Before Demolition, Willie's Steak House Owner Refuses Inspection Jun 25, 2009
He said a Bloomfield company he hired is checking the place for asbestos, and demolition can proceed once that work is finished. Other updates from the committee's most recent report on "problem" properties. (FOX61, CT)
Slight improvement for Legion Field Jun 25, 2009
The press box has to be abated for asbestos. Asbestos is a fiber that is linked to causing cancer by health officials ... The state Department of Public Health requires asbestos to be removed from a structure before it can be demolished. (Weymouth News, MA)
Common Diseases Of The Respiratory ... Jun 25, 2009
Non-smokers are also at risk and pollution, radiation and exposure to asbestos increases this risk. Lung cancers usually develop in the epithelium of airways, and the first signs of it are usually secondary growths in bones, liver or the brain. (Suite101.com)
School district eyeing stimulus loan option Jun 25, 2009
Asbestos abatement has already begun at the schools. A contract with Integrity Environ-mental Services, Inc., for 97,844, was selected as the low bidder. (Watertown Daily Times, WI)
Unions slam James Hardie's relocation Jun 24, 2009
The millions James Hardie is spending to move its base from The Netherlands to Ireland would be better spent on asbestos victims, unions say. The building supplies producer says the move should improve its chances of qualifying for US tax benefits but it won't affect its commitment to the asbestos diseases fund ... "We'd be very concerned if this was an attempt by James Hardie to dodge its obligations to asbestos victims and their families.". (Sydney Morning Herald -- Australia)
Circuit Court issues temporary halt to Thomas demolition Jun 24, 2009
The restraining order applies to anything that is "bolted to the building." Asbestos abatement is also underway, and will continue, at the site, he said. SEARCH EVENTS LISTINGS. (OregonLive, OR -- News)
Tax forces James Hardie Ireland move Jun 24, 2009
The company said the move would not affect its commitment to contribute to the asbestos diseases fund, but the costs of the move would be likely to reduce its liability to the fund in fiscal 2011 ... The company said it had agreed with the NSW government that it would apply to the Australian Taxation Office for new tax rulings covering its asbestos diseases contributions, seeking confirmation that its tax status will not change materially as a result of the moves ... James Hardie chief executive... (Sydney Morning Herald -- Business)
Legion Field deserves better Jun 24, 2009
The problem with tearing down both the broadcast booth and the bleachers is the presence of asbestos. State law requires asbestos to be removed before deconstruction can begin. (Weymouth News, MA)
Cambridge breaks ground for $120M school renovations Jun 24, 2009
The pricey renovation elements include asbestos abatement, new floor tiles, upgrades for the school s plumbing, restrooms, science labs, restrooms, flooring and electrical systems, along with replacing the building s heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems, roof, windows and related fire safety and electrical work. More details For renovation updates, visit www. (Cambridge Chronicle, MA)
Landmark gets a makeover Jun 21, 2009
Scaffolding and a plastic cover has enveloped the south, west and now the east walls of the building in a one-sided cocoon since last fall as workers stripped off old paint, removed asbestos and sealed the concrete to prepare the massive structure for a new coat of paint. That loud, lengthy phase is nearly complete. (Albany Democrat-Herald, OR)
City building inspection gets stern warning Jun 20, 2009
The ICA wants the inspectors to start doing the asbestos inspections needed prior to demolishing a building, saving $1,600 per structure. Mr. Matveiev said his demolition inspectors just got their asbestos inspection licenses, but don't have time to do the examinations. (Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, PA)
Our views: Weekend wrap-up Jun 20, 2009
But the work was deemed too expensive the place was loaded with asbestos so the new center took root. The $3. (Florida Today)
Supreme Court Spares Former Enron Exec Jun 19, 2009
The Court agreed to let an insurance company settle some asbestos lawsuits in exchange for blocking any future litigation resulting from its long relationship with Johns Manville Corp., once the world's largest producer of asbestos. Travelers Companies Inc. had been named in lawsuits alleging that it tried to hide dangerous health effects of asbestos ... The company argued that asbestos claims must be paid out of a trust created by Johns Manville in the 1980s and approved by a federal bankruptcy... (CBS News)
