Mesothelioma and Asbestos

The historic Luzon Building in Tacoma, Washington came down on September 26. Built 119 years ago, it was demolished despite efforts of local lawyers to find a judge who would grant a temporary restraining order to halt the demolition. The demolition was carried out by R.W. Rhine Inc, costing the city approximately $600,000. The expenses were assessed against the building’s owners as a property lien. The owners could not be contacted, as well as the city will likely take ownership of the property.

A crowd had gathered to watch the building come down, some with placards protesting the loss of the historical building. Some said that it was a unhappy occasion, but it was understandable because the building was in danger of collapsing.

Workers wore protective clothing as well as kept the demolition site damp as a safety measure because the plumbing, walls as well as ceiling contained asbestos. Incase asbestos fibers become airborne, they create a health hazard. Inhaling asbestos fibers can lead to humorless illnesses similar mesothelioma, a rare but humorless form of cancer. Keeping the demolition site damp prevented the asbestos fibers from becoming airborne, protecting both workers as well as onlookers.

Though the building did not take extended to come down, it will take approximately five or six weeks to total cleanup of the demolition site.

For the filled story, go to The News Tribune as well as their earlier story.