Investigating the Environmental Origins of Autism Jul 13, 2008
With autism on the rise, what research has been done on the possible environmental causes. Autism affects one in every 150 children born today in the U.S., up from one in 500 as recently as just 10 years ago. (Scientific American)
BHS project is continuing Jul 13, 2008
The biggest challenge has been the issue of asbestos. "That building is loaded with asbestos," Mr. Slifkin said, adding that construction workers seem to find it every time they open up a wall ... According to Mr. Slifkin, about $350,000 to $400,000 was included in the project's original budget in 2003 for asbestos abatement. (Bethel Beacon, CT)
Ashland to buy Hercules for $2.6 billion Jul 13, 2008
4 times Hercules' estimated 2009 ebitda, including pension and asbestos liabilities, Jefferies' Alexander said. Dow paid 10. (International Herald Tribune -- Business)
Ashland stock tumbles on Hercules deal Jul 13, 2008
Among the reason why the premium offered for Hercules is significantly less than what Dow offered for Rohm & Haas is Hercules' $230 million or more in asbestos liability and its pension plan, which is underfunded by $160 million, said analyst David Begleiter of Deutsche Bank. Ashland officials said they had carefully studied Hercules' liabilities and concluded that the acquisition would be a positive move. (MSNBC -- Business)
Historic Preservation Commission told to have Concert Street property down by July 31; others given dates, too Jul 13, 2008
The asbestos siding should be removed from the building at 1123-1125 Blondeau St. by Sept. 30, Mahoney said. Any other materials that they want to salvage will need to be out by then, too, she added. (Keokuk Daily Gate City, IO)
Lodi travel agent pleads not guilty to eight felony counts (2) Jul 13, 2008
papercut wrote on Jul 11, 2008 9:44 AM:" When are the gob games ever going to stop stooping so low and so obvious in livable, lovable Lodi? Why not a large article on the Alegre gob's son who's just been arrested for crimes making this article look like a fairy tale. Or a followup on the asbestos at the Mokelumne school? And the twice questionable missing funds at the same school? Sentinel, quit protecting those you fear or owe favors to and give us the truth about the gob's and how they control... (Lodi News Sentinel, CA)
Weeklies reader: Vermiculite found in Libby park Jul 8, 2008
They're too big to work themselves up from the ground, and they didn't fall off any of the trucks used in the multimillion-dollar Superfund asbestos cleanup, Cirian said. They were tracked up and down the parking lot by vehicles, leaving a 12,000-square-foot area to be cleaned of the potentially fatal contaminants. (Missoulian, MT)
ABC abandons radioactive Brisbane site Jul 7, 2008
Investigators also looked at asbestos, the old petrol tanks in the staff carpark, and considered the impacts of shift work and working in an illuminated environment, which is known to deplete melatonin, a hormone that protects against breast cancer. Story Tools. (The Australian)
India, world shipping's toxic waste dump Jul 6, 2008
Like many vessels of its era, the Shcherbakov has asbestos insulation in its engine rooms and elsewhere, according to the ship's chief mate, Andrey Potapov ... Environmental groups say there are 90 ships on Alang's beaches, none of which has been precleaned of asbestos, polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) or other hazardous material ... "These are toxic chemicals, but the moment these things enter Indian territory, they become nontoxic," said Gopal Krishna of the Ban Asbestos Network of India, who... (San Francisco Chronicle -- Science)
Asbestos and Mesothelioma Jul 5, 2008
Asbestos is a substance strongly linked to a rare cancer called mesothelioma. The substance called asbestos and the disease called mesothelioma are frequently heard together ... Asbestos is a group of long, thin glass fibers produced for various purposes, including but not limited to home-building materials like pipes and shingles, spray cans, textile materials like rope and tape, and brake linings. (Suite101.com)
Compassion at the end of life Jul 5, 2008
He was exposed to asbestos in his youth and survived three falls off second-story scaffolds without breaking a bone, he said. "But I've had a happy life.". (Nogales International, AZ)
Finest flour, honest judge, skeeters Jul 4, 2008