CSR must address asbestos deaths: lawyer Jun 19, 2009
CSR Ltd was responsible for one of the world's biggest asbestos death tolls and must address the issue of compensation liabilities before it is broken up, a lawyer says ... Slater n senior partner Peter Gordon said in a statement on Friday that recent reports suggested CSR would hive off its asbestos liability to the building entity ... Mr Gordon said the death toll from CSR's blue asbestos mine at Wittenoom in Western Australia, which operated from the 1940s until its closure in 1966, was still... (Sydney Morning Herald -- Business)
Court upholds settlement in asbestos lawsuits Jun 19, 2009
WASHINGTON - The Supreme Court on Thursday agreed to let an insurance company settle some asbestos lawsuits for about $500 million in exchange for blocking any future litigation resulting from its long relationship with Johns Manville Corp., once the world's largest producer of asbestos ... had been named in lawsuits alleging that it tried to hide dangerous health effects of asbestos ... The company argued that asbestos claims must be paid out of a trust created by Johns Manville in the 1980s... (Muscatine Journal, IO)
New York Man Indicted for Clean Air Act Violations Jun 19, 2009
15-Count Indictment Alleges Individual Directed and Hid Illegal Asbestos Removal. WASHINGTON, June 18 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- A federal grand jury in the Western District of New York, has returned an indictment charging Keith Gordon-Smith, owner of an asbestos removal company, with numerous violations of the Clean Air Act, submitting false statements and obstruction of justice, the Justice Department announced ... The charges stem from allegations that Gordon-Smith directed and caused illegal... (PR Newswire)
Five-step check for nano safety Jun 19, 2009
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)
EPA declares health emergency in Libby Jun 18, 2009
WASHINGTON The Obama administration said Wednesday it will pump more than 130 million into Libby, where asbestos contamination has been blamed for more than 200 deaths ... The Health and Human Services Department will spend an additional 6 million on medical assistance for area residents suffering from asbestos-related illnesses ... The money is in addition to hundreds of millions of dollars the government and Maryland-based W.R. Grace ave spent to clean up Libby, where asbestos contamination... (Montana Standard, MT)
Health Emergency Declared In Mont. Town Jun 18, 2009
EPA Targets Town, Contaminated By Asbestos From Mine, For Federal Cleanup ... The Environmental Protection Agency on June 17, 2009 declared a health emergency in Libby in connection with asbestos contamination caused by the plant ... will not result in an evacuation, but will require an extensive cleanup and better health protections for residents with asbestos-related illnesses. (CBS News -- US)
Public health emergency declared in Mont. towns Jun 18, 2009
US to funnel $6m to victims of asbestos mines. In Washington, EPA Administrator Lisa Jackson and Senator Max Baucus, Democrat of Montana, yesterday detailed plans to help people sickened by asbestos from a mine ... WASHINGTON - The Environmental Protection Agency yesterday declared its first-ever public health emergency, saying the federal government will funnel $6 million to provide medical care for people sickened by asbestos from a mine in a section of northwest Montana. (Boston Globe)
Stick to leafing through transcripts Jun 18, 2009
Was it only two months ago that James Hardie sighed that its asbestos liabilities fund was at risk of running out of moolah ... Asbestos disease sufferers will be pleased to know that the winners picked up the prizes in a competition fittingly dubbed by Hardie as "Too Easy". (Sydney Morning Herald -- Business)
Health emergency declared in Libby - More aid expected after ‘historic' announcement Jun 18, 2009
LIBBY Millions more in federal money is expected for Libby area asbestos cleanup and medical care, with the announcement Wednesday of an emergency health declaration ... Baucus has long pushed for the federal declaration, saying it would help provide funding, particularly for treatment of asbestos-related disease ... For decades, W.R. Grace and Co. operated a vermiculite mine not far from town, unearthing in the process deadly asbestos fibers. (Missoulian, MT)
