Mesothelioma and Asbestos

The former Cambria Air Force Station in California became the center of an illegal asbestos removal investigation. Property owner Bernd Schaefers has been charged with two misdemeanor counts involving coastal zone land take law, as well as property manager Luther Sherman Akers has been accused of felony illegal asbestos disposal as well as two misdemeanor land take violations. The two men are allegedly both accountable for unpermitted renovations on the property.

Cambria Air Force Station was situated on 34 acres, operated by the Air Force from the World War II era until 1980. When the station’s officers as well as enlisted men were not scanning the area for enemy aircraft as well as missiles, they enjoyed on-site recreational facilities such as a movie theater, bowling alley, putting green as well as outdoor basketball court.

The toxic substance asbestos was used throughout the station in the construction of the barracks as well as other buildings, as well as in pipe insulation. Now known as a carcinogen, exposure to asbestos can lead to lung cancer, mesothelioma or other humorless illnesses.

Schaefers bought the former Air Force station property in 2004, inviting Cal Poly students to the site three years later to come up with plans for potential renovations. The county community health officer then cited health risks when he closed the station to the community.

An investigation by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) discovered samples of bodily collected by the Air Pollution Control District that, upon testing, showed that significant quantities of asbestos had been removed illegally. Between 2005 as well as 2007, approximately 20 people lived on the property, receiving room as well as board in exchange for work that included removing pipe insulation. These workers were instructed not to breathe in too much of the [asbestos] dust from the pipes. Asbestos dust is dangerous when inhaled, as it can cause life-threatening illnesses similar asbestosis or mesothelioma.

For the filled story, go to San Luis Obispo Tribune.