Instead, he made hundreds of millions suing tobacco, asbestos and insurance companies, and used a portion of those proceeds to try to bribe a county circuit court judge. Perhaps this was not the first time you did this because you did it so easily, said a judge, sentencing Scruggs to five years in prison. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution -- Opinion)
* Sport Briefs Jul 4, 2008
Construction work on part of the foundations of the London 2012 Olympic stadium has been temporarily halted after asbestos was found on the site ... Illness from inhaling asbestos only usually occurs from repeated exposure over a period of time. (Taipei Times, Taiwan -- World)
UK defense computers behind schedule, over budget Jul 4, 2008
The audit office said delays are partly caused by problems with asbestos and regular power supplies in some of the military sites where they are being fitted. "As the report brings out, we still have some problems to overcome in rolling out the system completely, but we are working hard to overcome these," said senior Ministry of Defense official Bill Jeffrey. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Technology)
Copying issue raises hurdle for Bush pick Jul 4, 2008
"He was my chief counsel and staff director at a very difficult time," Specter continued, referring to the nominations of Roberts and Alito, the withdrawn Supreme Court nomination of Harriet Miers and a host of legal issues, including civil rights, bankruptcy and asbestos litigation. Specter said O'Neill's nomination "has been thoroughly vetted on a number of levels," including by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the White House. (International Herald Tribune)
Drink up, city water aces test Jul 4, 2008
Some of the contaminants tested for include the bacteria E. coli, asbestos, lead, copper and nitrates, all of which can be detrimental to human health. Some levels of lead and copper were found to exceed the California Environmental Protection Agency's public health goals benchmark figures that denote that any detection below those levels will not have any known or expected risk to health but the amount of these chemicals was not enough to trigger any sort of regulatory action or changes in... (Daily Triplicate)
Workers walk off Vic 'asbestos' site Jul 3, 2008
Construction workers who walked off one of Victoria's largest building sites over an asbestos scare are likely to return to work on Friday. The Construction, Forestry, Mining and Energy Union (CFMEU) members downed tools on Thursday at the Westfield Doncaster Shopping Town construction site because they say the company had failed to prove it was removing asbestos according to health and safety laws ... "Workers walked off the job not because asbestos has been found on the site, but because the... (Sydney Morning Herald -- Australia)
Father and son face asbestos-related charges Jul 3, 2008
On Tuesday, Francis D. Tramontozzi, 72, of Tewksbury, and his son Thomas M. Tramontozzi, 47, of Fitchburg, were found guilty after pleading no contest to charges of causing asbestos to be released into the air in the center of Fitchburg and with conducting an asbestos removal without notifying the Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP). As part of the sentence, District Court Judge Paul Magill imposed a $2,000 fine on each defendant for violating the Massachusetts Clean Air Act by... (Tewksbury Advocate, MA)
Landmark fish market reopens Jul 3, 2008
"When the workers were removing the asbestos siding from the old building, they found something. It was a print of the female voters in the city of Portsmouth, circa 1959. It's on display in the store.The last item of significance is the black leather chair in the store."My dad had cancer and is now on the mend," said Jim Sanders. "We gave him this chair on Father's Day so he could come down and sit in the store, and visit with his pals and buddies. It's for him. (Seacoast New Hampshire)
Lead Paint Cinch Jul 2, 2008
Yesterday was a good day for justice in Rhode Island, where the state Supreme Court stopped cold an attempt to turn lead paint into the next tobacco or asbestos. The 4-0 ruling overturned a 2006 jury verdict that was the first court decision swallowing the theory that lead paint is a "public nuisance." Under that legal reasoning, the state claimed lead paint harmed public health and companies that once made the product could be held liable whether or not there was even an injured party. (Wall Street Journal)