ELIZABETH KNIGHT Jun 17, 2009
The findings by the NSW Supreme Court yesterday that seven non-executive directors of James Hardie approved the release of false or misleading statements in a press release covering asbestos compensation payments represents a win for the Australian Securities and Investments Commission but one that may be short-lived. Thursday April 23, 2009. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Business)
Wood casts key vote on budget bill Jun 17, 2009
The company had a tangental relationship with a predecessor company that worked with asbestos years ago, and found itself embroiled in lawsuits, even though the company as it exists today had nothing to do with asbestos for decades. The budget is not yet settled. (Chippewa Falls Chippewa Herald, WI)
Viagra developer Furchgott dead at 92: report Jun 17, 2009
EMSL Analytical, Inc. offer a wide array of analytical testing services to support environmental investigations focused on asbestos, microbiology, environmental chemistry and many more. Speak with Your Local DUI Attorney. (Yahoo News -- Pharmaceutical Industry News)
School projects: Work on major referendum items are under way Jun 17, 2009
State Road work has not progressed as much as the two middle schools because asbestos abatement needs to be done, Ledvina said. It is expected to catch up quickly, he said, as it is probably the easiest to do. (La Crosse Tribune, WI)
Prosecutors dismiss charges against final Grace defendant Jun 16, 2009
A mortality study at the Center for Asbestos Related Disease in Libby has identified 227 community members who are dead from asbestos disease, and lists more than 1,800 active cases resulting from exposure to the deadly fiber. The study also attributes scores of deaths to non-occupational asbestos exposures, and finds that 77 people who never worked at Grace's mine in Libby have died of asbestos disease since 1998. (Missoulian, MT)
Guest opinion A time to choose Jun 5, 2009
Some science wrote on Jun 4, 2009 12:32 PM:" For "Question for wise-up"The potential toxics are locked up in the sediment behind the dam. You need to understand the sciences of stratigraphy and sedimentation, but as a short description: the toxic bearing sediments would be layered in individual layers that represent runoff events and seasonal deposition which reflect the pesticides, herbicides, asbestos from building the dams, heavy and other metals, and any other debris that comes down the... (Klamath Falls Herald & News, OR)
Smokers head for sidewalks to puff, vent Jun 4, 2009
Humbucker Jun 3, 2009 8:29 AM The government has banned the use of lead and asbestos among other things to protect your health. Is this an infringement on your rights also or just looking out for your best interest. (Fremont Tribune, NE)
Whats wrong with these buildings? Jun 4, 2009
Many of the tiles are made of asbestos, which makes replacement costly. The overhang of the old gym s ceiling drops in clumps to the ground outside. (Arlington Advocate, MA)
BN closing sleeping rooms, removing asbestos tiles Jun 4, 2009
Asbestos abatement workers with Horsley Specialties of Rapid City, SD, began sealing the doors and windows on the sleeping rooms last Wednesday with orange-colored tape and posted asbestos warning signs on the doors of the rooms. The signs read: Danger Asbestos Cancer and lung disease hazard Authorized personnel only Respirators and protective clothing are required in this area ... According to a statement issued by BNSF spokesperson Gus Melonas on Thursday, two of the buildings contain floor... (Laurel Outlook, MT)
College Considering Next Major Construction Project Jun 3, 2009
In addition to renovating the existing space, the floor will have to have existing asbestos removed, a process which could cost upward of $1 million according to representatives with Hastings and Chivetta ... Regardless of the scope of the finalized plans, the asbestos abatement will be a required part ... "We can't make any plumbing or electrical changes to the current building without getting rid of the asbestos," President Ed Jackson told the board last month. (Missourian Publishing, MO)
Capitol Hill to Host Emergency Drill Jun 3, 2009
The drill is part of the AOC s five-year effort to fix the aging utility tunnels, which suffer from falling concrete and exposed asbestos. More than two miles of tunnels are underneath the Capitol, heating and cooling Congressional buildings. (Roll Call)
