Violations of the National Emission Standard for Hazardous Air Pollutants for Asbestos (Asbestos NESHAP) and the federal Clean Air Act (CAA) are the basis of a $256,320 fine for the Johnston, Rhode Island company Bilray Demolition, Inc. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) levied the fine against Bilray for its demolition of the Seaboard Foundry in R.I. in 2004 and 2005. Violations of Asbestos Removal/Disposal Procedures The demolition was performed after a fire at the foundry. According to the EPA, Bilray Demolition: * did not properly inspect the foundry for asbestos before it began the demolition * did not provide the required written notice of its intended demolition to the EPA before beginning the work * failed to implement the correct safety procedures for removing asbestos or for disposing of the asbestos; e.g., they failed to keep asbestos adequately wet until it was collected Asbestos abatement was eventually conducted at the foundry by Bilray. Approximately 81 cubic feet of asbestos-containing materials were removed from the foundry in September 2005 by Bilray. The Laws Exist to Protect People from Exposure to Toxins The owners and operators of demolition and renovation companies in the U.S. are required to follow the relevant laws (i.e., the NESHAP, the CAA and others) so that their employees and the residents of the communities in which the demolished or renovated structures are located are not exposed to toxic levels of asbestos and other hazardous materials. Asbestos exposure can cause respiratory disease such as asbestosis, and cancer such as mesothelioma (cancer of a tissue lining in the chest cavity) and lung malignancies. Millions of buildings across the U.S. â€" including private residences and factories â€" have literally hundreds of asbestos containing components. The removal of such asbestos construction materials should usually be left to professionals, and these professionals should follow the state and federal laws. (Source: EPA) Do you need legal help? If you and your family have been exposed to a dangerous level of asbestos, contact mesothelioma treatment centers to speak with a knowledgeable asbestos attorney who will help you obtain financial compensation for your medical bills and losses.
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