Politics blog: Is McCain's service record fair game? Jul 2, 2008
Obama has 3 years in the Senate, a couple in a State house, and a failed attempt at asbestos removal, during which he made a deal that led to the present situation in which the asbestos has still not been removed. As far as I can tell, that''s the only thing he's ever done and he screwed that up. (San Francisco Chronicle -- Politics)
Report: More Security Needed At Governor's Mansion Jul 2, 2008
The mansion had problems with plumbing, rotting wood, lead paint and asbestos and had no fire-emergency sprinkler system. Read "asked about the security detail available to the Mansion once construction is under way," according to Oct. 1 meeting notes by Susman Tisdale Gayle, the firm that was lead architect for the project, and notes released by Gov. Rick Perry's office. (Click2Houston, TX)
The U.S. is powerless... Jul 1, 2008
According to the CIA, Zimbabwe s natural resources include: coal, chromium ore, asbestos, gold, nickel, copper, iron ore, vanadium, lithium, tin, platinum group metals. By Tim. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution -- Opinion)
Attorney Minor appeals bribery conviction Jul 1, 2008
Minor amassed a fortune from asbestos, tobacco, medical malpractice and car safety litigation. He was found guilty along with former Circuit Judge John Whitfield and former Chancellor Wes Teel. (The Clarion-Ledger)
Plant closer to demolition Jul 1, 2008
Engineers surveyed the structure earlier this month to assess the building's asbestos content before releasing it for demolition, said Les Everett, chief buildings inspector ... Engineers surveyed the structure earlier this month to assess the building's asbestos content before releasing it for demolition, said Les Everette, chief buildings inspector for Pitt County ... Everett said state regulations and requirements concerning asbestos have slowed the pace somewhat. (The Daily Reflector)
Bronson refurbishes former Upjohn headquarters for another life Jun 29, 2008
This included the mechanical, electrical, sewer, and gas systems, as well as asbestos removal and the addition of energy-efficient windows. Sardone will be among 20 executives of the health-care group to relocate from offices at 1 Healthcare Plaza, which is near the center of Bronson Methodist Hospital's downtown campus, on Walnut Street across from the hospital emergency room and next to the helipad for West Michigan AirCare. (Kalamazoo Gazette, MI)
EPA turning debris to ashes Jun 29, 2008
None of the debris contains asbestos, Jones said. In February, the EPA received approval from the St. Bernard Parish Council to test this method on debris that contained asbestos ... However, Jones said the project team decided to conduct these initial tests, then potentially experiment with asbestos if this week's results are favorable. (Nola.com -- Sports)
Car chase, burning dorm another way ISU fired up learning Jun 29, 2008
Captain Fantastic wrote on Jun 28, 2008 11:29 PM:" There had to be clearance with the EPA before any kind of burn of this magnitude could be done. All that was burned in there was straw and clean wood. All of the furniture, curtains, carpets, asbestos, everything was removed beforehand. Any remaining toxins would be so dissipated into the air by the time it reached anyone, it's not any more hazardous than breathing regular city air. ". haligan wrote on Jun 28, 2008 10:38 PM:" Floyd:The EPA has... (The Pantagraph newspaper)
Planned implosion fails to topple all of tower Jun 29, 2008
Saturday, June 28, 2008. For Carlos Perez, a structural engineer who has seen several building demolitions in Miami and New York City, Saturday's failed demolition of an office building in Coral Gables was the first incomplete one he had seen. (The Palm Beach Post)
High-profile Miss. lawyer sentenced to 5 years Jun 28, 2008
- Richard "Dickie" Scruggs, who became one of the wealthiest lawyers in the country by taking on tobacco, asbestos, and insurance companies, was sentenced yesterday to five years in prison for conspiring to bribe a judge ... Prosecutors are looking into another alleged bribery conspiracy in which Scruggs is accused of trying to influence a different judge in a dispute over legal fees from asbestos cases ... Scruggs's former defense lawyer, Joey Langston of Booneville, has pleaded guilty to... (Boston Globe)
Scruggs gets max Jun 28, 2008