Why did the Winona district shift some funds instead of cut more from the budget? Jun 3, 2009
include things like asbestos removal, air quality projects, etc. There s a health and safety levy dedicated to those projects you see in your taxes. (Winona Daily News, MN)
Hazard or historic? (1791) Jun 2, 2009
Real World wrote on Jun 1, 2009 5:07 PM:" Have any of you actually looked at these houses? The one in the back has had everything (plumbing and wiring)stolen. Neither of the houses are structurally stable. And the cost to reconstruct the houses would be much more than that to tear them down and plant some grass and a few trees. What about asbestos? Doesn't the old St.James look so great just up the street. Come on people of Butte-someone wants to help Butte survive, why do we always want to shut... (Montana Standard, MT)
Our View: Hits & Misses Jun 2, 2009
MISS: To the indictment of a central New York firm on charges that it lied about asbestos tests at sites throughout the region. The company, Syracuse-based Certified Environmental Services, is accused of faking test results for contractors who failed to properly remove asbestos in homes, colleges and businesses. (Auburn Citizen, NY)
ISU president not certain of state funding increase Jun 2, 2009
noogie wrote on Jun 1, 2009 4:08 PM:" I'm working in Stevenson as I type, while they remove asbestos in a bathroom one floor below me. This building is an absolute nightmare. I give it 5 years. I'm keeping the number of one of those mesothelioma lawyers close by, as I'm sure I'll need it in a few years when I sue the crap out of ISU and these contractors. ". Corvis wrote on Jun 1, 2009 2:20 PM:" Just so long as they don't hire the same group that did the canopy over the plaza between Bone and... (The Pantagraph newspaper)
Father's life, death, shaped Cle Elum grad's life Jun 2, 2009
He smoked and he d been exposed to asbestos, Jamie says. He d get sick. (Ellensburg Daily Record, WA)
Lacking options, contracts inflate May 31, 2009
It promptly encountered new costs for asbestos removal. For his part, Tedder, owner of the contracting company, expected his installation of four boat ramps and six docks to run as smoothly as past projects have. (Florida Today)
Syracuse lab indicted for faking asbestos reports of SU properties May 30, 2009
A Syracuse asbestos-removal company was indicted on federal charges Thursday of falsifying reports that it removed and tested asbestos at the Alpha Chi Omega sorority house at Syracuse University as well as falsifying tests done at several SU residence halls and academic buildings ... But prosecutors allege that the company failed to properly test the property for asbestos and did not remove hazardous asbestos ... CES also falsified reports that it tested 11 different Syracuse University... (Daily Orange, NY)
PacBev remains most likely suitor for pricey Foster's May 29, 2009
As analysts digest the latest news about the projected shortfall in the asbestos compensation fund set up by James Hardie, they are falling into two camps about the best solution ... Some, such as Macquarie's Douglas Macphillamy, favour having the sufferers of asbestos diseases bear the burden, with compensation paid in instalments. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Business)
Blast site ready for cleanup May 29, 2009
There s no specific information that there is any (asbestos), Winn said, noting that workers received training to identify the material if it s present. But considering the era and type of construction, I wouldn t be too surprised. (Helena Independent Record, MT)
DeMaio: Voters Should Decide On New City Hall May 28, 2009
Supporters of the proposal argued the current City Hall has inadequate fire suppression systems, lacks necessary seismic retrofitting, contains asbestos, is not up to code and is deteriorating. "Right now our City Hall is a blight," City Council President Ben Hueso said. (TheSanDiegoChannel.com, CA)
Sweet Home developer arraigned May 28, 2009
He is accused of causing asbestos to be released into the air by authorizing the work, of not using a licensed contractor, failing to perform required surveys, not informing the state Department of Environmental Quality of his project and allowing the demolition worker to be exposed to a substantial risk of serious physical injury ... It halted, Desler said, because his crews found material they believed to contain asbestos ... Desler said he hired an asbestos abatement contractor, but his line... (Albany Democrat-Herald, OR)
