, reports that Ohio contractor Russell Stewart has been given prison time and a hefty fine for failing to properly remove asbestos from a job site.

Stewart admitted to improperly demolishing the asbestos site and failed to remove the dangerous material in a timely manner.

Asbestos was reportedly found at the former Stark Ceramics manufacturing plant for which Stewart had a contract to remove asbestos. Stewart’s contact specifically stated that all asbestos containing materials had to be removed, and he had to do this consistent with “environmental regulation and industry standards.”

An earlier environmental survey confirmed asbestos was present throughout the site. The project was conducted for 14 months, between November 2011 and January 2013.

A site inspector discovered asbestos in October 2012, when Stewart quickly tried to remove the asbestos. However, when the asbestos panels were removed, they crumbled into powder and were released into the air.

According to EPA authorities, Stewart’s alleged attempts at short-cutting the asbestos removal process has resulted in an $800,000 cleanup. Stewart was held liable for the bill, and has served as an example for enforcement of asbestos removal standards.