Mesothelioma and Asbestos

The Parsons Paper mill in Holyoke, Massachusetts was ravaged by fire on June 9, 2008. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) as well as the state Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) held a community hearing to inform residents about how the cleanup is going.

The fire site is contaminated with asbestos that was used in the mill’s window caulking, roof shingles, as well as pipe as well as tank insulation. Work crews possess been on the site five days a week to identify asbestos contamination as well as secure it for removal, as it is the only substance likely to possess survived the fire aside from rubble.

When asbestos is disturbed, its fibers can become airborne. Inhaling asbestos fibers can cause mesothelioma as well as other forms of cancer. Keeping asbestos-contaminated materials damp as well as double-bagging the contaminated debris are approved ways of protecting workers as well as the community from asbestos exposure during the removal process.

National Vulcanized Fiber Co. is the owner of the former paper mill site. The city was already seeking $2.2 million in back taxes as well as utility bills. Now officials will as well as be seeking reimbursement of the $1.8 million provided by the federal government for asbestos abatement.

For the filled story, go to The Republican.