Cleanup planned at powerhouse May 28, 2009
POCATELLO -- The Idaho Department of Environmental Quality has awarded grant funding to help rid a local community garden of asbestos and lead contamination ... "We enrolled in the program because we were worried that the area might be contaminated. We found out that the portion of the yard that the garden was in didn't have any (polychlorinated biphenyls) contamination at all," Pink said, "but there was lead in the soil." During its assessment of the bike shop on 750 W. Wyeth St., DEQ found... (Pocatello Idaho State Journal, ID)
Nurturing nonbelief: Parents gather to talk about raising kids without religion May 28, 2009
Disciple wrote on May 27, 2009 10:12 PM:" Taken From: Barry I. Castleman, Asbestos: Medical and Legal Aspects, 4th edition, Aspen Law and Business, Englewood Cliffs, NJ 1996.In 1951, asbestos companies removed all references to cancer before allowing publication of research they sponsored. In 1952, Dr. Kenneth Smith, Johns-Manville medical director, recommended (unsuccessfully) that warning labels be attached to products containing asbestos. Later, Smith testified: "It was a business decision as... (Winona Daily News, MN)
Grace writing another check for Libby hospitalPosted on May 26 May 26, 2009
Grace operated a Libby vermiculite mine, which closed in 1990, and is being sued over sickness the plaintiffs blame on exposure to asbestos from the mine. Grace s checks to the hospital have been used to establish a clinic for people with asbestos-related disease, train personnel, buy equipment and subsidize medical care ... A federal jury in Missoula recently acquitted Maryland-based Grace and several former executives of charges they conspired to knowingly allow asbestos exposure in and around... (Missoulian, MT)
Aussie water purifier 'to save millions' May 26, 2009
The battery-powered device uses electrolysis plates to remove mud, clay, asbestos, arsenic, heavy metals, cyanide, lead and mercury and kills dangerous E coli bacteria. As many as 1. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Australia)
Ship to become 2nd largest intentional reef May 26, 2009
Workers hauled off more than a million feet of wire, 1,500 vent gaskets, dozens of watertight steel doors, 81 bags of asbestos, 193 tons of potentially cancer-causing substances, 46 tons of garbage that could come loose and float to the surface, 300 pounds of materials containing mercury and 185 55-gallon drums of paint chips. The cleanup was performed at two Norfolk, Va. (MSNBC -- Environment)
Richmond Co. school board members at odds May 24, 2009
And last week, Mr. Scott was the lone vote against a bid to abate asbestos at National Hills Elementary School -- a position that fellow board members said endangers children's health ... That would save $15 million, he said, and that is why he voted against asbestos abatement. (The Augusta Chronicle)
EPA will clean up mill debris May 24, 2009
Mark Ylen/Democrat-Herald Property owner Dan Desler has been charged with multiple air pollution felonies relating to the asbestos demolition at a Sweet Home site ... SWEET HOME Razed mill buildings contaminated with asbestos, left after Eugene developer Dan Desler ordered their demolition, will be carted away from Sweet Home this summer by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency ... But the state Department of Environmental Quality still wants Desler, now facing multiple felony charges for the... (Albany Democrat-Herald, OR)
New Catholic Middle School for Inner City May 23, 2009
" ALBANY, N.Y. - The 2008 Federal Farm Bill will provide $1 million for the production of specialty crops in New York state. Alaska Governor and former Republican Vice Presidential candidate Sarah Palin will visit Auburn next month to help the city celebrate 50 years of Alaskan statehood. A woman went to the hospital after a car hit her in downtown Rochester early Friday morning. Police took a Rochester woman into custody after a stabbing early Friday morning. A Wayne County man died from... (R News)
OSHA fines Delek for Texas refinery fire May 23, 2009
Other cititations were issued for violations involving electrical, asbestos, benzene and portable fire extinguisher standards. In its first quarter earnings release, Delek president and CEO Uzi Yemin said the fire temporarily stopped operations at the refinery. (Nashville Business Journal, TN)
Baucus: Health care money to help Libby victims May 22, 2009
