Washington, D.C. (Mesothelioma News) - Crews at two Metro stations in Washington, D.C., have begun removing asbestos after the hazardous material was found during renovation work. That finding, say mesothelioma lawyers and experts, might be worrisome but not surprising.
For decades, asbestos has been scientifically linked to deadly diseases such as lung cancer and mesothelioma. Nevertheless, it can still be found in many older structures, particularly in insulation, flooring and ceilings, chiefly because it was long a popular building material due to its resistance to heat and fire.
The Washington Examiner reported that workers found asbestos at the Farragut North and Union Station Metro stops in the jointwork of ducts in mechanical rooms, under platforms and above suspended ceilings. The removal work is expected to last until mid-April.
Renovation work poses particular challenges-and concerns-when it comes to asbestos. If material containing asbestos is disturbed, asbestos fibers can be released into the air, where both workers and passersby can easily inhale them. Once lodged in the lungs, asbestos fibers can trigger many years later deadly diseases like lung cancer and mesothelioma-an aggressive, invariably fatal cancer striking the protective lining covering many of the body's organs.
A diagnosis of mesothelioma, in particular, carries a grim prognosis, since there is no known cure. The only recovery patients typically experience is financial: Over the years, mesothelioma lawyers have obtained large-often multimillion-dollar-settlements and verdicts in asbestos exposure lawsuits.
Metro workers discovered the asbestos while removing ductwork at the two stations as part of a $177 million rehabilitation of the transit system's Red Line.
Mesothelioma lawyers say that finding asbestos during renovation or demolition work is particularly hazardous-not only could the material have been disturbed, releasing asbestos fibers into the air, but other, unknown sources of asbestos could also be present.
Inspecting for asbestos and knowing exactly where it exists before any work commences is essential to protecting the health of both workers and the public, mesothelioma lawyers say.
To mitigate the risk of asbestos exposure, work crews have been working at night when the rail system is closed, according to a Metro spokesperson. The agency also turns off the two stations' airflow systems before any work is started so that asbestos fibers do not circulate. Other stations will be inspected for possible asbestos, though the agency spokesperson added that it didn't expect to find any.
This news story was brought to you by the mesothelioma lawyers at Cooney & Conway. For more than half a century, we have been advocates for those injured because of the wrongful actions of others. We have litigated and resolved some of the nation's most significant asbestos lawsuits, bringing justice-and compensation-to victims of asbestos exposure and the lung cancer, mesothelioma and other deadly diseases it can cause.
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