Federal authorities also are probing a similar lawyer's fee dispute against Scruggs in Hinds County dealing with asbestos litigation that has led to a guilty plea by another lawyer for attempting to bribe a judge. Because Scruggs' plea agreement does not apply to that case, he could face additional charges if federal prosecutors conclude he was involved. (The Clarion-Ledger)
Anti-Tobacco Lawyer Gets 5 Years Jun 28, 2008
Richard "Dickie" Scruggs, the attorney who built his career by taking on tobacco, asbestos and insurance companies, was sentenced Friday to five years in prison for conspiring to bribe a judge. Related Articles. (Time.com)
Asbestos patients die as they await compensation Jun 27, 2008
PEOPLE suffering from the asbestos disease mesothelioma are dying before their compensation cases are completed due to a cost-saving system introduced in 2005, a Sydney judge says ... The new system was brought in after the issue of legal costs in asbestos cases was raised during the 2004 furore over James Hardie's $1 ... au/news/national/asbestos-patients-die-as-they-await-compensation/2008/06/26/1214472673453. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Australia)
County Adopts Catastrophic Leave Policy Jun 27, 2008
Hann further added an assessment of asbestos in the Bivens House got under way on Friday and assessments will also be completed on the jail, courthouse and probation office. Michelle Sowers of the tax assessment office met in executive session regarding a personnel matters. (Fulton County News, PA)
Glad to be a High School Graduate Jun 27, 2008
R News: As It Happens, Where It Happens. Friday June 27, 2008. (R News)
Nader's Obama remarks draw fire Jun 26, 2008
"Whether that will make any difference, I don't know. I haven't heard him have a strong crackdown on economic exploitation in the ghettos. Payday loans, predatory lending, asbestos, lead. What's keeping him from doing that? Is it because he wants to talk white?". Nader added: "I mean, first of all, the number one thing that a black American politician aspiring to the presidency should be [doing] is to candidly describe the plight of the poor, especially in the inner cities and the rural areas. .... (Boston Globe)
Friends Seek Leniency for Well-Known Attorney Jun 26, 2008
Some high-profile friends are seeking leniency for a well-known attorney who took on tobacco, asbestos and insurance companies before he pleaded guilty to conspiring to bribe a state judge. Attorney Richard "Dickie" Scruggs and former law partner Sidney Backstrom are scheduled to be sentenced Friday by U.S. District Judge Neal Biggers Jr.. (ABC News -- Wire)
Tips: Protect Your Lungs Jun 26, 2008
If exposure to asbestos or other hazardous materials is suspected, do not disturb the area. Dust masks do not protect against asbestos. (NBC 11, CA)
Polluted groundwater seeping from under DSS draws concern Jun 26, 2008
Asbestos abatement had occurred prior to demolition. Robinson speculated that the orange-colored water could be the result of some of the debris. (Hudson Register Star, NY)
County OKs $1M For Dennison Upgrades Jun 26, 2008
" Named for a former county executive, the H. Lee Dennison Building was built in 1971 and houses many of the administrative offices of county government. It also was home to county courts through the mid-1990s, and it was during that time that an expensive project was mounted to remove asbestos from the building. More recently, improvements to the Dennison Building already have included weatherproofing on the north and east sides and rebuilding plaza staircases to enhance safety. According to... (Suffolk Life Newspapers, NY)
Radioactive house 'unfit to live in' Jun 25, 2008
Funny that relatively inert asbestos has to be registered/labelled, but uranium doesnt. (0). (ABC Online)
Five-step check for nano safety Jun 25, 2008
Long, thin fibres of asbestos can also lead to lung disease if inhaled, but grinding the fibres down to shorter particles reduces their harmfulness. In May, the UK's Royal Society called on industry to disclose how it tests products containing nanoparticles. (Yahoo News -- Nanotechnology)
Nader criticizes Obama; says Obama tries to "talk white" Jun 25, 2008
"Whether that will make any difference, I don't know. I haven't heard him have a strong crackdown on economic exploitation in the ghettos. Payday loans, predatory lending, asbestos, lead. What's keeping him from doing that? Is it because he wants to talk white? He doesn't want to appear like Jesse Jackson? We'll see all that play out in the next few months and if he gets elected afterwards.". The Obama campaign had only a brief response, calling the remarks disappointing. (Scripps Howard News Wire)
