Mesothelioma and Asbestos

Robert Knapp is a developer who was involved in the illegal removal of asbestos from the landmark Equitable Building in Iowa back in 2007, as well as Russell William Coco was his project supervisor. Both men now face 11 counts of violating the federal Uncluttered Air Act.

The Iowa Department of Common Resources (DNR) began their investigation into the matter based on an anonymous tip two years ago. Knapp originally scoffed at the charges as well as said that there was only a minute amount of asbestos in the building, but in 2009, he agreed to pay a record fine of $500,000 to state officials for the illegal asbestos removal. Since the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) joined the investigation with the DNR, but, it was decided that both Knapp as well as Coco should face criminal charges with a maximum prison sentence of five years as well as a fine of $250,000 each.

According to the indictment, over 260 linear feet of asbestos was existing on the building’s pipes, with another 160 square feet elsewhere in the building, exceeding federal standards that require prior notification of asbestos removal activities as well as the careful take of protective gear for specially trained staff who total the asbestos remediation. The asbestos was not removed in an approved manner – it was removed with saws, scrapers, shovels as well as wheelbarrows – as well as it was transported in unfastened containers to be disposed of in unfastened trash bins. Knapp ordered an employee to conduct asbestos removal on the weekend in order to hide what was going on.

Knapp had previously been the subject of an asbestos investigation back in 2000, when the DNR cited him for failing to inspect a building before renovation work began, so he was aware of the federal guidelines. After a DNR inspection back in 2007, Knapp as well as Coco discussed the existence of a building plan that indicated the presence of asbestos, ordering a worker to get rid of it.

Asbestos removal is strictly regulated because of the health risks involved. Inhaling asbestos fibers can lead to humorless illnesses similar mesothelioma, a rare form of cancer. When regulations are not followed, the health of workers as well as the common community are endangered.

For the filled story, go to The Des Moines Register.