WASHINGTON - A new $6 million federal grant could be the first step toward declaring a public health emergency in asbestos-contaminated Libby, Mont ... Such a declaration would lead to more extensive cleanup and better health protections for those with asbestos-related illnesses ... "This funding is vital to folks up in Libby who are victims of asbestos-related disease and will benefit a lot of people," Baucus said. (Montana Standard, MT)
Five-step check for nano safety May 22, 2009
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)
Contracts Awarded for Midtown Asbestos May 22, 2009
A Lockport company and one in Rochester were awarded contracts for asbestos abatement and air monitoring services at Midtown Plaza ... 1 million asbestos abatement contract was funded through an upstate city by city grant ... The asbestos removal is necessary to prepare the site for demolition to make way for PAETEC's future headquarters. (R News)
Judge Blocks Excavation Work At Superfund Site May 22, 2009
The former Raymark property was placed on the Superfund list of the nation's most contaminated sites after asbestos, lead and polychlorinated biphenyls, or PCBs, were dumped in man-made lagoons behind the factory. Raymark operated the factory from 1919 to 1989. (FOX61, CT)
Hamilton School District to bond for four construction projects May 22, 2009
The floor has small amounts of asbestos in the tiles and more in the mastic (glue) ... The contractor will be certified to work with asbestos. (Keokuk Daily Gate City, IO)
Baucus helps deliver grant for Libby May 22, 2009
HELENA The federal government is making a 6 million health grant to Libby to help people suffering from asbestos-related illness and to possibly accelerate its declaration of a public health emergency there, U.S. Sen ... That health emergency designation would expand the environmental cleanup of the area and broaden health coverage for those suffering from asbestos-related disease ... More than 200 people have died and hundreds of others suffer from asbestos contamination blamed on W.R. Grace... (Missoulian, MT)
Redevelopment Board Backs New City Hall May 21, 2009
The existing tower does not have an adequate sprinkler system and contains asbestos, among other things, city officials have said. Opponents, most notably Councilman Carl DeMaio, say the city should shelve the project because of San Diego's precarious financial situation. (TheSanDiegoChannel.com, CA)
EarthTalk Q&A: climate, peat and people May 21, 2009
Mechanics use solvents, antifreeze and lead products, and may work on vehicles that have asbestos in brakes or clutches. Auto refinishers and paint shops use even more potentially harmful chemicals. (MSNBC -- Environment)
James Hardie Profit Falls 57% on U.S. Housing Slump; Asbestos Claims Rise May 20, 2009
Operating profit excluding asbestos payments and tax adjustments dropped to $7 ... James Hardie, which used Australian-mined asbestos in its building products, pays a maximum 35 percent of its annual net operating to a fund set up to compensate asbestos victims ... The number of claims in the year ended March 31 rose about 10 percent to 298, according to a report on the Asbestos Injuries Compensation Fund by KPMG LLP sent to the exchange today. (Bloomberg -- Australia & New Zealand)
Controlled burn lets firefighters hone skills May 20, 2009
There is a world of difference between turning prairie grass into potash and fertilizer and burning a barn down that has, who knows what, rubber, paint, plastic, asbestos, roofing, in the building materials. For a nature center to burn a building down is not exactly environmentally correct. (Mattoon Journal-Gazette, IL)
Don't panic about compo shortfall - Mrs Banton May 20, 2009
The wife of late asbestos campaigner Bernie Banton has urged victims not to panic after James Hardie announced it would not make payments into the compensation fund next year ... Up to 35 per cent of James Hardie's annual cash flow is handed over to the Asbestos Injuries Compensation Fund, to compensate people for diseases caused by exposure to asbestos during the company's mining and manufacturing operations ... "The prime minister has already indicated it is important that asbestos victims... (Sydney Morning Herald -- Business)
need2know PM May 20, 2009
The slump in the US housing market has dragged James Hardie to a 44 per cent , while problems relating to asbestos disease compensation continue to hang over the company. The Japanese economy suffered its in the first quarter of 2009, shrinking at an annualised pace of 15. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Business)