Priorities listed for FEMA flood buyout program Jun 25, 2008
Demolition (or moving) of structure, which will entail testing for asbestos and any removal/disposal costs. Grading/filling and seeding/landscaping the property. (Mason City Globe-Gazette, IO)
Supreme Court Rejects W.R. Grace Asbestos Appeal Jun 24, 2008
Supreme Court rejects W.R. Grace appeal in asbestos battle with federal government ... The Supreme Court on Monday rejected an appeal by W.R. Grace n a criminal case brought by the government over the company's alleged release of asbestos from a Montana mine ... Federal prosecutors charged the company and six of its executives in February 2005 with violating the Clean Air Act by releasing asbestos from a vermiculite mine in Libby, Mont. (ABC News -- Wire)
Supreme Court won't hear W.R. Grace appeals Jun 24, 2008
The U.S. Supreme Court on Monday rejected the appeals of W.R. Grace and six of its top executives, who are charged with violating the Clean Air Act by releasing asbestos-contaminated vermiculite from a mine in Libby ... Asbestos-related disease has killed an estimated 300 to 400 Libby residents miners at W.R. Grace's now-closed vermiculite mine, their families and others while hundreds more suffer from fatal illnesses ... In its appeal for Supreme Court intervention, Grace argued that the U.S.... (Missoulian, MT)
Schenley No. 1 topic at meeting Jun 24, 2008
Mr. Lardas said the reports, commissioned by the district, show that the building remains safe for students and that there's no widespread collapse of asbestos-containing plaster. But district officials said the architects and engineers repeatedly have told them that the district no longer can risk exposing students and staff to asbestos. (Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, PA)
3 Cents Blog Jun 23, 2008
" Jessica, VA Beach -I think it's a great idea! I just wonder why it should take a third offense to get a yellow plate? 3rd time DUI offenders shouldn't be driving! Robyn, VA Beach -That is the smartest thing I have heard in a long time!! Angel, VA Beach -After 3 DUI's should they ever get a licenses back? NO!!! A yellow plate is the only protection "we" have from them? Sheri, Norfolk -Amen! Perhaps the shame will discourage or make the offender think twice! (Does the scarlet letter ring a... (WTKR.com, VA)
NZ's Renewable Electricity Generation Fell in Q1 Jun 20, 2008
Contact Energy has recommissioned part of its gas-fired New Plymouth power station, which was mothballed last year after the discovery of asbestos, to meet demand. The MED report also showed that the higher level of thermal generation saw the country's emissions from electricity increase by about a third in the quarter to 1,845 kilotons of carbon. (Planet Ark, United States)
Smoking ban back before public Jun 19, 2008
Alicia C wrote on Jun 18, 2008 12:21 PM:" This is beyond ridiculous. Cigarette smoke causes cancer, it is that simple. Never in a million years would ANYONE find it acceptable for someone to wave around asbestos, which also causes cancer. Obviously there still exists a group of people who loves to tempt fate and endanger the health of others, but NO ONE else but the smoker should be subjected to that. Do it in your own home (without children of course) or car with the windows rolled up thank you... (Chippewa Falls Chippewa Herald, WI)
NB gives property owner 90 days Jun 19, 2008
By , Staff Writer Wednesday, June 18, 2008. Demolition has been slow going on Brussells St. house. (Coos Bay-North Bend The World, OR)
More of this story Jun 18, 2008
Beeman also said the cost to demolish the VFW building is expected to cost between 45,000 and 60,000 due to asbestos removal. Other business. (Bartlesville Examiner-Enterprise, OK)
Silent Killers abound in health world Jun 18, 2008
Among the threats that rise to Silent Killer designation: AIDS, asbestos, Aspartame, autoerotic asphyxiation, carbon monoxide, fluoride, gastrointestinal stasis, hepatitis B, hepatitis C, hydrogenated oils, hypothermia, indoor air pollution, inflammation, insulin, kidney disease, migraines, radon and Ritalin. Also, hybrids and electric cars. (OregonLive, OR -- News)
Local revenue up, tax rate down Jun 18, 2008
Plans to remove and replace the boiler at Lincoln Attendance Center ran into a complication when it became obvious that asbestos removal would be necessary, and the district is working with Environmental Consultants of Collinsville to develop bid specificatioins and oversee that process, Talley said. Removal of the asbestos will add to the total project cost, but the superintendent said the district has the necessar money in its fire protection/safety fund. (Carmi Times, IL)
Competitive Technologies Schedules Investor Meetings in California Jun 17, 2008
Asbestos and Mold Abatement Call for FREE Quote 949-336-8999. www. (Primezone Releases)
Gestra Engineering's Alam faces challenges Jun 17, 2008
The property had problems, including contaminated soil and asbestos, so Alam approached the state for a brownfields grant to pay for the building's redevelopment. Doug Bath, branch manager of Gestra's Milwaukee office, has been with the firm since June 2004 and previously managed Gestra's Oak Creek headquarters. (Milwaukee Business Journal, WI)
NF hospital fined for asbestos Jun 17, 2008
faces $110,000 in fines for alleged improper asbestos removal during a December renovation project. The cited the hospital for possible lack of employee safeguards and the improver removal and disposal of asbestos-containing material ... An OSHA inspection, prompted by an employee complaint, found several potential hazards including employees removed the material without proper protective clothing, respirators and training; the material was not properly disposed and the work area was not... (Buffalo Business First, NY)
Sekou's blog Jun 16, 2008
mykhalc Make sure you stop by the fire dept and get that asbestos suit. You ll need it as you flame on about Woody ;-). (Atlanta Journal-Constitution -- Sports)
Mobile safety still in doubt Jun 15, 2008
"It is anticipated that this danger has far broader public health ramifications than asbestos and smoking," Khurana wrote in March. Mobiles have also been linked to cancer of the salivary gland and mouth. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Opinion)
Progress at Alexander Park Redevelopment Jun 15, 2008
Crews have been removing asbestos for the past six months. Eventually the building will be replaced with market rate housing and unique boutiques and shops. (R News)
BREAKING NEWS: Smoking ban takes hold in Pennsylvania Jun 14, 2008
Prior to the event, Greenleaf said he thought the time was finally ripe for passage of a smoking ban due to a number of factors, one being a 2006 U.S. Surgeon General's report stating the Environmental Protection Agency has classified secondhand smoke as a class A carcinogen, like asbestos. In addition, recent polls showed that more than 80 percent of state residents were for some type of smoking ban, he said. (Springfield Sun, PA)
Safety lapses caused TTC death Jun 14, 2008
Two other members of an 11-person asbestos cleaning crew were seriously injured ... It's possible poor lighting and respirators worn by workers dealing with asbestos may have impaired the crew's view of the extended platform. (Toronto Star)
TTC report recommends employee drug testing Jun 14, 2008
Around 4:30 a.m. on April 23, 2007, an 11-person crew removing asbestos from the subway tunnel walls north of Eglinton Station finished and began to head south on a two-car work train. The front car, a flatbed, was outfitted with eight telescoping metal platforms that allowed workers to reach the tunnel walls. (Globe and Mail -- National)
Firm angling to buy Asarco has own baggage Jun 14, 2008
Proceeds from the sale, plus cash generated from soaring copper prices would be used to pay off creditors and settle the substantial environmental and asbestos claims that prompted the company to seek Chapter 11 protection in 2005 ... It also faces more than 91,000 asbestos-related personal injury claims. (AZCentral -- Business)
Asbestos Tragedy and Hope Jun 13, 2008
"For six to eight months we didn't know what was wrong with him. He was 68 but he was really strong and healthy. He didn't have any grey hairs." Joseph Miletto worked an aide on the buses for Laidlaw Transportation, and previously in the Navy and brick making where he was constantly exposed to carcinogenic asbestos fibers. Asbestos is so deadly that there is no known safe level of exposure ... "I'm speaking at the Gala because we are the future and we have to pick up the torch to end asbestos... (PR Newswire)
